Wellington High School Debate Team

Wellington Debate FAQ: 20 Questions

(Click the links for more detailed information)

Question #1: Why should I sign up for the Debate 1 class? Here's what current and recent members of the Wellington Debate Team have to say about their active participation in the program.

Question #2: What is a debate program? Public speaking, researching, and performing ... plus much more.

Question #3: What are the benefits of participating in debate? Stronger critical thinking skills. Better researching abilities. Lifelong friends. Awareness of current events.

Question #4: Aren't there more benefits than what you just listed? Definitely, and we encourage reading this well-researched 1998 Georgetown University study, "The Value of Debate."

Question #5: Who can participate in debate? Almost any student (or soon to be student) at Wellington is eligible.
If you are considering taking Debate 1 next year, you need to fill out and return the Debate 1 "Letter of Understanding."

Question #6: What does the Novice Debate 1 Course Syllabus look like? The syllabus has the breakdown on tournament credits, how grades are determined, and classroom rules.

Question #7: What's in the Wellington Debate Team Contract? Every debate student and parent/guardian must read, sign and return the Wellington Debate and Forensic Team Contract.

Question #8: Once enrolled, what kind of documents does Wellington require for tournament competition? There's a plethora of paperwork students must have on file, whether competing in Palm Beach County or out-of-state.

Question #9: What does the Wellington Debate Team Student Executive Board look like? Ask and ye can see who the board is.

Question #10: How else can I earn National Forensic League points? There's plenty of options available, and here's a (brief) list of some (which are listed on the course syllabus as well).

Question #11: OK, so I'm in the program; where do we travel for competition? From Palm Beach County to ... many places out of state.

Question #12: Does participating in debate cost a lot? Much depends on how many tournaments and where they're located.

Question #13: What role does fundraising play in reducing Wellington Debate and Forensic Team costs? Plenty, given that the Wellington Debate Team travels to approximately 20 tournaments a year.

Question #14: How much time does debate take? Much of this depends on how competitive you want to be.

Question #15: What events are available through Wellington's debate program? There's a variety of different events - political and dramatic.

Question #16: Is the Wellington Debate Team successful? Wellington is one of the top programs in Florida and ranks among the top five percent of all debate programs nationwide.

Question #17: Does Wellington Debate ever host tournaments? Yes, on a regular basis. Click here to review information on the needs we have when hosting tournaments at Wellington High School.

Question #18: What leagues does Wellington Debate belong to? Wellington belongs to three competitive leagues, and also competes at independent tournaments.

Question #19: How can I get involved and support the team? In a plethora of ways. Volunteering time and donations are always appreciated.

Question #20: What if I need more information? You have a number of options, including: (1) e-mailing Wellington Debate and Forensic Team Coach Paul Gaba via this link; (2) calling the Wellington Debate Team office (561-795-4911); or (3) "instant messaging" him on America Online (screen name: "Debate Is Life").