Harvard-Westlake offers a wide range of speech and debate opportunities.
MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL
Harvard-Westlake Debate Team
Harvard-Westlake Debate empowers students with the confidence, competitive drive, and critical thinking skills, to succeed both in and outside the classroom. Students will research topics, organize evidence, and develop well-reasoned perspectives on a variety of topics. Our team culture embraces students new to public debate, as well as challenging advanced students to excel at the highest level.
Middle School Public Debate (MSPDP) / World Schools Debate (WSD): MSPDP and World Schools debate both introduce students into the arena of public debate; focusing on debates over local and national topics of discussion in a team-based format. Students receive between two to five topics, one month in advance and will create a competitive team of three debaters to affirm/negate in speeches of varied lengths. MSPDP is for 7th graders only, and practices are on Tuesdays at the Middle School. WSD is for 9th-12 graders and practices are on Mondays/Thursdays at the Upper School.
Lincoln Douglas (LD) debate: is a one on one format that focuses on intense research over questions of morality and government policy. Topics change every two months and cover areas as diverse as US income inequality to international sanctions. Practice occurs Tuesday-Thursday at the Upper School.
Harvard-Westlake Speech Team
The Speech Team allows students to express their voices and develop confidence through a variety of creative and competitive events. Students can choose from over 12 events, including writing and delivering original speeches, acting/ performing dramatic or humorous monologues, or thinking on their feet in delivering limited preparation speeches. No prior experience is necessary. For 7th-9th grade students, practices are held on Mondays at the Middle School. For 9th-12th grade students, practices are held on Fridays at the Upper School.
Differences Between Debate and Speech
Speech is one of the most diverse and creative activities offered, providing something for every type of student. The program is also highly flexible: students typically commit to one main event for the season, leaving plenty of time to balance other extracurriculars. Those who want a deeper competitive experience can take on multiple events, giving them the chance to win multiple awards at a singular tournament. Tournaments are also flexible—students may participate in tournaments in person or online, depending on their schedules and preferences. In addition, each speech member is paired with an experienced mentor who guides them through the process of writing, performing, and competing. The mentorship structure provides each member with multiple layers of guidance and support — from their mentor to the coaches.
LD Debate requires the largest commitment for preparation and competition, and is generally for grades 8-12. It involves a lot of research and thinking/speaking on your feet. Tournaments frequently require travel on weekends.
World Schools / MSPDP are for students who are new to public speaking, or thoroughly enjoy competing as a team. These formats require less than an hour of work per week.
UPPER SCHOOL
Mock Trial
Mock Trial teaches students about legal procedures and gets club participants prepared for LA County Mock Trial tournament.
Model UN
Harvard-Westlake’s
Model United Nations club allows students to become fully immersed in global
affairs. Students practice diplomacy and networking while researching
real-world international issues as they prepare to represent a country at the
competitive simulation conferences. Delegates develop public speaking,
leadership, and negotiation skills in a team-based environment.
Harvard-Westlake MUN has a long record of awards, such as Best Large Delegation
at the International High School Model United Nations Conference in New York.
It continues to distinguish itself as one of the premier programs in the
region.
History Bowl Club
History Bowl Club participates in the national History Bee and Bowl, a competitive activity in which students compete and answers questions about significant historical events and people.
Junior State of America
In Junior State of America, students prepare for conferences in which they will participate in debates and thought talks and meet people from across Southern California.
Ethics Bowl
Ethics Bowl is a club that breaks down and discusses moral dilemmas and prepares for an annual state competition against other schools.