More than 200 students have taken part in the debates, grappling issues as complex as the carbon tax and Australia’s policies toward refugees and asylum seekers.

Teams from schools at Derrinallum, Hamilton and Melton have competed against Ballarat students in the debates for a chance to win the 2011 Debating Challenge Cup.

The event is divided into four divisions, with students as young as 11 overcoming their nerves to gain experience in public speaking and build self esteem and confidence.

Royal South Street Society debating chairperson Gordon Reynolds said the main concept of the competition was for students to have fun.

“Debating is the ultimate team sport, with three students working together with argument and rebuttal to prove their case,” Mr Reynolds said.

“They (the students) have got to respond to what the other team is debating, and think on their feet. Yes, students can be anxious and apprehensive, but the end response we enjoy most is, ‘We’ll be back next year, better than ever’.”

Mr Reynolds said the quality of some of the debates had come as a surprise to organisers, who initially had concerns that some topics may have asked too much of teenagers.

“The debates have proved to us that today’s youth can respond in positive ways to an intellectual challenge,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Across all age groups there have been many....impressive and spirited debates.”

Sean Cureton, who is in year nine at Ballarat High School, said determining the arguments the opposing team may use had proven the most challenging aspect of the competition.

“We do some research on the other team and what we think they might say,” he said. “It sounds easy, but it can be hard to see the arguments.

“But it’s a good experience – you get to argue.”

The top four teams in each division will compete in a semi-final on August 8, ahead of a grand final on August 15.

The Diocesan Centre on Lydiard Street South is hosting the event, and tickets to each debate are available at the door.