The English Challenge (TEC) is a thematic event open to all upper primary (Years 5-8) and secondary school students in Croatia and their teachers, with the aim of building a platform for direct cooperation between the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FFZG), the educational system, and the local community, thereby strengthening FFZG’s position as the leading institution for language education in Croatia.
By taking part in TEC, the participants develop their English language skills, gain confidence in using English outside the classroom, and become more capable of expressing their opinions and creativity through the language. Receiving feedback from the judges is an invaluable aspect of TEC, helping students further develop their skills and strengthen their confidence in using English actively.
However, TEC is above all a festival and only secondarily a competition. It is an opportunity for participants to showcase the results of their work, talent, and creativity to peers from all over Croatia, as well as to make new connections and friendships. Their mentors, in turn, can exchange examples of good teaching practice and collaborate with FFZG students and faculty.
Participants in this competition take part in seven challenges:
- The Spelling Challenge
- The Presentation Challenge
- The Debate Challenge
- The Story Challenge
- The Film Challenge
- The Music Challenge
- The Drama Challenge
Each school may register its students to participate in one or more challenges, with the maximum number of students per school determined during the registration stage. Each student may participate in only one challenge.
After each performance, the judges provide detailed oral feedback for each participant/performance, and at the end of the day, awards are presented to the best performances. The judging panel includes FFZG students, faculty members from the Department of English and other FFZG departments, as well as native English speakers with expertise in the relevant fields.
The Education and Teacher Training Agency (AZOO) supports The English Challenge by recognizing participation as an activity that counts towards mentors’ excellence requirements.
The Department of English at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, awards extra points towards enrolment in the undergraduate English programme to all first-place winners in the seven challenges in the secondary school category.
