Your World video competition 

Unlock your students' creativity, innovation, and critical thinking in an exciting video-
making competition with other Partner Schools from across the globe.

What is the Your World video competition?

The Your World competition invites young, creative minds from our British Council Partner Schools to showcase a three-minute social action video.
 
This competition for students highlights their unique perspectives and innovative solutions regarding social issues in their own communities.

2025-2026 theme: Smarter Choices, Stronger Futures

The 2025-2026 video competition has now closed. Under the theme "Smarter Choices, Stronger Futures," we challenged students to tackle the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Participating teams of three to five members were invited to produce a compelling three-minute video showcasing their approach to a Zero-Waste Week Challenge. From "Paper-Free School Days" to "E-waste Collection Stations," the entries have demonstrated the power of youth-led innovation and problem-solving skills to improve sustainability in local school communities.

After careful deliberation by our global panel of judges, we congratulate the 2025-26 global winners: the International School of Pakistan in Kuwait. We look forward to welcoming entries for next year's competition from September 2027 onwards.

Register your interest to receive updates

If you are an existing British Council Partner School, please fill in the below form to register your interest in the competition. We expect the competition to re-open in September 2027.

If you are currently not a Partner School and would like to join the Partner Schools network, contact us to become a Partner School.

 

Benefits of student participation in the Your World competition

Participating in this international competition for students provides participants with invaluable benefits that extend far beyond the classroom:

Real world knowledge

Application of knowledge in real-world contexts 

Empower your students to bridge theory and practice by applying classroom knowledge to tackle real-world challenges. This deepens their understanding of academic subjects and global issues, enhancing their educational experience. 

Critical thinking

Supports critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Witness your students improve their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The competition challenges them to apply these skills outside the classroom, tackling real-world issues with innovative solutions. 

social responsibility

Learn the importance of social responsibility  

This video-making competition encourages students to understand the importance of social responsibility and inspires them to contribute positively to the world.

global perspective

Foster a global perspective and cultural awareness 

Students join a diverse community of learners in sharing their viewpoints, broadening your students' understanding of global cultures and issues. This exposure nurtures cultural awareness and fosters a comprehensive global perspective. 

student engagement

Encourages student engagement and motivation

This competition for international students is an exciting platform that ignites students' curiosity and motivation, allowing them to engage deeply with their learning and with the world around them. Winners get their projects shown globally and students can win prizes, which is a great way to inspire a sense of purpose and pride in their work.  

communication skills

Develop communication skills 

By participating in this global competition, students sharpen their communication skills and gain confidence in expressing their ideas and opinions clearly. This platform enhances their ability to express themselves.

Celebrating excellence: Stories from our global winners

We celebrate the exceptional impact of this international competition for students by highlighting our recent global champions’ submissions.

 

2025-26 Global Winner: International School of Pakistan (Kuwait)

The team from the International School of Pakistan in Kuwait carefully initiated, managed and documented their Zero-Waste Week challenge. Their social action project impacted the school, home and wider communities by raising awareness and introducing sustainable practices for the benefit of future generations.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our regional winners: teams from Santa Ursula Jakarta (Indonesia), Islington College (Nepal), DPS International (Ghana), Liceo de Colombia Bilingue, (Colombia) and The Grammar School, Nicosia (Cyprus). 

Discover the Your World 2025-26 winning video below and head over to our YouTube channel to see all of this year’s winning videos! 

 

Testimonials from previous global winning team: Cau Giay Secondary School (Vietnam)

It was such an amazing experience that nothing could compare to it. This competition has taught me many essential skills. As students of Cau Giay Secondary school, we feel so lucky to have been a part of such a meaningful competition and made positive contributions for the community.
Students from the global winning team, Cau Giay Secondary School, Vietnam

Integrating Your World competition into your curriculum

Educators can seamlessly incorporate this video-making competition for students into their school’s existing educational framework:

Integrate as a subject-specific project

Leveraging its versatility, educators can incorporate Your World competition into
specific subjects, such as science. Students are encouraged to engage deeply with
the theme, using their skills to figure out how they can implement sustainable solutions within their school or local community.

 

Three students looking at an iPad whilst sitting in a library

Incorporate the competition into school clubs or societies

Your World can be worked into the activities of school clubs or societies, allowing students to collaborate on projects that align with their interests and the club's objectives. This integration offers a dynamic platform for members to tackle the competition's theme, fostering teamwork and innovation in a club setting.

Three flm students instructing and capturing photos in a studio

Resources and tips for the next Your World international competition

Tips to craft a high-impact social action video

  • Focus on a real issue in your school or community.
  • Make the video specifically for this competition.
  • Include clear actions and measurable outcomes.
  • Use creative visuals to make your message powerful.
  • Consider your audience: students worldwide will watch your video.
  • Ensure consent is collected for anyone
    who is filmed.

Important restrictions and common pitfalls to avoid

  • Students should not submit a video that’s a general documentary with no action taken.
  • Students should not include political content or historical figures.
  • Students should not include student names in the video or file name.
  • Videos should not go over 3 minutes in length.
  • Students should not reuse footage from other projects – this must be original work.

How to make your entry stand out

Students must submit a live-action video focused on their world as they experience it. The video should show students have assessed local needs accurately. It should have been made specifically for this competition.

The video should highlight how the issues have been identified within a specific community and the effectiveness of the implemented social action plan. The video needs to present the positive changes and demonstrate that community considerations have been taken into account. The aim should be to create a long-term impact.

Judging criteria

Judging criteria used at country, regional, and global levels are based on:

  • Content: the idea is new and engaging.
  • Structure: the organisation and structure of the video.
  • Visual design: quality and editing of the video created.
  • Cultural sensitivity: norms and values of other cultures are taken into account. Ideas are respectful and inclusive of others.
  • Impact and change delivered: the intervention delivered impact that has been measured and demonstrated.

Master your filmmaking with tips from the Young Film Academy

To help your team produce a professional-quality entry, we have partnered with the Young Film Academy, the UK's premier provider of filmmaking education. Watch their expert guide below for six essential tips, from storyboarding to sound testing. Learn about the exclusive filmmaking course awarded to our global grand prize winners.

Learn more about the Partner Schools programme

Teacher training

Discover how the British Council supports teacher development in Partner Schools through in-person and online training, tailored pathways and certification.

Action research grants

Explore funding, professional resources, and mentorship to conduct your own educational research.

Online Support for Schools (OSS)

Exclusive professional development hub for educators and school leaders from British Council Partner Schools.

Schools Now!
conference

Network with peers from around the world at our annual international conference devoted to sharing educational innovation and insights.

Partner Schools
Connect

Collaborate on joint classroom-based projects with teachers and students from our global Partner Schools community.

Student safeguarding 

Prioritise student safety with resources and training on safeguarding that promote safe and inclusive learning environments.

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Make the most out of being a British Partner School today

Participating in the Your World competition is more than just a video contest; it's an opportunity to inspire change, develop critical skills, and connect with a global community.

Students can enhance their creativity, solve problems, and gain valuable experience in teamwork and communication. Join us to empower your students to become proactive global citizens, ready to face the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and compassion.