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The University of St Andrews will host its second German recitation contest for school children from all over Scotland, following the successful launch of the annual event last year.

The Department of German launched the initiative in 2003 with the help of Scotland’s best-known German, the national football team manager Berti Vogts, as part of a drive to increase interest in the German language amongst Scottish school pupils.

The Annual German Competition for Schools in Scotland will be held in St Andrews on the 15th of June 2004. The competition is part of a drive by the Department to counter the decline in the study of foreign languages at secondary school level, following their removal from the post-14 compulsory core curriculum.

This year, prizes have been provided by other famous Germans from the World of sport – Formula One racers, Michael and Ralf Schumacher and golfing great, Bernhard Langer. Winners of the competition will have a chance of winning autographs from the racing brothers and a leather glove signed by Langer, as well as books and cash prizes of up to £100.

Annette Zimmermann, a Senior Language Tutor at the University is organiser of the event. She said:

“The competition was extremely successful last year and we have had a lot of positive feedback. My colleagues and I were truly stunned by the students’ skills and proficiency in the German language at all levels. We would be delighted if schools gave their students the opportunity again this year to come forward and shine!

“Despite what the Government says or does: Languages always have been and always will be important – we are happy to provide a platform to demonstrate that by staging the German competition again in June.”

The recitation contest is aimed at pupils studying German at all levels. The afternoon event will involve a series of readings, recitations and role- playing in which performers will be judged on pronunciation, fluency, expressiveness, acting skills and originality.

The German Consul General and representatives from the Swiss Embassy and the Goethe Institute will award the winning prizes on the day. There will also be consolation prizes for other participants and certificates for all participating students. Schools from all over Scotland are invited to participate in the event.

Interested schools should contact Annette Zimmermann at the Department of German for further information and entry forms. Telephone: 01334 463664 or 463656; email: [email protected]. The deadline for entering the competition is 30 April 2004.

ENDS

Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews Contact Gayle Cook on 01334 467227, mobile 07900 050103, or email [email protected] Ref: German comp announce 130404.doc View the latest University news at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk