GCSE German pupil wins Goethe Institut prize

A GCSE German pupil from Exeter School has won a prestigious Goethe Institut prize.

Middle Fifth (Year 10) pupil Theo Bently Curtin was awarded a special award for his extraordinarily unique and creative entry in the Comic Writing category of the Digital Days 2014 - Reisefieber Competition.

Judges found Theo's thorough and high-standard implementation along with a strong demonstration of his German language skills to be very convincing.

Judges said that Theo's extra effort to join in the competition proved his commitment to learning languages and developing intercultural awareness.

Theo wins an 'Arsenal London' football for his efforts along with a certificate, pencil case and button.

German teacher Mrs Wilson said Theo's entry was excellent.

"The competition was held during our exam period but Theo really got stuck into the challenge of inventing his own comic storyboard in German," said Mrs Wilson. "He came up with some very funny and creative dialogues by completing the speech bubbles in the cartoon provided."

Theo said he was delighted to receive a 'special recognition' prize from the Goethe Institut.

"I had to fill in the speech bubbles on a cartoon in German themed on the Abenteuerreise (adventure journey) of two men named Johann and Albert," he said.

"I made up a story that involved them going to the beach, running from a tsunami into a forest, getting chased by monsters and returning home, albeit a bit put out!"

The Goethe Institut received an overwhelming amount of entries from more than 1.200 pupils this year.