15 Palma pupils begin speaking contest training
Fifteen pupils in Palma have begun training to speak in public for the 2026 Olimpiada de la Palabra, a speaking contest. The Saturday sessions are led by Bàrbara Pastor, a doctor of Classical Philology and teacher at the European School Luxembourg. The selected pupils will be in the fourth year of compulsory secondary education or the first year of baccalaureate during the 2026-2027 school year.
The Balearic Islands Ministry of Education and Universities is running the contest. It aims to build critical thinking, spoken expression and communication skills.
From a 300-word application to the final
Each pupil applied with a 300-word piece of writing on current affairs. From the entries received, 15 were chosen for specialist public-speaking training during the first term of the school year.
The final is set for November 2026. Pupils will give an oral presentation to a panel of communication professionals and education representatives, followed that day by the prize ceremony at the Conservatori Superior de Balears.
Three prize categories
The competition has three prize categories based on the pupils’ education level. Winners will receive a diploma and a certificate of participation.
A deal with Fundación Barceló will also provide an additional financial award for the first- and second-placed pupils in each category.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com