"When I started German in Year 7, I liked it but I never thought I would take it so far. Thanks to the great teaching and experience I have had, I now understand the importance of languages and how vital it is to take them as far as you can."
Camilla
SCHS Pupil 2001-2008
I did my A-Levels at SCHS in German (A), English Literature/Language (A) and Geography (B). I was also Head Girl, alongside Rhiannon Atkins. In Year 13 I applied to Exeter University to read English and German (although I subsequently changed course to German only), but decided to take a Gap Year working as an au pair in Germany. I went to live in Regensburg, working for a family with five children for the year. It was challenging at first and quite daunting not only being away from home for the first time but also living in a different country! However by the end of the year I found it very difficult to leave and am still in regular contact with the family. It was a great year and had a huge impact on my German, which I particularly noticed when I started my course at Exeter; I realized (in the least arrogant way possible!)how much more I knew than the people who had come straight from school.
Having spoken to Mrs Wilkinson, Head of German at SCHS, I am hoping to be in contact with some of the Year 10 German students to tell them about life in Germany and maybe partner them up with some students of English in the German school.
Last summer, having saved up in First Year, I went travelling for two months to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, and this summer, having saved up in Second Year, I spent two months in Indonesia. Both trips were really amazing and it was great to see such different cultures, and to try all the delicious food! I am now preparing everything for my Year Abroad, where I will be working in a German School as an English Language Assistant. This is part of my degree. In addition, having spoken to Mrs Wilkinson, Head of German at SCHS, I am hoping to be in contact with some of the Year 10 German students to tell them about life in Germany and maybe partner them up with some students of English in the German school. This is called the EXE-change scheme, which is run by Exeter University. It is not compulsory to take part but I wanted to take advantage of the possible contact with SCHS.
When I started German in Year 7, I liked it but I never thought I would take it so far. Thanks to the great teaching and experience I have had, I now understand the importance of languages and how vital it is to take them as far as you can – knowing another language opens so many windows to so many other opportunities, both in England and abroad. It sounds cheesy but it’s so true!
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