Avicenna International College proudly hosted the 2nd round (oral finals) of its annual English Language Competition on 24 March, welcoming 60 talented Grade 7 and 8 students from approximately 10 Budapest-based schools. The event took place on the college campus, providing a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for participants, their teachers, and families alike.

This prestigious competition, now in its third year, has grown significantly in both size and reputation. The first round, held earlier this academic year, was a written test assessing students’ grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills. It attracted a record-breaking 340 participants- nearly double the number from the previous year- reflecting the increasing interest among students and schools in high-quality English language education and our school’s commitment to promoting academic excellence.

From this initial pool, the top 60 scorers advanced to the final round, which focused on oral communication skills, including fluency, pronunciation, spontaneity, and the ability to express ideas clearly in English. Students were evaluated individually by 2 panels of experienced English language teachers, Ms Zsófi, Ms Zsuzsa, Mr Igor, Dr. Kornél. Tasks included picture description, situational role plays, and short presentations on age-appropriate topics, designed to reflect real-life communication scenarios and to challenge the students’ ability to think on their feet.

To ensure fair assessment and to account for different learning environments, finalists were divided into two distinct categories:

• Hungarian Elementary Schools (traditional national curriculum schools)

• Bilingual Schools (offering an enhanced curriculum with intensive English instruction)

In each category, the top three students were awarded for their exceptional performance. The winners received book gift cards and were also offered scholarship opportunities for their continued studies at Avicenna HS, further encouraging their academic and linguistic development.

The event ran smoothly from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with students rotating through the 2 exam rooms, supported by a team of dedicated organizers and student volunteers. In addition to the competition itself, the college provided light refreshments and an opportunity for students and parents to tour the campus and learn more about Avicenna’s international high school programmes.

The competition concluded with a short award ceremony, where all participants received certificates of achievement, and the top performers were publicly recognized. The college leadership and expert teachers praised the students’ dedication and courage, and emphasized the importance of multilingualism and international competence in today’s world.

This year’s English Language Competition at Avicenna not only highlighted the linguistic talents of young learners but also served as a meaningful opportunity to build bridges among schools, students, and educators across Budapest. The success of the event reflects Avicenna’s ongoing mission to foster academic excellence, cultural exchange, and lifelong learning.

Plans are already underway for next year’s competition, with even more schools expected to participate. The growing interest is a testament to the vibrant academic community that Avicenna continues to nurture.

Written by: Steve Szabó

April. 2025.