The World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) is no ordinary academic competition. It’s a global celebration of curiosity and learning, bringing together students from all corners of the world to explore topics beyond the traditional classroom. This year, SNA Saigon South Campus students have embraced this challenge and come out victorious in the Global Round, earning their place in the prestigious Tournament of Champions at Yale University in November 2024.
What is the World Scholar’s Cup?
The World Scholar’s Cup is a unique, team-based academic event designed to test students’ skills across multiple disciplines. It doesn’t focus solely on memorization or textbook knowledge. Instead, it encourages students to engage with complex ideas and work together to solve problems, communicate persuasively, and think creatively.
The competition consists of four main events:
- Team Debate: Students debate on thought-provoking topics, testing their ability to think on their feet and present arguments logically.
- Collaborative Writing: Teams work together to craft essays that showcase their knowledge and creative thinking.
- Scholar’s Challenge: A rigorous multiple-choice quiz covering topics from science and history to literature and social studies.
- Scholar’s Bowl: A multimedia quiz that requires teams to answer challenging questions, solve puzzles, and think critically.
But what truly sets the World Scholar’s Cup apart is its emphasis on collaboration over competition. Students form teams of three, learning the value of teamwork, compromise, and supporting each other through complex challenges. By encouraging students to tackle unfamiliar subjects and take intellectual risks, the WSC pushes participants to expand their horizons and develop as confident, well-rounded individuals. The competition is about more than just winning; it’s about inspiring students to embrace knowledge in all its forms and develop a lifelong passion for learning.
Benefits of Participating in the World Scholar’s Cup
- Expanding Knowledge Beyond the Classroom
The WSC covers a wide range of subjects that aren’t typically part of the standard curriculum. From exploring ancient history to debating futuristic technology, students are introduced to a world of knowledge that broadens their academic perspective. - Building Confidence and Communication Skills
Through debating, writing, and public speaking, students gain confidence in their ability to express their ideas clearly and persuasively. These skills will benefit them in future academic pursuits and professional endeavors. - Developing Teamwork and Collaboration
Working in teams of three, students learn the importance of collaboration, sharing ideas, and trusting each other’s strengths. These experiences foster a sense of unity and help students understand the value of working together toward a common goal. - Global Exposure and Cultural Exchange
With participants from over 60 countries, the WSC offers students a chance to interact with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. This exposure fosters a deeper understanding of the world, helping students develop a global perspective. - Recognition and University Opportunities
Universities worldwide, especially prestigious institutions like Yale, recognize the skills students develop through the WSC. Participating in such a rigorous and respected competition sets students apart on university applications, demonstrating their intellectual curiosity and ability to thrive in challenging academic environments.
SNA Students’ Success in 2024
At SNA Saigon South Campus, we believe in pushing our students to reach their full potential. This year, our students proved their excellence by participating in the 2024 World Scholar’s Cup and advancing through the competitive Global Round. Their success in this round has earned them a spot at the Tournament of Champions at Yale University, a prestigious event where only the best teams compete.
For about six weeks leading up to the competition, students met 1-2 times a week, sometimes even three, from 3:30 to 4:30. Over the summer, they took initiative, organizing their own training sessions and dedicating several hours each week to practicing for the various rounds of the competition, especially in preparation for the Global Round. To help them prepare, mock debates were held where the students were given motions to argue, and placed into teams either for or against the motion. They were provided with worksheets to outline their points and arguments, and then took turns standing in front of the group to deliver their speeches in four-minute slots. Throughout the process, there was a strong emphasis on mutual support, as students cheered each other on and received positive, constructive feedback to build their confidence.
The most memorable moments were seeing students transform from shy, quiet speakers struggling with new English terms to confident, eloquent public speakers. They developed a wide vocabulary and learned how to craft persuasive, relatable arguments using analogies and sharp logic. Above all, witnessing how much the students enjoyed public speaking and took pride in their achievements brought a deep sense of pride and joy for the entire community.
This achievement is a testament to our students’ determination, creativity, and academic ability. Competing on such a global platform showcases not only their knowledge but also their willingness to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. Moreover, this speaks to the fearless, bold spirit of SNA. Our students have shown that they are not afraid to take risks, pursue new opportunities, and push themselves to succeed. Their participation in the World Scholar’s Cup is a proud moment for our school, showcasing the quality of education, mentorship, and support they receive at SNA.
We look forward to watching them shine as they take on this next challenge in November, proud of their hard work and fearless pursuit of success.
