Ascent Academy

Ascent Elite Debate · 思躍英語辯論菁英班

Knowingisn’t enough.

A Public Forum program with admission by qualification review, helping students think, argue and persuade under time pressure.

Explore the program
Admission review
Assessing each student’s readiness and fit
Every week
Weekly Public Forum team practice, at no extra cost
On the stage
Two official Ascent tournaments and at least one international online tournament
Founder consultations
One-on-one strategy consultations with Tyler and Allen
For students and families

A challenge worth preparing for.

Public Forum is a two-person team debate. Students research an issue, build a case and respond to the other side in a timed round.

Find the right level

Admission is by qualification review. Tell Ascent about the student’s experience and learning goals to discuss whether Elite is a good fit.

Plan the next step

Current intake dates, class times, fees, age suitability and Elite teaching locations are confirmed through consultation.

Program features follow Ascent’s published Elite overview. Confirm the current course, tournament arrangements and any fees with Ascent before enrolling.

i.The question

Anyone can learn the facts. A debater uses them live, against an opponent ready to prove the opposite.

A student marks up an evidence card during prep

Can you build the case?

Research the resolution, verify the evidence and build an argument that can stand up to challenge.

Two partners read their case together

Can you answer the challenge?

Work with your partner to clarify the clash and respond when the other side pushes back.

A debater works through an argument before speaking
A student asks a question with a microphone during crossfire
A debater stands to answer across the table
A student rewrites a response on the flow
A speaker delivers a final speech from a laptop
ii.The round
  1. Think. Find the issue and build a clear argument.
  2. Question. Identify the weak point and ask the question that matters.
  3. Clash. Test your reasoning against a different point of view.
  4. Adapt. Respond to the rebuttal, adjust your strategy and keep the thread.
  5. Persuade. Help the judges understand your position through clear reasons and evidence.
iii.The training

Built on the NSDA system. Tested in real rounds.

Every part of the program trains what a round demands, from the weekly session to the international stage.

A coach works through a case with a student

Every weekThe foundation

  • Lessons built on the US NSDA debate system
  • Weekly Public Forum team practice, at no extra cost
  • Intensive training in logic, critical thinking and teamwork
A team prepares together around a table

Before every tournamentThe preparation

  • Small-group tournament preparation with coaches
  • Regular online training before tournaments, with full simulations
  • Online scrimmages against other schools, from time to time
Debaters fill an auditorium on tournament day

On the stageThe competition

  • At least one international online tournament
  • Entry to two official Ascent tournaments
  • An exclusive Ascent materials pack for international tournaments
A student listens closely

With the foundersThe strategy

  • One-on-one learning and strategy consultations with Tyler and Allen, who founded Ascent
iv.The tournament

A tournament is a whole day of this.

Photographed at the UBI Tournament, Songshan High School, July 2026.

The tournament briefing on stage between the Ascent and UBI Taiwan banners
The briefing
Two debaters work at their laptops behind the PRO and CON signs
Cases loaded, laptops open
A debater leans over the PRO table to read their notes
Leaning in for the next point
Two speakers at a table in front of the Ascent banner
Two speakers, one side to hold
The championship round on stage in the auditorium
The championship round
Students hold their certificates at the awards
Awards
Ascent students together behind the Ascent Academy banner
Together at the end of the day
Over a debater's shoulder, the judge waits for the round to begin
v.The judge

Are you ready?

Two teams of two. One resolution. Eight speeches, three crossfires. No speech longer than four minutes. In front of the judges. Make every response count.
A student stands at the Ascent backdrop, ready to speak
vi.The stand

Your turn.

Every session leads here. You stand, the clock starts, and the case is yours to make.

The film

See it in thirty seconds.

If playback is unavailable, read the film transcript below.

Read the film transcript

Knowing isn’t enough. Can you build the case? Can you defend it? When the answer comes back, are you ready? Think. Question. Clash. Adapt. Persuade. Your turn. NSDA-based training. Tournament preparation. International competition. Ascent Elite Debate. Earn your place.

FAQ

Before you take the next step.

Who is Elite for?

Elite uses qualification review rather than automatic admission. Share the student’s debate background and goals with Ascent so the team can discuss the appropriate level.

When and where are classes held?

Ask Ascent about the current intake, class times and available Elite teaching locations. The Academy campus list below is not a promise that Elite runs at every branch.

What does the program cost?

The published program includes weekly PF team practice at no extra cost. This does not mean the entire Elite program is free. Ask for the current tuition, tournament fees and what is included.

How do we start?

Message the official Ascent LINE account for current information, or use the consultation form on the main Ascent website. A consultation is not an enrollment commitment.

vii.Admission

Admission is by qualification review. Prepare for your next challenge.

Qualification review helps us assess whether the student’s preparation and goals fit the program, with challenging training and opportunities to grow alongside teammates.

  1. i.Request a consultationTell us about the student and their debate experience.
  2. ii.Complete the reviewAscent assesses whether Elite is the right level.
  3. iii.Confirm your next stepsAfter review, confirm class and tournament arrangements.

For current intake, schedule and fees, message Ascent on LINE. The main website also has a consultation form.

Students walk up the stairs to their round
Ascent

Elite Debate

思躍英語辯論菁英班

Prepare for your next challenge.

Ask about the current intake