WRITING · Level 8 · Ages 14–18 · Online
Senior HIR Academic Writing Contest Prep - Package 1
Semester-length academic writing course preparing Years 10-13 students for the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest. 20 hours of instruction plus 2 hours of one-on-one tutoring.
About this course
From late August through December, students in Years 10-13 develop university-level academic writing through the lens of the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest. Unlike our John Locke course, which is hyper-focused on the competition essay, this course builds general academic writing skill: researching international affairs, writing 800-1,200 word articles in AP style, analysing the senior division themes, and preparing for the finalist Defense Day oral round. The course targets the winter cycle deadline of January 2, 2027. 80% of our HIR students have earned Silver or Gold medals - a global top-10% result. Package 1 includes 20 hours of group instruction plus 2 hours of one-on-one tutoring.
Is this the right fit?
- Who it's for
- Students ages 14–18 · Scholars Program track · Level 8 of 10
- Where it happens
- Live on Zoom, taught from Dubai. Students join from anywhere in the world.
Class schedule
This course runs more than one weekly time slot; pick the one that suits your family when you enroll. Times show in your timezone by default, and you can switch it below.
What students achieve
- ✓Write 800-1,200 word articles in AP style
- ✓Research international affairs topics with credible sources
- ✓Structure arguments for an expert audience
- ✓Analyse HIR senior division themes
- ✓Prepare for the HIR Defense Day oral round
- ✓Build university-level academic writing skills
Weekly curriculum
10 weeks of structured instruction, one topic building on the next.
01Introduction to the HIR contest and international affairs writing
Week 1 focuses on introduction to the hir contest and international affairs writing, building on previous weeks' learning.
02AP style and journalistic conventions
Week 2 focuses on ap style and journalistic conventions, building on previous weeks' learning.
03Research methods and source credibility
Week 3 focuses on research methods and source credibility, building on previous weeks' learning.
04Choosing your theme and angle
Week 4 focuses on choosing your theme and angle, building on previous weeks' learning.
05Structuring a short-form article
Week 5 focuses on structuring a short-form article, building on previous weeks' learning.
06Evidence and analysis paragraphs
Week 6 focuses on evidence and analysis paragraphs, building on previous weeks' learning.
07Drafting workshop
Week 7 focuses on drafting workshop, building on previous weeks' learning.
08Revision and editorial polish
Week 8 focuses on revision and editorial polish, building on previous weeks' learning.
09Submission preparation
Week 9 focuses on submission preparation, building on previous weeks' learning.
10Defense Day preparation and mock defense
Week 10 focuses on defense day preparation and mock defense, building on previous weeks' learning.
What's included
- ✓Live 2-hour Zoom classes with interactive breakout rooms
- ✓Small groups capped at 8 students for personal attention
- ✓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 the Zoom link and materials before the first class, and your child joins the group.
Questions before you book? Message us on WhatsApp and a coach will reply.