In the thoughtful and heartfelt atmosphere of the Month of Gratitude, the Olympia Scholar’s Cup (OSC) 2025 for students in Grades 4, 5, and Secondary has offered a meaningful learning environment where SOers can express appreciation through their own academic efforts. Modeled on the well-known World Scholar’s Cup, OSC helps students practice English, cultivate independent thinking, and nurture positive competition—essential qualities of 21st-century global citizens. 

CHALLENGE ROUND: TESTING INDIVIDUAL ABILITY 

On the morning of November 17, 2025, students entered the Challenge Round with a 50-question, 50-minute individual test on MS Forms. The round was conducted in a serious yet enthusiastic atmosphere: focused faces, attentive eyes examining each detail of the questions, and students applying knowledge in history, science, art, literature, and more to analyze and select the correct answers. The Challenge Round not only assessed academic foundations but also helped each student better understand their capabilities before advancing to the more demanding debate rounds. It was also an opportunity for them to practice independence, honesty, and resilience under time pressure. 

The challenge round assessed individual ability through a computer-based multiple-choice test. 

The Challenge Round results were announced on December 5, 2025, after the teams completed the Debate Semi-finals and Grand Final. 

SEMI-FINAL DEBATE ROUND: HANDWRITING OR TYPING? 

Following the Challenge Round, on the morning of November 24, 2025, Olympia’s young scholars formed four mixed-grade teams to enter the Semi-final Round. This Debate challenge provided a platform for students to develop independent thinking, public speaking skills, and the ability to defend their viewpoints, while demonstrating confidence, composure, and teamwork across diverse age groups. 

The Semi-final Round, with its debate format, allowed students to strengthen their debating skills and collaborate effectively in mixed-age teams. 

The debate topic presented a question closely connected to school life: “Should traditional handwriting be replaced by typing on computers in schools?” 

Teams supporting handwriting emphasized deep memory retention, perseverance, and logical thinking developed through handwritten practice. Meanwhile, teams advocating for typing focused on advantages such as time efficiency, readability, editing flexibility, and the need for technological fluency in the digital age. The contrasting viewpoints led to meaningful and in-depth exchanges. All team members demonstrated strong listening skills, thoughtful responses, and adaptability. Debating in English in front of teachers and peers also encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, confidently express their ideas, and receive feedback positively. 

Team members took turns presenting and defending their group’s viewpoints. 

In addition to the international teaching staff, the judging panel included three Grade 9 students—experienced participants in the World Scholar’s Cup. 

The judges listened carefully and offered valuable feedback to help the teams improve their skills. 

The school extends sincere appreciation to the judging panel, especially the three Grade 9 members—Noah, Bảo Kha, and Bảo Nguyên—for providing meaningful feedback that helped Olympia students continue strengthening their abilities. 

After the evaluation process, the judges selected the two outstanding teams advancing to the OSC 2025 Grand Final: Team 2 and Team 4, the two official contenders for the championship title. 

OSC 2025 GRAND FINAL: CONCLUDING A MEANINGFUL ACADEMIC JOURNEY 

On December 5, the Grand Final of the Olympia Scholar’s Cup 2025 took place, marking the conclusion of a three-week academic journey for students from Grades 4 to 8. More than a competition, the final round provided an opportunity for students to reflect on their efforts, challenges, and growth throughout this year’s event. 

Grand Final of the Olympia Scholar’s Cup 2025 

The judging panel of the Grand Final included Bảo Kha and Bảo Nguyên from Grade 9 — young scholars with previous experience participating in the World Scholar’s Cup seasons. 

The debate topic for the Grand Final addressed a thought-provoking question in modern education: “School should remove grades and only give feedback on how to improve.” This theme required students to consider multiple perspectives and evaluate the role of both traditional grading and formative feedback. 

Team 2, arguing against the statement, emphasized the value of grades in tracking progress, helping teachers monitor student performance, and providing motivation for improvement. They also noted that grades serve as a clear and familiar system for storing and comparing learning data. 

Team 2 presenting arguments in support of keeping grades as a measure of student performance 

In contrast, Team 4, supporting the statement, highlighted the limitations of grades. They explained that many students tend to focus on their scores rather than the teacher’s comments, leading to pressure, comparison, or a focus on achievement rather than learning. Team 4 suggests that letter grades could inspire students to take risks, express their creativity, and concentrate on comprehending concepts. Furthermore, providing detailed feedback may enhance individual growth. 

Team 4 members defending the view that feedback-based assessment supports better student development 

At the end of the debate, Team 4 was named the Champion of the Olympia Scholar’s Cup 2025 for their clear and consistent reasoning. Team 2 was also recognized for their effort in addressing a complex topic that required flexibility and critical thinking. 

Congratulations to Team 4 for becoming the Champion of the Olympia Scholar’s Cup 2025 

Congratulations to Team 2 for becoming the Runner-up of the Olympia Scholar’s Cup 2025 

The school is pleased to announce the results of the individual Challenge Round: 

Congratulations to Ngô Quang Huy Hoàng (Earth) for winning the best of Scholar’s Challenge – Level Skittle & to Trương Lê Bảo Ngọc (Grade 8) for winning the Best of Scholar’s Challenge – Level Junior 

Congratulations to Doãn Gia Linh (Grade 7)  for winning the best of Team Debate

The OSC 2025 season concludes with many meaningful learning experiences. Through each round, students strengthened not only their academic knowledge but also their skills in listening, reasoning, and collaboration. Every lesson, whether large or small, contributes to building confidence, resilience, and a strong learning mindset. We look forward to welcoming our young scholars back in the next season of the Olympia Scholar’s Cup, where new challenges and discoveries await. 

Thank you to the Olympia "scholars" who actively participated and brought memorable moments to the first Olympia Scholar's Cup season. See you at the Olympia Scholar’s Cup 2026 as we continue “Conquering Heights” together!