Do grades truly reflect a student’s full capabilities? 

When stepping into a global learning and working environment, the questions are no longer “What scores did you achieve?”, but rather “How do you think?”, “How do you solve problems?”, and “What have you learned from your experiences?” 

In a world rapidly transformed by technology and artificial intelligence, learning is no longer about memorizing knowledge. What matters more is critical thinking, adaptability, and how each student responds to questions without predefined answers. However, this remains a gap that many Vietnamese students have not had the opportunity to fully recognize—because we are still accustomed to evaluating ability through grades and familiar types of tests. 

Olympia Challenge 2026 is designed as an invitation for students to step beyond that comfort zone. This is not a traditional exam, but an assessment of thinking skills and the use of English in real academic contexts. With the message “Think in English. Solve real problems,” the programme aims to help students discover how they think, rather than simply test what they have memorized. 

1. GENERAL INFORMATION 

1.1. Participants: 

The competition is open to Grade 9 students in Da Nang and surrounding areas, especially those who are willing to challenge themselves, curious about new questions, and eager to explore a different way of learning. 

1.2. Timeline: 

18/4/2026 – 25/4/2026: Round 1 – The Extended Essay | Online competency assessment 

09/5/2026: Round 2 – The TOK Class | Integrated classroom experience 

2. COMPETITION FORMAT & CONTENT 

2.1. ROUND 1 – THE EXTENDED ESSAY 

Time: 18–25/4/2026 

Format: Online 

Duration: 60 minutes (single attempt, no revisiting) 

Rather than a grammar or memorized vocabulary test, the questions in The Extended Essay are built around topics closely connected to students’ world today, such as social media, artificial intelligence, the environment, and the digital economy. Students will read, interpret data, infer meaning from context, and most importantly, express their own perspectives in English. In this assessment, there is no single correct answer—only clear, well-reasoned arguments that reflect each student’s unique thinking. 

Through this assessment, students will: 

- Read and infer from issues closely related to the world they live in; 

- Understand vocabulary through context instead of memorizing definitions; 

- Analyze data and trends using English; 

- Express personal viewpoints on questions without a single correct answer. 

After completing the test, each student will receive a detailed performance report, including scores for each section and their relative ranking compared to other participants. This is not just a number, but a “mirror” that helps students and parents gain a clearer understanding of thinking skills, academic English proficiency, and areas for future development. 

All students who complete the assessment will receive an e-certificate, which can be included in their academic portfolio. 

2.2. ROUND 2 – THE TOK CLASS 

Date: 07:30 AM – 11:00 AM May 09, 2026 (Saturday) 

For the Top 40–60 highest-performing students from Round 1 

The Top 40–60 students from Round 1 will advance to Round 2 – The TOK Class. This is an integrated learning experience conducted on campus. Here, students do not “take a test” in the traditional sense, but instead participate in an international-style classroom: engaging in discussions, analyzing data, debating, and presenting their ideas in English under the guidance of teachers. The class offers students a different perspective on learning: learning is not only about acquiring knowledge, but about exploring and building one’s own thinking. 

For parents, Olympia Challenge is not just a competition for their child, but also an opportunity to better understand where their child stands on the journey toward global integration. Through concrete data and real experiences, parents can gain a clearer perspective to guide their child’s learning pathway in the important years ahead. 

3. AWARDS STRUCTURE 

Olympia Challenge 2026 awards are granted to outstanding students who successfully complete both rounds: 

- 01 First Prize: 10,000,000 VND 

- 02 Second Prizes: 5,000,000 VND each 

- 03 Third Prizes: 2,000,000 VND each 

- Certificates & gifts for students participating in Round 2 

(The Award Ceremony will take place on May 10, 2026, after the completion of Round 2 – The TOK Class.) 

In addition, every student will receive an e-certificate with a detailed competency evaluation after Round 1.

4. REGISTRATION & CONTACT INFORMATION 

4.1. Registration Guide 

Step 1: Students/parents complete The Registration form for Olympia Challenge 2026. 

Step 2: On April 17, 2026, the Organizing Committee will send the Round 1 test link – “The Extended Essay” – to the registered email address. Students may take the test at any time between April 18 and April 25, 2026. Each student can take the test only once, within 60 minutes. 

Note: From April 18 to April 24, 2026, students can still register via The Olympia Challenge 2026 registration form. The Organizing Committee will send the Round 1 test link to the registered email accordingly. 

Step 3: From May 5–6, 2026, the Organizing Committee will send Round 1 result analysis to all participants via the registered email. For top-performing students, an invitation to Round 2 will be included. 

Step 4: On May 9, 2026, selected students from Round 1 and their parents will participate in Round 2 – The TOK Class. The Jury will evaluate students based on their participation throughout the class experience. Results and the Award Ceremony will take place after the completion of Round 2. 

4.2. Contact Information 

For further inquiries, please contact: 

Hotline: 0763 666 573 – 0905 56 57 58 

Email: tuyensinh@sakuraolympia.edu.vn 

“The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn… and change.” 

— Carl Rogers, Educational Psychologist 

Olympia Challenge does not define a single model of a “good student,” but instead opens up an opportunity for each student to explore how they learn and how they think. This journey is for those who are willing to try new approaches, actively ask questions, and view problems from multiple perspectives. 

In a constantly changing world, what matters is not only what you know, but how you learn—and your ability to keep learning in new situations. 

Join Olympia Challenge and begin your journey of discovering and developing your true potential.