WRITING · Level 8 · Ages 12–18 · Dubai (in person)
John Locke Basics
Flagship John Locke Essay Competition preparation: 12 group sessions plus 6 hours of private mentorship through to submission.
About this course
John Locke Basics is our flagship competition track. Students complete 12 group sessions covering research, argumentation and competition strategy, then work one-on-one with their mentor across 6 private hours to draft, revise and polish a submission-ready essay. In 2026, 93% of our John Locke students (38 of 41) were shortlisted - more than five times the global average. Suitable for all ten competition subject categories and the Junior category.
Is this the right fit?
- Who it's for
- Students ages 12–18 · Scholars Program track · Level 8 of 10
- Where it happens
- This course currently meets live online (Dubai pricing applies). Our Dubai classroom is at I-Rise Tower, Barsha Heights, Dubai.
Class schedule
All times are shown in Dubai time (GST, UTC+4). This course currently meets online; Dubai pricing applies.
What students achieve
- ✓Prepare a submission-ready John Locke essay
- ✓Master philosophical argumentation
- ✓Develop original arguable theses
- ✓Refine drafts through private mentorship
- ✓Navigate the John Locke submission process
- ✓Build category-specific expertise
Weekly curriculum
12 weeks of structured instruction, one topic building on the next.
01Introduction to Academic Writing
Week 1 focuses on introduction to academic writing, building on previous weeks' learning.
02Research Fundamentals
Week 2 focuses on research fundamentals, building on previous weeks' learning.
03Citation Mastery
Week 3 focuses on citation mastery, building on previous weeks' learning.
04Thesis Development
Week 4 focuses on thesis development, building on previous weeks' learning.
05Philosophical Argumentation
Week 5 focuses on philosophical argumentation, building on previous weeks' learning.
06Counter-Arguments and Refutation
Week 6 focuses on counter-arguments and refutation, building on previous weeks' learning.
07Category Deep Dive
Week 7 focuses on category deep dive, building on previous weeks' learning.
08Prompt Analysis and Selection
Week 8 focuses on prompt analysis and selection, building on previous weeks' learning.
09First Draft Development
Week 9 focuses on first draft development, building on previous weeks' learning.
10Group Revision Workshop
Week 10 focuses on group revision workshop, building on previous weeks' learning.
11Second Draft Refinement
Week 11 focuses on second draft refinement, building on previous weeks' learning.
12Pre-Submission Preparation
Week 12 focuses on pre-submission preparation, building on previous weeks' learning.
What's included
- ✓Live 2-hour in-person classes at our Barsha Heights classroom
- ✓Small groups capped at 8 students for personal attention
- ✓Written parent feedback after every single class
- ✓Hub access with recordings, resources, and progress tracking
- ✓Tournament support: registration and coaching for competitions
How enrollment works
- 1
Enroll and pay
Secure checkout takes a minute. Pick a class time, add the course to your cart, and complete payment online.
- 2
We confirm your place
Our team reaches out on WhatsApp or email to welcome your child, confirm the class time, and answer any questions.
- 3
First session
You receive arrival details for our classroom at I-Rise Tower, Barsha Heights before the first class, and your child joins the group in person.
Frequently asked questions
What if I miss a class?
We offer free, complimentary makeups for all students in cases where a class is missed. Contact us to arrange a makeup session.
How do you track progress?
We send parents written feedback on their students after every class! This includes areas of strength and specific recommendations for improvement.
Are tournaments required?
No, however we always encourage and support tournament attendance. Tournaments are a great way for students to apply their skills in a competitive environment.
How do I pay?
We accept Credit Card, Bank Transfer, Cash, WeChat, and Alipay. Payment plans are available upon request.
Questions before you book? Message us on WhatsApp and a coach will reply.
From our families
“Attending Atlantic Ivy was one of the best decisions for my debate journey. The structured coaching, tailored curriculum, and engaging practice rounds helped me excel in high-level competitions. Coaches like Perry and Ricky greatly improved my argumentation, strategy, and delivery.”
Smayan Sethi
Student, Debate Academy I, Fall 2024
Also available online
The same course runs live on Zoom, so students can join from anywhere in the world.
John Locke Basics Online
$1,300 USD