It depends on students' readiness both mentally and skill-wide.
We do recognize that it is important for students to go to competitions. In this way, they can better apply their learned knowledge and improve intensively. However, if a student does not have a basic understanding of debate or public speaking format, or they are not confident enough, going to competitions would not help them that much.
We are excited to see students attending the internal competition happening at the end of each season. We have qualified judges and it provides educational environment. It benefit especially beginners.
When students move on to the Intermediate level, it is important for them to have one season getting familiar with the debate or public speaking format before going to any external competitions. Once they are confident enough, they can start going to external competitions.
For students who are in Advanced level or above, we encourage them to go to as many external competitions as possible. In this way, they can better interact with different competitors and judges, and to learn from them.