Looking New Ways to Motivate Students
Our HIPPO Adventure in Italy
In the spring of 2026, I started looking for a fresh way to inspire my English students and to motivate them to learn languages. To me, learning a language also means discovering other cultures and gaining the confidence to communicate with people around the world. With this in mind, I began looking for an experience that could bring these opportunities to a young learner.
That search led me to HIPPO, an international English language competition for young learners. After contacting the organisers in Italy, I decided to take the leap. My school’s headteacher supported the idea, and we held an additional preliminary round to give a selected group of students the chance to join the competition. Fourteen students from our basic school entered the first round, three advanced to the second, and then came the wonderful news: one student had qualified for the World Finals in Spoleto, Italy! Over 108,811 students participated across 78 countries.
Thanks to the support of the school board and the student’s family, our Italian adventure began in September. In Spoleto, we were welcomed with an opening parade through the city and a spectacular ceremony in Piazza della Libertà, complete with dancing and a fire show. The energy was contagious. Students and teachers from around the world came together in a warm, joyful atmosphere that captured HIPPO’s motto perfectly: English Without Borders.
The World Finals gave students the chance to show their skills in speaking, writing, grammar and reading. Just as exciting was meeting young people from other countries, sharing stories and discovering new perspectives. We did not make it to the podium this time, but we were proud to finish 43rd in our age category worldwide. Reaching the World Finals was already an achievement to celebrate—and an experience we will remember for years to come.
The most meaningful part of the journey was everything that happened beyond the competition: the confidence our students gained, their excitement about using English and the friendships and cultural exchanges that grew along the way. HIPPO reminded us that language learning can be challenging, joyful and full of unexpected possibilities. Although participation involves a fee, schools, local organisations and other supporters could help more young learners to take part in this wonderful experience.
I am very grateful to my school and headmaster for making this adventure possible. I came home with a suitcase full of memories and fresh inspiration to share with my students. I hope other language teachers will stay curious and explore the opportunities waiting beyond the classroom—for their learners and for themselves. After all, sometimes the best way to inspire our students is to keep learning and discovering alongside them. This Olympiad is one of the ways to do that.
For more information about the competition and how to take part, please contact:
Kai Tammik
kai.tammik@kose.edu.ee
Country Coordinator
