Personal Statement - French and Spanish 2

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Learning modern foreign languages is considered intellectually challenging by many, but also carries transferable skills for both study and work. I have found over the years that exploring both languages through a variety of media (such as literature, history and cinema) in order to appreciate cultural differences is extremely fascinating. The dynamic nature of using communicative and analytical skills is also highly valued in the competitive job market. I thoroughly enjoy conversing with others in their native tongue, and studying the structure of language whilst applying the logical thinking skills I have acquired in other subjects.

As part of my studies I have examined Pedro Almodovar in depth, watching 'Atame' and 'Todo sobre mi madre'. The women in his films take responsibility for the narrative, and the director portrays his message in a way that respects the characters as well as the situation in which they are found.

I enjoyed "Le phantom d'opera" (Leroux) in translation; the gothic nature of the novel's main romance was intriguing as Erik shows his affection for Christine in a manner vastly different to modern literature. Reading an anthology of short stories from the last 500 years has shown me how literature has evolved in the themes and culture of Spain; for example, in Cervantes' "De lo que acontecio" the attitude towards a nagging wife is very different to how women are treated today.

Undertaking this foreign languages course will not only offer a variety of modules for me to fully flourish as a confident linguist, but a year abroad would also provide a great opportunity in itself. Having the confidence and enthusiasm to study languages at university will help me to grow as a person and I look forward to beginning my studies as an undergraduate.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

I received an academic prize for Spanish in Year 11, and helped with an MFL Enterprise Day this year. This involved promoting Sunderland to foreign tourists and conducting interviews with younger pupils in both languages. Assisting with their languages outside of the classroom helped me to develop my own skills and learn about how they could be used in the workplace after education.

During a Spanish Summer School I became particularly interested in studying how works can be analysed through the rules of literary theory, this in turn improving both my written and oral work. I have also read poems from 'Sonetos del amor oscuro' (Lorca) and 'Fleurs du mal' (Baudelaire). For Lorca, the emotion behind each poem is true to his personality rather than conforming to society's judgements of who someone should be within a relationship, whilst Baudelaire uses his works to focus upon the hypocrisy in French society of the time; studying poetry in my spare time has allowed me to experience another way of absorbing the culture of other nations.

Reading short stories in Spanish and French has helped to develop my skills as a linguist during independent study.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Away from the classroom I have looked at social aspects within Europe, and I have recently completed an EPQ on Nicolas Sarkozy. During the project I was able to research the topic, critically analyse and self-evaluate my work and I began to understand how he manipulates the media to improve his political image. This assignment has helped me develop some of the skills required for university education.

Music plays a key role in my life through performance and teaching. I have taken part in tours across Europe as part of an orchestra and choir, and performed at concerts across the region as a volunteer at Sunderland Empire and Saltburn-by-the-Sea. This experience was invaluable in helping me to improve my teamwork and presentation skills; it has also given me confidence in my own talents.

At weekends I also assist at a local music academy; teaching flute to Grade 8 has helped me to respect the values of patience and encouragement, and to develop my communication skills as I express my interpretation of a piece of music.

Universities applied to:

• Oxford
• Durham
• Newcastle
• King's College London
• Royal Holloway

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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