UMNA English in Action competition combines the many different ‘faces’ of the English language, from the mechanics of phonetics to the power of the spoken word to persuade, and to artistically create new worlds through drama. The three categories are: Spelling Bee, Persuasive Speaking and Drama. The competition is based on and arose from the organizers own passion for language and the knowledge that Croatians need a strong command of English to succeed in this increasingly borderless world--while classroom study is important for learning languages, it is impossible to gain familiarity and confidence in a language without constant practice outside school.

Thus, preparing for this competition stimulates young people’s interest in practicing English to express themselves and describe the world around them. This competition emphasizes the use of English, not the theory of English—hence the name ‘English in Action’. This is because in the end, developing the confidence to speak a foreign language comfortably is just as important as learning grammar and vocabulary. The focus is on the creative and effective uses of English.

However, students who are native speakers or lived and studied abroad at an IB school beforehand are not eligible to participate in any of the categories.

Students will be considered and selected for the competition based on their level of fluency in English, academic achievement and excellence, participation and experience in debating and persuasive speaking (students selected for the ‘Persuasive Speaking’ category will usually be from the school’s Debate group and experienced in the etiquette of formal debating standards) and from their talent and serious dedication displayed in the English drama group. Where needed, an in-school assessment and competition will be held to select the appropriate candidates being considered.

Only two students are allowed to be selected and entered for the Spelling Bee and the Persuasive Speaking categories, and only two to four for the Drama category.

We are very proud that Katarina Velan 3d, won second place in the Spelling category, and that Petar Zubić 4e, Katarina Velan 3d, and Ena Vučković 2e won second place in Drama in this year’s competition!

Maria Jurjevich, mr sc

Mentor/Voditeljica