MFL Round-Up: What’s Been Happening This Term
Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators
Congratulations to all our entrants for the Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators.
We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding efforts of all the students who took part in this year’s Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators. With entries across Italian, French, Spanish, Mandarin, and German, our young linguists showcased exceptional creativity and skill in the art of translation.
The Anthea Bell Prize is a celebration of the power of languages to connect cultures, and this year’s participants have truly embodied that spirit. Every entry was a testament to the hard work, talent, and passion of our students.
A special congratulations goes to Lawrence Olsen in Year 9, who has been named Regional Winner and National Runner-Up for his impressive Mandarin translation. Lawrence’s work stood out for its accuracy, nuance, and sensitivity to the original text — a remarkable achievement in a highly competitive field.
Year 10 Linguists Inspired by Former Diplomat Arthur Snell’s Talk on Language Skills in the Workplace
Our talented Year 10 linguists were recently treated to a fascinating and thought-provoking talk by Arthur Snell — writer, podcast host, and former British diplomat — who shared powerful insights into the value of language and history skills in the modern workplace.
With a career that has taken him around the world, Mr Snell spoke about his experiences in diplomacy, international affairs, and communications, offering students a unique window into how the study of languages and history can open doors to global careers. From negotiating overseas to understanding different cultures, he explained that being able to speak another language is about more than words — it’s about connection, empathy, and influence.
Mr Snell also highlighted the increasing demand for language proficiency in a wide range of sectors, including government, security, journalism, business, and international development. In an ever-globalised world, he stressed, linguists are not just valued — they are essential.
The event left students feeling inspired and motivated, with many reflecting on the ways language learning can shape their futures both professionally and personally.
A huge thank you to Arthur Snell for delivering such an insightful and inspiring session — a valuable reminder that language skills are a passport to opportunity.
Year 8 Students Inspired by GCHQ Language Outreach Event
A group of enthusiastic Year 8 students recently had the exciting opportunity to attend a virtual Language Outreach event hosted by GCHQ in Cheltenham — a unique experience that brought the real-world power of languages to life.
The event began with a captivating presentation about GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters), where students learned about the organisation’s vital role in national security and how language analysts use their skills to decode, translate, and interpret information from around the globe. From uncovering threats to supporting military operations, the insight into their work sparked curiosity among the students.
Following the introduction, pupils took part in hands-on language scenario activities, stepping into the shoes of intelligence analysts for the day. Working in teams, they tackled a simulated National Crime Agency case, using French language clues to help intercept a drug-smuggling gang. The immersive experience challenged their critical thinking, teamwork, and language skills — and gave them a thrilling sense of how languages can be used in high-stakes, real-world contexts.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, where students could engage directly with GCHQ staff, asking thoughtful questions about careers, language learning pathways, and the importance of global communication in today’s world.
A huge thank you to GCHQ for an eye-opening opportunity that showed our students just how far languages can take them. Keep a close eye out for further GCHQ events in the future.
Our Unforgettable School Exchange at the Stromberg Gymnasium in Vaihingen, Germany
At the beginning of July, 15 students from St. John’s embarked on an unforgettable journey to visit their exchange partners close to Stuttgart in Southwest Germany. They were not only able to experience life in a German grammar school, but also immersed themselves in the daily life, language, and traditions of another country.
“My best experience was living with the German family, because that is something you don’t normally do. It is really fulfilling, which is hard to replicate,” said Y10 student Sam.
During their one week stay, students attended lessons at the Stromberg Gymnasium, visited the Porsche Museum and went shopping in Stuttgart. They also explored the medieval town of Vaihingen with its picturesque timber framed buildings. The host families organised a variety of different visits and treats for their visitors, including excursions to a theme park, Lake Constance, Tübingen and the Black Forest. The outdoor public and private pools in Germany also proved a great hit, as it was a perfect way to cool down in the hot summer weather.
“It was great to see so many different places. Germany is a very nice country in general, so when you come here you get to see so much. I also visited the Mercedes Benz Museum with my host family, which was massive. I highly recommend the exchange, as it builds confidence – and it is good trip as you learn so much about Germany and the German language,” said Josh in Year 9.
“This has been my second time, because I like my exchange partner and her family so much – and I love spending time with them. It is a really good experience to make new memories.”
Vielen Dank to everyone who helped make this exchange possible. We look forward to many more years of friendship and learning.