MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

MARTIN BECOMES A SHADOW SPOKESPERSON?

Martin Redgrave has shown a real flair for languages throughout his academic life. At GCSE he achieved top grades in French and German having opted to teach himself the latter as an extra subject. He achieved  ‘A’s in AS Level Greman, French and Chemistry as well as a ‘B’ in Maths.

“I was confused at first when I saw my results because you get a sheet crammed with modular results’. It is only when they are converted to overall grades that it sinks in. I only expected to get a ‘C’ in German so I was quite shocked really,” said Martin.

On holiday in Egypt Martin had the confidence to practice his speaking and listening skills on a German family he encountered. They invited him to stay with them in Germany to complete some work experience. Martin arranged the trip to stay with the family in Nurembourg himself in July 2008.

“I worked in a creche for a few days and an office for the rest of the time. I enjoyed it so much that I’m planning on going back following my A2 exams."

Martin’s latest international assignment has undoubtedly been his most challenging yet.

During his 2^nd Year the talented Sixth Form linguist has completed a five-day work experience placement shadowing Northwest MEP, Brian Simpson at the EU Parliament in Brussels.

Martin said: “It was a fantastic trip, I’ve always wanted to be an interpreter and there is no better place to learn than in such a multi-lingual environment?”

The placement was supported fully by the school who struck up the initial contact with Mr Simpson through Director of Sixth Form, Matt Bold. In Belgium Martin supported Mr Simpson’s political team and shadowed interpreters in the parliament’s magnificent ‘hermocycle’ chamber.

Martin has recently accepted an offer from Birmingham University to start his language studies in September 2009.