This year’s theme:
“Constant connectivity creates more distraction than opportunity”
Challenge ideas. Join a live debate in English designed to test how clearly you argue, how carefully you listen, and how quickly you adapt
For Coordinators:
Key Dates
October 10, 2026
8–9 AM EST
Opening Ceremony
October 17, 2026
8 AM–12 PM EST
First Round
October 31, 2026
8–11 AM EST
Second Round
November 14, 2026
8–10 AM EST
Third Round
November 28, 2026
8–9 AM EST
Final Round
Why join the debate
Experience a new, interactive debate model.
Be part of a global community of future thinkers.
Speak with confidence on an international stage.
Challenge ideas with evidence, not scripts.
👥 Participation & Eligibility
Only WorldEd students and students from formally invited schools. 14 groups of 4 students will be selected to participate.
Open to students enrolled in grades 9–12.
Submissions from non-eligible participants will not be reviewed or accepted.
How It Works
Build your team
4 students + 1 faculty coordinator.
Enter each round ready
A new motion and side are shared before you debate.
Debate live for 25 minutes
Every teammate speaks in English—no scripted reading.
Be ready for surprises
Unexpected twists will be introduced to keep the debate sharp and engaging.
Prizes that open doors
1st Place:
$100 gift card (per group)
+ Certificate
+ Reference Letter
2nd Place:
$50 gift card (per group)
+ Certificate
+ Reference Letter
3rd Place:
+ Certificate
+ Reference Letter
Evaluation Criteria
Argument Quality (20%)
Originality, relevance, and depth of reasoning.
Interaction (20%)
Ability to question, respond, and engage dynamically.
Clarity & Delivery (20%)
Confidence, articulation, and persuasiveness.
Teamwork (20%)
Collaboration, balanced participation, and coordination.
Adaptability (20%)
Handling twists, thinking on their feet, and adjusting strategies.
Have questions?
Please contact us at community@wk12.org
Singing, Dancing, Acting, Short Films with Actors, Instrumental Performances,
and Poetry recitation
PERFORMING ARTS
Animation, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Short Films Without Actors, Crafts, and Sculpture
VISUAL ARTS
Show us your Making of
Who share the making of content of their submissions will have an additional chance to win. The top three making of videos will each receive a $20 gift card. This is a great opportunity to showcase your creative process and share the journey behind your art.
Meet the Evaluators!
We’re excited to announce our evaluators: Donna Cameron, Professor at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and Mr. Frost, WorldEd Principal. With extensive artistic expertise, both bring exceptional experience to the table. They will carefully review and select the winning pieces.
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PRIZES
Participants will also receive recognition certificates from WorldEd School, highlighting their artistic achievements and participation in the event.
Participation Certificates
The two winners in each subcategory will receive international gift cards, valid on various platforms and online stores around the world. 1st place - you will win $50 2nd place - will win $25
International Gift Cards
Rules
01. Eligibility
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This event is open to all students who have not yet graduated from high school.
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Participants do not need to be enrolled at WorldEd School but must be current students in high school or below.
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Graduates are not eligible to participate.
02. Registration and Submission
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Participants may submit multiple works in any number of categories and subcategories.
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Each work must be submitted with all required information filled out in the registration form.
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Works must be submitted by the specified deadline.
03. Categories and Subcategories
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Participants must register their works in the correct category and subcategory (Performing Arts or Visual Arts).
04. Originality and Copyright
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All works must be original and created by the participant.
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Copies or plagiarism will not be allowed.
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Participants must own all rights to the submitted materials. Reproductions (such as covers, adaptations, etc.) are allowed only if credit is given to the original creator.
Deadlines:
Start of Registrations
July 1: This is your chance to sign up and start preparing your submission. Ensure you fill out all the necessary information in the registration form.
End of Registrations
September 30: All entries must be submitted by this date. Make sure to finalize and upload your work before the deadline.
Announcement of Winners
October 15: The results will be published on our website and social media channels. Stay tuned to see the outstanding works of art recognized in this competition.