Sandwick pupils talk their way to Brussels by winning competition in Aberdeen

Two pupils from Sandwick Junior High School, Kate Tyler and Gavin Pierpoint, were the winners of the “Talk Your Way to Brussels” speak­ing competition in Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom.

Accompanied by French teachers Hannah McNicol and Yannick Harpé, they were competing in the regional heat against five other schools from Aberdeen and the North-East.

In their speech, the candidates had to explain why learning a sec­ond European language is important in today’s world and also had to share ideas on how to make learning foreign languages more fun and enjoyable. The speech was deliver­ed in front of the other schools as well as a jury of three judges. As an additional challenge it had to be given in both English and French.

A school spokesman said Kate and Gavin’s arguments were all excellent and formed a strong case which impressed the judges. There was clear evidence of thorough research, excellent know­ledge of current news stories and great team work on the part of the two pupils.

Winning the regional heat means they have the opportunity to travel to Brussels in March for a two-day visit to the Belgian and EU capital, including the European Parliament. They will also have to deliver their speech during the grand final with the winners from all the heats in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling.