Students at Medina College have impressed judges and guests alike after delivering confident presentations entirely in French during a special Evening of Excellence event.
Held on Tuesday 21st April, the school’s library was transformed with French-themed decorations, creating an immersive setting for the celebration of modern foreign languages.
Students from Year 9 through to Year 13 took part, each delivering a spoken presentation in French lasting between 1 and 3 minutes.
A wide range of topics were explored. Tehya Lawson spoke about her daily routine, while Isabelle O’Shaughnessy discussed family life and her ideal partner. Eloise Winter examined celebrities and the realities of fame, and Michael Clarke highlighted the importance of sport and music in his life.
Year 11 student Mylea Gobby reflected on how her hobbies have changed over time, including her participation in the Island Games in Scotland last year, and the impact of studies on maintaining positive mental health.
In the sixth form, Amélie Larwood delivered a detailed presentation on the May 1968 protests in France, while Year 13 students tackled complex topics ahead of their A-level speaking exams in 2 weeks’ time.
Lydia Jones explored the Creole language of La Réunion, Lacey-May Turner analysed the Dreyfus Affair, and Brianna Underwood presented on Operation Serval in Mali. Keira Williams rounded off the student presentations with an examination of how Covid-19 impacted haute cuisine in France.
A panel of judges including Sarah Kane, a freelance translator, Léna Gravis of the Ellen MacArthur Trust and Sam Edwards-Labelle of MMC Diving Services praised the high standard on display.
Sarah Kane, Freelance Translator, has said:
“I was absolutely blown away by the standard of all the students – I hadn’t expected that level of fluency or accuracy at such a young age. It was quite incredible.”
Sam Edwards-Labelle, Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental Manager, has said:
“I was so impressed with the level I heard this evening. Thank you for reigniting my love of languages!”
Léna Gravis, Editorial Development Manager, has said:
“The school should be very proud of having such talented students. They were simply exceptional.”
The evening concluded with a keynote speech from Mark Walker OBE, who highlighted the importance of language learning in building cultural understanding and global relationships.
Co-Head of School Anna Mursell said the event demonstrated the school’s core values.
Anna Mursell, Co-Head of School, has said:
“It was an absolute privilege to watch our students – ranging from Year 9 all the way through to Year 13 – presenting entirely in French to a live audience and panel of fluent judges. Public speaking is a daunting task on its own, but to do so articulately in a second language in front of an expert panel takes a remarkable level of skill and bravery.
“Watching them rise to the occasion perfectly summed up what our community stands for. These exceptional students truly embodied the Medina College values: Ambition, Courage and Confidence.
“A huge ‘merci’ to our wonderful panel of judges for their time and expertise, to our fantastic speaker, to the caregivers who came out to support, to Mrs Brear for orchestrating the event and, most importantly, to our incredible students. You have made us all immensely proud!”
Staff said the evening highlighted both the strength of language teaching at the school and the confidence and ambition of its students as they prepare for future opportunities.
Bonjour
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