Six years ago, the chances of finding Stephenson debating in front of a group of strangers were slim. Today, the Grade 12 student does it with ease.
"It was a case of being too shy. I did enjoy debating, but I never really broke out of my shell until Grade 9 and 10, and that was in large part due to debating. Public speaking gives you confidence and a new way of thinking," he says. So much so that he was named captain of the debate team and has gone on to coach his peers, organize competitions and win several tournaments.
All students at St. John's-Ravenscourt School, in Winnipeg, are required to take the debating course in Grades 7 and 8. It is optional in the higher grades.
At McMaster University this fall, Stephenson intends to continue debating but expects it will be different. "The teaching staff is phenomenal at SJS," he says. "It's really going to be strange not having that safety net and advice that they provide."
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School size matters
How school size impacts the student experience at TCS (April 4, 2024)
La critique de l'éditeur de Our Kids: La Citadelle International Academy.
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TCS’s service learning program provides the hands-on experience of giving back (February 13, 2024)
The benefits of multilingualism
What language education at Alexander von Humboldt German International School Montreal provides (February 1, 2024)
Profile of Carrie Hughes-Grant, Head of School, Holy Name of Mary College
“It’s all about giving the girls a voice.” (December 14, 2023)
