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German Personal Statement
Between the ages of 11 and 14 I lived in Germany, learning the language, going to a school that taught it and socialising with friends. I fell in love with the country, for the relationships I developed and the rural landscape in which I was growing up. Since moving back to the UK, I have intended one day to move back to Germany and enjoy the country once again. I am fluent in German and am very much interested in the cultural and social aspects of the country. One aspect I am impressed by is the country's cleanliness. Their recycling schemes should be taken as a role model for other countries. I study the language independently at A level, which allows me to embrace all aspects of the course in the depth I want. I enjoy reading German adventure novels. My favourite German author currently is Kurt Held, whose “Die Rote Zora” is particularly interesting as it focuses on the life of a homeless boy who tries to find a way of living in a poor fishing village in Croatia, whilst fighting for survival. I especially appreciate this type of book, dealing effectively with true-to-life events and characters. Held’s theme recalls that of Dickens in ‘Oliver Twist’ which I have studied both in English and in German translation. I aspire one day to teach the language at GCSE and A level so a broad knowledge of the German language and culture is essential.
I find Chemistry absorbing, which is why I visited the labs at Leeds University to take part in a practical day where we made our own anaesthetic using technically advanced methods and equipment. I also study French independently at A level, my favourite French film being, "Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis". I find the varying cultures in France interesting, and the film focuses sharply on this theme. French, being my mother tongue, makes learning languages easier and more interesting as French is linked with many other languages through Latin roots, such as Italian and Spanish. I have studied the latter to GCSE grade A standard.
I spent a recent work experience placement at Saint Bartholomew's Primary School Armley, where I taught children in Years 2 and 3 and assisted them with their daily activities. From this I have developed my communication, record keeping and assessment skills, which will be vital to me for university life. Following my work experience in teaching, I have been inspired to become a teacher, owing to the level of job satisfaction and the fact that I enjoy working with children.
I believe that I am well suited for university level study, because I have motivation, passionate interest in the course, and commitment. This I have demonstrated in doing my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and continuing with the Gold Award. I also regularly demonstrate my leadership skills in my role as a Scout Leader. These have been long term projects which I have persevered with and thus gained great personal satisfaction.
My commitment to seven years as a chorister in the cathedrals of Guildford and Cologne, eventually becoming Head Chorister at Leeds Parish Church, has given me leadership skills and confidence in what I do. I have had paid work as a solo singer with professionals, singing complex and challenging works such as Mendelssohn's 'Elijah' and other choral works in Leeds and Sheffield Town Hall, amongst other venues. I enjoy playing the flute and singing, achieving grade 8 Singing with distinction and grade 5 Music Theory. I will be sitting grade 8 Flute in Easter 2011. From this, I have learned to perform confidently in front of an audience, to work as part of a team and to work independently to attain a level of excellence.
I enjoy playing sports such as football, and Ultimate Frisbee and I helped to start a weekly after school Frisbee club. Playing sports gives me the ability to think strategically and 'out of the box'. I hope I will be able to make a useful contribution to student life at university whilst focusing above all on achieving the highest academic standards I am capable of.
Universities Applied to:
- University of Nottingham (German) - Offer (ABC/BBB) Firm
- University of Warwick (German with French) - Offer (AAB/ABB) Declined
- University of Leeds (German Studies) - Offer (ABC/BBB) Declined
- University of Leeds (German) - Offer (ABC/BBB (incl. General Studies)) Insurance
- University of Sheffield (German and Linguistics) - Offer (BBC) Declined
Grades Achieved:
- German (A2) - A
- French (A2) - A
- Music (A2) - A
- General Studies (A2) - B
- Chemistry (A2) - C
- Biology (AS) - D
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This P.S is written by me and was submitted to my universities that I applied for. Copying this is plagiarism. Use only as a template.
