English Speaking Board Examinations

Congratulations to the fifteen girls in Class 1 (Year 9) who achieved Distinctions in the recent ESB examinations at Queen’s. They were: Sophia, Kaya, Anastasia, Mahsa, Jessie, Miriam, Katie, Etienne, Lilly, and Poppy (all in 1FG); Rose (1B); Lily, Simone, Magdalen and Jessica (all 1G).

Girls at Queen’s College take ESB examinations in Class 3 and Class 1 (Years 7 and 9). An outside examiner comes to hear the girls read aloud, present a talk on a subject that interests them and recite or perform some poetry or drama. The preparation involves a great range of skills: organising material, memorising poetry, sometimes creating a Powerpoint presentation, recommending a book, addressing an audience confidently, answering questions on a chosen topic, listening courteously and attentively to others. Over the years the girls have chosen an eclectic range of subjects: among this year’s topics were the art of Banksy, the films of Alfred Hitchcock, body-art, Alzheimer's Disease, puppet phobia… and that great Queen’s speciality – knitting! We often get feedback from universities and employers commenting on how confident and articulate Queen’s girls are: ESB examinations undoubtedly contribute significantly to this.

Posted: 12 Jan 2010