Knowledge Hub
Getting started and what's involved
The Concern Debates programme is open to students across the island of Ireland. The Concern Debates programme aims to introduce students to themes of development through the debating motions and encourage students to become lifelong advocates on issues relating to poverty, justice and development. Volunteer adjudicators are responsible for marking student debates as part of the Concern Debates programme.
Generally, adjudicators will mark one or two debates per school year, but they are free to adjudicate as many or as few as they wish. From October to January, the programme will be online and adjudicators can mark debates remotely. From March to May, the debates will be in-person and adjudicators will need to attend in-person debates.
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 online training is provided for each volunteer adjudicator and the Concern Debates team are on hand to talk you through our support materials. We ask that all adjudicators, both new and returning, attend our online training each year before the Concern Debates programme begins.
Adjudicators must be residents on the island of Ireland to volunteer. All adjudicators must be Garda vetted. Vetting lasts for three years. For more information on vetting, please contact [email protected].
Watch our training video below on what's involved in being a Concern Debates Adjudicator
Adjudicator Information Session
The most up to date information session will be added to the website before 1st September.
How can I watch my assigned debate online?
Where can I find marking sheets, information on the marking sheet or what is expected of me?
Marking sheets, feedback sheets and information on rules etc can all be found below. Just click on the link and download to your PC/laptop.
Post Primary Debates Adjudicator info session dates
- Friday 28th August - 12.30pm
- Monday 31st August - 7pm
- Friday 4th September - 12.30pm
- Monday 7th September - 7pm
- Friday 11th September - 12.30pm
- DROP-IN Monday 14th September - 7pm
- DROP-IN Friday 18th September - 12.30pm
Primary Debates Adjudicator info session dates
Monday 24th August - 12.30pm
Thursday 27th August - 6pm
Monday 31st August - 12.30pm
Thursday 3rd September - 6pm
DROP-IN Wednesday 9th September - 1pm
Download
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.
Interviews with our adjudicators
Our adjudicators have their say
If you need any more convincing, our wonderful past and present adjudicators got together to say why they got involved in the Concern Debates and how it has left an impact on them.
Concern Debates: Our adjudicators have their saySafeguarding Guidelines
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