Schools and youth
Find out how your school can get involved. Everything you need to get your class or school involved is on this page.
Knowledge Hub
Evidence-based learning, evaluations, research, guidance, manuals, tools and programme updates.
Adjudicators
The Concern Debates would not happen without our amazing team of volunteers.
Among our family of volunteers is the Concern Debates adjudicators. Using the Concern Debates marking sheet they mark and score the students throughout.
Getting started
We are always looking for new adjudicators to join our amazing network.
Generally, adjudicators will adjudicate at three debates during the school year. As it is a hybrid programme some of these debates will be viewed online, and at later stages, there may be face to face debates in local schools. Adjudicators are free to adjudicate at as few or as many debates as they wish.
No expertise is required to become an adjudicator but an open mind is essential. You must be able to see both sides of an argument and be able to give constructive positive feedback.
Full training is provided for each volunteer adjudicator.
If you like what you’ve heard so far, please sign up below and a Concern member of staff will be in touch with further information.
“This is also an excellent opportunity to hear the views of young people on serious issues and to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the world.
Adjudicators marking students on their debates
Adjudicators in Lecture Theatre at Concern Debates semi-final at King's Inns
Why sign up as an adjudicator?
Knowledge
Interested in politics, current affairs and international development? Concern carefully chooses motions to encourage critical thinking on complex issues relating to development, poverty, justice and human rights. Through adjudicating you will get the chance to listen to fascinating view points from a youth point of view on some of the most contentious issues facing our world today.
Skills
Empower young people
How are debates adjudicated?
After the open forum session, the chief adjudicator will give some feedback on the debate, going over various parts of the marking sheet and offering advice for future debates.
They will then announce that the motion has been carried (won by the proposition) or defeated (won by the opposition).
Points are awarded as follows:
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Three points for a unanimous win (all three adjudicators agreed)
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Two points for a majority win (just two agreed)
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One point for a majority loss (if you lose by a majority)
Concern Debates Adjudicator Video Training
How can I watch my assigned debate online?
Adjudicator Guide to the Concern Debates PlatformAdjudicator resources
Debates Online Platform A guide for adjudicators
(PDF, 1 MB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Refutation and Rebuttal Adjudicator and Teacher Tips
(PDF, 191 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Marking Sheet.pdf
(PDF, 1 MB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Adjudicator Feedback Sheet.pdf
(PDF, 88 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Do you have any tips on how to deliver written and in person feedback?
Adjudicator Linda Golden gives some advice for adjudicators on how to effectively deliver feedback.
Tips for Debates Teachers by Linda GoldenRelated reading
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