IDS Middle School Students Debate Major Issues

The IDS Debate Club began last year to teach middle school students to speak in public and argue important issues. This year, its twenty-five members are preparing to compete in a Moot Court program at Kingswood-Oxford School, and to compete in several parliamentary-style spontaneous debates.  Students learn to think on their feet, argue cases based on facts and evidence, speak in reasoned tones, and develop a case for or against the major issues of the day.  Brian Farrell, a Middletown resident, lawyer and current parent of two IDS middle school students, started the program last year to help students experience the challenges and risks of argument in a safe environment, and to overcome their fears about speaking before an audience.  IDS head of school Dr. John Barrengos and history teacher Andrew Watt provide additional support and teach rhetorical process, while Mr. Farrell offers his legal expertise and years of experience arguing in court before actual juries.  All three are experienced public speakers and offer real-world-tested advice to the team.