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Second Edition

Auckland French Debate 2026

A French debating competition open to Years 11, 12 & 13 students across Auckland secondary schools.

French Debate

  • Tuesday, 2nd June 2026
  • 4:00 PM
  • Alliance Française Auckland
  • Years 11, 12 & 13
  • Free event
How to enrol?
Contact us at exams@alliance-francaise.co.nz

A few pictures of our first edition:

On June 3rd 2025, we hosted the very first Joute Oratoire (French Debate) at Alliance Française Auckland! Nearly 50 students from 9 different Auckland schools took part in this exciting French debating competition.

First edition experience First edition experience

2026 Participating Schools

We are proud to welcome students from the following Auckland secondary schools:

School 1
School 2
School 3
School 4
School 5
School 6
School 7
School 8
School 9
School 11
School 12

Debate Info Why & How

Why should your students take part?

  • The event is free and every school is encouraged to take part — prizes will be awarded and the audience is welcome.
  • Debating develops language ability and thinking skills, enhancing exam preparation and building confidence in public speaking.
  • A highly motivational activity during preparation and a truly stimulating experience on the day for students and teachers alike.

How does it work?

  • A team is a pair of students who debate two motions against pairs from other Auckland secondary schools in pools of 3–4 pairs.
  • The winning pair of each pool advances to the semi-finals, then the final.
  • Schools can combine Y11, 12 or 13 students in pairs across year groups.
  • Each school can enter up to three teams (6 pupils total).

2026 Debate Motions

The two motions your students need to prepare for the 2026 competition are:

Motion 1

« Il faut interdire le plastique afin de sauver notre planète. »

Plastic must be banned in order to save our planet.

Motion 2

« En démocratie, la liberté d'expression ne devrait avoir aucune limite. »

In a democracy, freedom of speech should have no limit.

Preparing the motions: Competitors must always be prepared to debate FOR as well as AGAINST each of the two motions,  4 sides in total. On the day, competitors will only know at the last minute which side they must argue. For the final, an improvised motion will be given with approximately 30 minutes preparation time.

Important - fair competition: Native speakers, near-native speakers, or students whose background provides a significant linguistic advantage are not permitted to enter. This includes families where French is spoken at home, students who have lived for a significant period in a French-speaking country, or been at a school where French is the language of instruction.

It promises to be an inspiring event as well as great fun, make sure your students don't miss out!

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