SEDBEGRH School pupils have been selected to take part in the European Commission ‘Juvenes Translatores’ competition later this month.

Competing as one of only 78 schools in the UK and 751 in the European Union, Sedbergh candidates will sit a two-hour exam and translate into their own native language on November 27.

The theme this year is ‘European Identity’ and the test, conducted internally, will be sent to Brussels to be marked. One winner from each EU member state is chosen and invited to an awards ceremony in Brussels.

Andrew Loughe, Head of Modern Foreign Languages, said: “This international contest presents a very exciting opportunity for our senior pupils. Their translation skills will be pitted against those of over 3,000 other pupils all sitting the test at the same time on the same day around Europe. The ability to translate and convey messages between two foreign languages is a hugely important and valuable talent, and one that is sadly overlooked at IGCSE level, and even at AS level. T

"It’s no secret that employers all over the UK are crying out for competent linguists these days, and a confident translator must surely be a huge asset to any company or organisation. When you successfully get a message across, you convey thoughts and ideas well, which benefits effective communication. And it goes without saying that no computer software or application can translate as effectively as a competent human being."

For more information visit http://ec.europa.eu/translatores/why/index_en.htm or follow @Sedbergh_MFL Twitter account for updates.