Oxford-Style Debates – The Art of Discussion in TE Vizja Schools

At TE Vizja schools, from primary through high school, students have the chance to take part in Oxford-style debates – a unique form of discussion where teams present their positions in an organized way, learning to argue, listen, and respond calmly to counterarguments. These debates take place across all TE Vizja schools in Warsaw and Gdańsk, both locally and in interschool competitions.

An Oxford debate at school isn’t just a discussion – it’s a space where young people build confidence, empathy, courage, and the ability to engage in polite dialogue, while also testing themselves as speakers, researchers, and team members. Oxford debates help students step out of their comfort zone, tackle challenging topics, and discover their own potential.

What does the magic of debates look like in practice? We spoke with Karolina Soczyńska, who oversees debates at TE Vizja Centrum’s primary school, and Marta Kosmala-Kozłowska, who coaches high school students. Right away, it’s clear: this is about more than words – it’s about shaping thinking, courage, and listening skills.

In primary school, debate topics are chosen by the organizers. They are current, often discussed in class, and carefully selected so that both sides – proposition and opposition – have a fair chance of winning. From discussions about the impact of large shopping centers on local economies, to nuclear power plants, to equal pay – young debaters get to tackle real analytical challenges.

Teams of four prepare their arguments, practice speaker roles, and learn to present their positions across four rounds, from semifinals to finals. It’s not just a logic exercise – it’s a lesson in cooperation, culture, and community: even though a team stands on stage, the whole class cheers on their classmates. As Karolina, the primary school debate organizer, says: “Debate topics are widely discussed in school corridors, and the final gathers all students, who watch their peers with admiration.”

Primary school debates are also true interschool events. Competitions first happen within individual schools, then winners from TE Vizja locations – Wawer, Mokotów, Centrum, and Gdańsk – meet in the finals. It’s an opportunity to exchange experiences, gain new perspectives, and develop an open mind.

In high school, students choose the topics themselves – from socio-political and economic issues to ethical and environmental questions. Marta, a teacher and debate coach, notes: “Through participating in debates, students open up to dialogue, recognize different perspectives, and learn to conduct discussions with respect for opposing viewpoints.”

Oxford debates here are about more than speaking. Participants learn to analyze information, conduct research, plan strategies, and respond calmly even when the opposing arguments are strong. High school students, while defending their position according to Oxford debate rules, can adjust their stance during preparation if counterarguments are convincing. School debates teach the first steps in the art of discussion: attentive listening, empathy, and teamwork. Finalists are rewarded with certificates, Lego sets, or… a pizza party – all in the spirit of fun and healthy competition.

To formalize and further develop debates at TE Vizja high school, the Discussion Club was created – an initiative by TE Vizja’s President, Marzena Godlewska. Starting in late February, the club allows interschool collaboration, debates between primary and high school students, and activities with other schools.

The whole idea of debates at TE Vizja is about building key skills: communication, argumentation, openness, courage, confidence, and creativity. This experience develops not only intellect but character. And while four students are on stage, the entire school ecosystem supports the debaters – from the youngest to the oldest.

The structure of an Oxford debate is clear: each team has four speakers – from the first, who defines the motion, to those who develop arguments and counterarguments, to the fourth, who summarizes the debate. Participants can ask questions, make brief interventions, and use the strategic Ad vocem tool to respond dynamically to the opponent’s arguments. Altogether, it creates an exciting yet safe space for dialogue.

We encourage you to watch the video presenting the structure and elements of school debates, as well as TE Vizja’s social media reels.

Oxford-style school debates at TE Vizja are more than a competition – they’re a space where minds and hearts grow, and where we learn that every voice matters. We thank Karolina and Marta for sharing detailed insights, and all students – for their critical thinking, engagement, and courage in expressing their own opinions.