Ari's Award at Cambridge Language Collective Competition

Looking ahead to UCAS applications, our students frequently excel in super-curricular enrichment, through projects, competitions and exploration often initiated by the students themselves.

Year 13 student Ari entered the Cambridge Language Collective’s Schools’ Essay Competition, and was placed Runner Up in the Pollitics category. The Competition organisers said,
"Everyone at the Cambridge Language Collective would like to congratulate our entrants this year on their hard work and their fantastic essays, which really impressed us and the academics involved in marking them. This year had an incredibly high standard and lots of entries, so congratulations is extended to all entrants for getting involved."

Ari, who is studying English Literature, French and Spanish for A Level,  shares his experience below:

""I was chuffed to find out that I had received a ‘Runner up’ award in the competition, with my response to the question: Language is a major battleground in modern politics. Discuss.

My essay explored the political significance of language in two contrasting contexts; I examined the enduring linguistic legacy of the French language in Algeria, and how this contributes to a tense relationship between language and national identity. I also explored the Russian language in Ukraine, with consideration as to how language has become intertwined with resistance in times of conflict. I particularly enjoyed exploring how language is a medium not only for inter-personal communication, but also a way in which more profound issues such as historical identity and national sovereignty can be expressed.

The research for this essay allowed me to deepen my understanding about two fascinating regions of the word, as well as teaching me how language can be used as a powerful instrument of political influence and cultural preservation. The competition provided an excellent opportunity to explore my interests in the crossover between linguistics and history and politics beyond the A Level curriculum, acting as a useful springboard for future study at university, where I hope to study French and Arabic."

Congratulations Ari - we look forward to seeing where your passion for languages, culture and politics takes you!