For 35 years, The International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) has been dedicated to nurturing children through the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes child-centered development and growth based on natural laws. With its focus on scientific observation and purposeful environments that unlock each child’s inner potential, MSB has earned the trust and love of families passionate about Montessori education. On May 11, MSB proudly hosted one of China’s most prestigious student competitions in public speaking and debate—the National High School Debate League of China (NHSDLC). Known for its high standards and commitment to fostering critical thinking in youth, NHSDLC’s Beijing City-Level Tournament brought together nearly 100 talented students for a day of spirited intellectual exchange, all set within MSB’s rich international learning environment.

Kindergarten Division Award-Winners (Group Photo)

Kindergarten Division Award-Winners (Group Photo)

Although this round of the NHSDLC in Beijing focused solely on the Public Speaking category, the atmosphere was electric. This year introduced a brand-new division — the Little Poets Kindergarten English Poetry Recital — alongside returning favorites such as the Original Oratory divisions (Grades 1–3, Grades 4–6, and Middle School) and the Declamation divisions (Grades 1–3 and Grades 4–6). Nearly 100 participants took part, from young preschoolers to eloquent middle schoolers, each bringing their unique spark to the stage.

The multi-age structure of the event reflected the Montessori ideal of mixed age and socialized learning, creating a vibrant and interactive ecosystem where older and younger students learn from and with one another. MSB students rose to the occasion, earning numerous top honors and advancement medals. For Montessori families, the event offered a glimpse into what happens when the inner developmental logic of Montessori education meets the external expression framework of modern public speaking. It is a powerful synergy that goes beyond skill-building and fosters deep personal growth.Many MSB students revealed powerful language abilities honed through years of deep and steady learning. The tournament offered them a new, differentiated path of expression. 

Despite being first-time participants and hosts, MSB students achieved remarkable results:

Original Oratory
• Middle School Division Champion: Stella Cao (Grade 8)
• Grades 4–6, Third Place: Adrian Lin
• Grades 1–3 Champion: Raleigh Shiu
Declamation
• Grades 1–3 Runner-up: Kunyue Zhang
Little Poets English Poetry Recital
• Age 5–6, Runner-up: Christina Gao
• Age 5–6, Third Place: Albert Gao
• Age 4–5, Champion: Puze Li
• Age 4–5, Runner-up: Yan He
• Age 4–5, Third Place: Jiatong Feng
In addition to the award winners, 12 more MSB students advanced to the final rounds of competition.

From left to right: Raleigh Shiu, Stella Cao, Adrian Lin

Maria Montessori once said, “Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire. Every young heart deserves to be nurtured.”

“Don’t worry. Think of the stage as your Montessori classroom, where you discover ‘new problems,’” said the MSB teachers. This is how they encouraged and cared for the children—calmly and warmly, helping them step forward with confidence. These words reflect the very heart of Montessori education: these students were no longer passive learners preparing for tests, but independent thinkers shaped by self-directed exploration—now ready to transform months of preparation into expressive, thoughtful performances.

Montessori classrooms cultivate future-ready skills through autonomy and dialogue. During the tournament, the social learning fostered in MSB’s mixed-age environment came to life, as students learned to appreciate diverse ways of thinking across age groups, developed a spirit of collaboration through healthy competition, and deepened their self-awareness by observing and reflecting on one another’s performances. With over a century of practice, the Montessori method has proven that true education empowers children to be the drivers of their own growth. Meanwhile, NHSDLC’s approach to modern rhetoric emphasizes that exceptional communicators must also be active participants in global discussions.

Together, these two educational paths offer a multi-dimensional view of learning: one that grounds students in their identity and values, while equipping them with the tools to reach for the stars—through critical thinking, global awareness, and an authentic voice. The growth mindset fostered in Montessori, where mistakes are viewed as part of the journey and perseverance is encouraged, seamlessly translates into the grace and resilience demonstrated by MSB students, whether they are winning or learning from a loss. This mindset is far more valuable than any trophy.

Such an education doesn’t simply prepare children to win competitions, it shapes thinkers and doers who are equipped to define the future. This approach reflects MSB’s philosophy: by grounding students in the timeless principles of human growth, it equips them to respond to the ever-evolving challenges of the world.

Competition in Progress

Looking ahead, MSB will continue to draw from the timeless principles of Montessori education—respecting each child’s natural development and igniting their innate potential. We remain committed to creating enriching, joyful learning experiences that are as meaningful as they are fun. We believe every child is a unique star, and every gathering an opportunity to shine together.

We look forward to welcoming parents, students, and friends back to our campus soon to celebrate more stories of growth, dreams, and wonder, hand in hand!