Shrewsbury Celebrates European Languages with Annual MFL Speaking Competition 

On the evening of European Day of Languages, the Modern Foreign Languages Department hosted its much-anticipated annual Speaking Competition.

With more than 40 pupils taking part, the event was a resounding success and a fitting finale to a day of celebrations. 

As ever, our young linguists impressed with their confidence, skill and flair. Pupils delivered moving recitations of famous poems — from Baudelaire and Goethe to Machado — each demonstrating not only linguistic accuracy but also genuine expression and performance. Standing before an audience and speaking in a foreign language is no easy feat, but our pupils rose to the challenge magnificently. 

Highlights of the evening included a witty “roasting” of Mr Morris and Mr Cowper by Isaac S, alongside some wonderfully theatrical dramatics from Mia Z and Hazel C in their performance of Paulinchen und die Streichhölzer. 

A huge congratulations goes to the winners and runners-up in each category, who will each receive an Amazon gift voucher: 

German 

• Junior winner: Grace G (M) – Das Veilchen (Mozart) 

• Junior runner-up: Mia Z (QEH) & Hazel C (MSH) – Paulinchen und die Streichhölzer 

• Senior winner: Violet H (M) – Der Einsame (Wilhelm Busch) 

• Senior runner-up: Lulu G (QEH) – Augen in der Großstadt (Kurt Tucholsky) 

French 

• Junior winner: Lydia C (QEH) – Le Cancre (Jacques Prévert) 

• Junior runner-up: Issac G (R) – Le Lac (Alphonse de Lamartine) 

• Senior winner: Elene T (EDH) – Familiales (Jacques Prévert) 

• Senior runner-up: James G (SH) – Demain dès l’aube (Victor Hugo) 

Spanish 

• Junior winner: Fran T (M) – Voy soñando caminos (Antonio Machado) 

• Junior runner-up: Kate R – El agua horada la piedra 

• Senior winner: Isaac S (SH) – En asuntos escolares 

• Senior runner-up: James G (SH) – Caminante (Antonio Machado) 

We extend our thanks to Mme Stockburn, Mlle Le, Herr Cooley and Señora Pedraza-Nijar for their expert judging, thoughtful feedback, and encouragement to all who took part. 

The MFL Speaking Competition remains a highlight of the year — a celebration of language, culture, performance and courage. We look forward to welcoming both returning participants and new voices next year. 

— The MFL Department