Fostering Debate Talent

Our Programs: K-3

At FDT, we believe students of all ages can benefit from debate and public speaking. Our K-3 Program combines our debate, public speaking, and Speak Up! Program. At this young age, we simply want students to feel comfortable expressing themselves out loud, sharing their thoughts and ideas and of course having fun. This program is for all K-3 students of any experience level and prepares students for our competitive programs by the time they reach grade 4. 

Our Programs: Ethics Olympiad

Students today are constantly exposed to complex issues — but very few are taught how to think through them. At FDT, our Ethics Olympiad program changes that. changes that. Students tackle real-world moral dilemmas, learning how to: Analyze different perspectives, Build well-reasoned responses and Communicate ideas clearly and thoughtfully. Unlike traditional debate, this isn’t about arguing for the sake of it. It’s about engaging in meaningful discussion, asking better questions, and developing deeper understanding. This program is for students in Grade 6-12 who like to tackle complex questions.

Our Programs: World Scholar’s Cup

Some students don’t fit into just one subject. They’re curious about everything. And this is where FDT’s World Scholars Cup program comes into play. The World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) is an international academic competition that brings students together to explore big ideas across multiple subjects — not just to compete, but to think, collaborate, and communicate. Students compete in Essay Writing, Knowledge based Quizzes, and Debating. This program prepares people for the Vancouver based competition and the Global Rounds. This program is for students in Grade 6-12 and no experience is necessary. 

Our Programs: French Debate & Public Speaking

Our French Program is a competitive program for students who can speak French and are looking to compete in the French Languge. We offer both competitive public speaking and debating in French and FDT also helps students prepare and attend the French National Debate Championships. As this national competition has less students competing than the english version, it’s a great way to stand out if you already speak French. This program is for students in Grade 4-12 who can speak French conversationally or better. 

Our Programs: U.S. Debate/Public Forum

Our Public Forum Debate or U.S. Debate program trains students to go beyond surface-level arguments in one of the most popular Debate Formats in the US used at numerous American Debating Competitions. Here students spend weeks on a single topic –researching, building cases, and refining their arguments over time. They learn how to: Analyze complex issues, Work with real evidence and academic sources, Write, test, and improve their arguments. 
Our students go on to compete in U.S. tournaments and on the NSDA circuit. This program is for students in grade 6-12 who enjoy deep research and building argumentation.

Our Programs: Worlds and Harvard Debate

Our Worlds and Harvard Debate Program
Prepares students for International Debate Competitions specifically in the Worlds Format of Debate. This format is used at the Worlds Debate Championship but also at US Nationals and at the Prestigious Annual Harvard Tournament. This is not a beginner program and is for students in Grades 6-12 with debate experience. Students learn how to: Build advanced arguments, Work as a team, And think quickly under pressure.

Our Programs: Speak Up! 

Speak Up! is FDT Academy’s brand-new program built for students who want to become confident, expressive, and fearless communicators.
This isn’t a typical class. Instead, students explore public speaking through performance, storytelling, and creativity. All in a space that’s supportive, energetic, and fun.
Whether your child is a natural performer or someone who freezes when called on, Speak Up! meets them where they are and helps them grow. 

Our Programs: Public Speaking

Public speaking is still the second most common fear in the world. At FDT, our Public Speaking Program works to combat this fear in young people. This program is for students in grades 4-12.
Students learn how to write, organize, and deliver speeches with clarity and confidence – for presentations, interviews, and real-life situations. Our Public Speaking Program is competitive as we prepare students to compete at the Regional, Provincial, National, and Global Levels. We train students in the following competitive events: Persuasive, Interpretive Reading, Solo Acting, Impromptu, and Public Speaking Debate. FDT has coached numerous students who have advanced to Team Canada for Public Speaking. Our Public Speaking Program is for students looking to eventually compete in Public Speaking Events.  

Our Programs: Debate

Our Flagship Program at FDT is Competitive Debating. This program is for students in Grades 4-12. Right now, most students aren’t being taught how to think independently or speak with clarity. FDT’s Debate program changes that. Students learn how to build arguments, analyze ideas, and respond in real time –  we teach formats like World Schools, CNDF,  British Parliamentary debate, and Cross Examination. Our students have won most major awards in Canada and the World. FDT has also trained more than 50 students who have made it on Team Canada for debate. Our Debate Program is for students who feel confident enough to speak in front of an audience and enjoy research, critical thinking, and discussions.