Pictures of School children with European Flags
“the trip to Brussels opened my eyes to opportunities I never knew I had”

Secondary schools - Speaking Competition

TALK YOUR WAY TO BRUSSELS
A Speaking Competition for S3 pupils, with part of the speech in another European language, sponsored in 2011 by IBM.

40 schools entered the 2011 Speaking Competition, with 24 being selected to take part in regional heats in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Greenock and StirlingThe top 5 teams went through to the national final in Brussels. The teams were from:

The 3 day visit to Brussels included an information session at the European Parliament, sponsored by David Martin MEP.

Mark Pentleton of Radio Lingua accompanied the group, and helped the pupils to make a video diary (click here) Radio Lingua also provided a free download of one of their language courses to each final participant, plus an i-pod for each member of the winning team. For further information about Radio Lingua click here.

Congratulations to Glen Melville and Eilidh Shearer from King’s Park, winners of the competition and the IBM trophy.

"I was delighted to be involved with the trip to Brussels organised by the Scottish European Educational Trust. To meet such motivated and enthusiastic school students from across Scotland and to hear their presentations on why learning European languages is so important was a rewarding experience.”
David Martin MEP

“All in all a fantastic trip, which gave us the change to put what we have learnt for the past 5 years of the French language into practice. The experience was a valuable confirmation to our idea that to immerse yourself in a country’s language and culture is the best way to learn. Although we didn’t win we realise what a valuable experience we had during our time in Brussels and feel proud and honoured to have represented our school” Cameron Cunnea and Dominika Mulak, St Thomas of Aquin’s, Edinburgh

“I suspect I will bump into some of these talented Euro-experts either in the corridors of the EU Parliament or the debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament not so very far into the future.”
Alyn Smith MEP