1. Reference for Isak Rathe Støre
23 August 2012
I taught Isak French from August 2011 to November 2011 and was impressed by his
enthusiasm for learning. He was always engaged in the lessons and was very well
motivated in all the class activities undertaken. The target language was used at all
times in the class and Isak worked very hard to improve his comprehension and
delivery of the language. He was meticulous in his note taking and spent much of his
own time revising vocabulary in a bid to improve all four skills – Reading, Listening,
Writing and Speaking. He made much progress in the short time we were together
and became more fluent in his oral work over this three month period. I was
particularly impressed by his willingness to participate and his drive to master the
language. I commended him to Mr Gareth Edwards, the Headmaster, for his
diligence. Furthermore, I was delighted to hear that Isak had gone to Corsica to work
as a way of improving his language skills.
On a personal level I found Isak a delightful young man and a pleasure to teach.
Although he was conscientious in his approach to his work and was completely
committed to it, he had a relaxed manner and delightful sense of humour. He never
became disheartened at the amount of learning that was required. He was a popular
member of the class and his enthusiasm for learning French was infectious.
In his brief stay at George Watson's, Isak made a considerable impact - and enjoyed
great success - in one particular extra-curricular activity: Model United Nations. From
the very beginning of his short time with us he attended MUN's weekly meetings,
coming to everyone’s attention in the first two weeks in the full debate in front of 50+
of his peers, arguing coherently and confidently at a standard of English which was
remarkable for one at his stage of life and experience. All the more impressive, given
that 'Debating' as an activity is virtually unknown in Norwegian schools! Isak
progressed in his grasp of MUN techniques over the weeks, continuing to contribute
with flair to MUN activities. In September, and again in November, he prepared
himself very thoroughly as a country delegate in two local Model UN Conferences,
each of which had well over 100 Delegates, even gaining a 'Highly Commended'
award in the second - a remarkable feat of learning and expertise from a true novice.
On returning to Norway, he founded his school's (Oslo School of Commerce)
Debating Society, now with 50 members, and returned to Watson's in March with two
fellow pupils to take part in our own 3-day Model UN Conference, with over 600
Delegates. Throughout his time participating in Model UN, Isak displayed an
enquiring mind, the most admirable openness to learn and a commendable ability to
'aim high'. He will be a great asset to any University which recruits him.
Calum E. Ure
Head of Modern Languages
George Watson’s College
Edinburgh