Monthly Archives: October 2025

Events and Competitions, Resources for language study

OXFORD GERMAN OLYMPIAD 2026

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The Oxford German Network have launched the 13th edition of its annual German Olympiad! The competition will run between now and March 2025 with winners being announced in the summer.

This year’s topic is “Immer unterwegs – Mobilität und Reiselust“. 

There are a variety of different challenges aimed at pupils in Years 5 and 6 all the way to Years 12 and 13. Some are for individuals to enter, others are aimed at groups. There is even a taster competition for pupils who have never studied German before! From creating maps and cartoons, to recording a podcast, there’s something for everyone!

Take a look at the Olympiad website for further practical information and more details about the tasks.

The closing date for all entries is Thursday 12 March 2026. Any questions can be directed to the Olympiad Coordinator, Eva, at: olympiad@mod-langs-ox.ac.uk

We are looking forward to receiving lots of entries!

Careers, Events and Competitions, French, German, Spanish

GCHQ events and activities for schools

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Our friends at GCHQ have lots of exciting events and activities planned for schools over the next couple of months… more details below!

GCHQ Language Outreach Virtual Session

Date: Tuesday 21 October, 10:30-11:30

Registration link: GCHQ Virtual Language Outreach Autumn 2025: Session dates and times

Description: Aimed at Year 9 students, during these one-hour sessions pupils will hear about the importance of languages, GCHQ, and the work our Language Analysts do, and will be given the opportunity to ask questions. They will then move on to a scenario challenge in a language they are currently studying (French, German or Spanish).

GCHQ National Language Competition

Date: 17-21 November 2025

Registration link: The GCHQ National Language Competition – GCHQ.GOV.UK

Description: We are pleased to announce the National Language Competition (NLC) will be returning in November this year. The NLC is open to Year 9 [England/Wales] / Year 10 [Northern Ireland] / S2 [Scotland] students, competing in teams of up to four. There is no maximum number of team entries per school. The NLC challenges vary in difficulty, require no prior language knowledge, and are worth varying amounts of points. We have an exciting new interactive format for your students to take on this year as well.

You can read all about the NLC 2024 winners visit to GCHQ Cheltenham on the GCHQ website.

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Questions about both opportunities should be directed to languageoutreach@gchq.gov.uk.