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In our Modern Foreign Languages department, Barney V has achieved an outstanding range of academic successes. Most recently, he received a commendation for Spanish in the Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators, run by the Queen’s College Translation Exchange at the University of Oxford. He was also awarded a Highly Commended distinction for his writing on Jorge Luis Borges’ The House of Asterion in the Bulletin of Advanced Spanish and University of Glasgow essay competition. Outstandingly, Barney has just received an offer to study Modern and Medieval Languages (Spanish and Classical Greek) at Cambridge, a true testament to his hard work and dedication.
In addition to his academic achievements, Barney was given the opportunity to direct and perform in our entry for this year’s Hispanic Theatre Competition in October. Our talented students presented Historia de una escalera by Antonio Buero Vallejo, a powerful Spanish social realist play that explores the hopes, struggles, and frustrations of working class families across generations.
The MFL department is committed to taking languages beyond the classroom, and each year students are invited to apply for the internal House Award. This award provides funding for one student to undertake a summer study experience in France, Germany, or Spain. Applicants are required to write a 500 word handwritten essay in their target language on the topic “Why study languages”, alongside a short paragraph in English explaining their motivation and what the opportunity would mean to them. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to attend a panel interview.
Last summer, the award was presented to Barney, who used the grant to embark on a fascinating three week experience in Spain. He divided his time between Valencia and San Sebastián, describing the trip as something he would never have been able to undertake without the support of the House Award. During his stay, he attended morning Spanish lessons and took part in a wide range of cultural activities, including tapas tours, beach visits, and a paella making session.
Barney highlighted: “The House award gave me the most amazing opportunity to fully immerse myself in Spanish language and culture. I was able to stay with Spanish families and visit beautiful places whilst studying at top language schools, and I learnt so much that I would never have learnt in the classroom. I was able to make friends with Spanish people and even did surf lessons taught in Spanish, which were definitely a highlight.”
The House Award experience has clearly had a positive and lasting impact, with Barney now acting as an ambassador for the Modern Foreign Languages department in his final year at Wellington, inspiring younger pupils through his enthusiasm for languages and commitment to cultural exploration.
The House Award is an excellent example of how our pupils are encouraged to think beyond the classroom and embrace opportunities that support both academic success and personal growth. Pupils interested in applying for this year’s House Award are encouraged to contact the Modern Foreign Languages department for further information.
