Rushing to update you all on the event. well, the First Phonetic Contest was a success. We had a bit over 40 participants from 16 schools. This event was the final one. Before that city schools were recommended to make preliminary selection in their quarters and chose the best candidates for the Final Event. I hope all of the participants liked the contest.
Of course, we understand that some of the things went bad. For example:
- it took us about an hour to sum up the results, identify the winners, fill in the Certificates;
- we hadn't arranged for refreshments and snacks (the total duration was actually about 5 hours, so the students were hungry)
- there should be more symbols and decorations because it has a flavour of a good show
Well, since I represented the Educational Centre 'Additone', I also awarded a few best ones with Diplomas of Participation in two nominations: 'Native Speaker' and 'Best TV Show Host'.

It must be very interesting and extremely hard at the same time to take part in such a competition. But if children really want to participate and are not forced to, it’s great.

I think such contests should be organized for those who will graduate from school soon. Winners should get some privileges when entering our university. I think most entrants know grammar and vocabulary quite well but don’t know how to speak or are afraid to do it in a foreign language.

Oh, I guess it's a great chance for all those pupils who are more interested in English than others to feel needed and to have a real incentive to improve their language skills. New formats of work, an exciting atmosphere of the competition can make even a moderate English learner interested in the subject.