Praise for language wunderkind

A HARD-WORKING student at a Great Barr school has scooped a third award for his outstanding work in helping others learn languages.

Jack Hayes from Barr Beacon Language College has won the regional title in the Randstad Education 2009 Good Citizen Award and picked up the prize this week from Colin Bamford.

The Year 11 pupil has worked tirelessly assisting Head of Languages, Bianka Zemke with fund-raising for foreign exchange trips and a visit to Auschwitz and Berlin, teaching younger primary and secondary pupils German and helping community members learn a language at the Collingwood Centre.

"I have a real sense of pride in winning these awards," Jack said. "If you want to do something and put your mind to it, you can achieve anything.

"Learning German will help with my future, as I want to travel and hopefully take a gap year after my A-levels.

"I have learnt a lot more through teaching other pupils than I would have done revising!"

As a member of the school council executive board and the school anti-bullying committee, the 16-year-old took a lead role in an anti-bullying DVD which will be used as teaching material in schools around the country.

Jack has previously been recognised with a Black Country Challenge Star Pupil Award presented at Dudley Zoo in November and also scooped the Foreign Language Leader Award for his commitment in teaching others.

Miss Zemke said she was "filled with pride" with Jack's achievements in helping others learn languages.

She said: "Along with fellow students Robin Badger, David Anderson, Amy Simkiss and Hannah Staples, the group have put themselves out to raise interest in language learning at Barr Beacon.

"When I need anyone's support, I call on these five to help me. I am glad Jack has been recognised. He has shown languages are a passion for life."