Personal Statement:German 1

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

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 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.

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

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 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.

I have studied French independently at A level and Spanish to GCSE grade A standard, which have helped me understand language structures and cultural differences, preparing me well for a degree involving languages.

I have achieved grade 8 Singing with distinction and grade 5 Music Theory, with plans to sit grade 8 Flute in Easter 2011. These achievements reflect my discipline and ability to reach high standards in my studies.

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

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. 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.

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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