By Anna J and Esha K, Year 9

On the 9th of February, the nine girls who took part in the GDST Joy of Reading Project in Year 9, led by GDST Trust Consultant Mr Piesse, had the opportunity to travel to Reading University to learn what it was like to study languages at a higher level and the opportunities that arise alongside. We started the day by travelling down to Reading by the Elizabeth Line, where we met  2 girls from Putney High School and travelled to the Reading University campus, where we met up with Professor Suzanne Graham, Professor of Language and Education. We then met up with the pupils from Sutton and had a brief presentation given by Professor Graham about how studying languages in school has led to her successful career and further education. We then had the opportunity to have a Q&A with a couple of 4th-Year university students, who studied either French or German alongside other subjects. They explained how learning a language or continuing one at university really develops their understanding of the culture behind their language, as well as learning how useful it can be in the modern working industry to be fluent in a language. After, the students led us around a quick tour of the campus, explaining the type of support given by the university. 

After a brief lunch break, we then had a translation workshop with Dr Sophie Heywood, Director of Admissions, who also taught French, where we analysed a children’s book (‘L’Ennemi’) in multiple languages and attempted to translate them using strategies such as using illustrations and context.

Overall, this was an enriching experience that really broadened our horizons and we learnt lots on this trip! Thank you to Ms Bradshaw and Mr Piesse for organising this experience for us!