A teenager at Monmouth School for Girls started the new academic term in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Anna immersed herself in German culture having scooped a Dresden Scholarship for 2020 from the British-German Association.

Anna is the Head Girl at Monmouth School for Girls and returned to school this week.

She is hoping to read a degree in German and Linguistics at the University of Oxford.

“I had a wonderful time at school in St Benno-Gymnasium in Dresden,” said Anna, who is studying A levels in German, Music, Maths and Further Maths at Monmouth.

“Living in a city was a big change, let alone in another country but Dresden is known to be particularly rich in culture.

“The main difference I found and loved between British and German schools was the time schedule.

“We started lessons early, at 7.40am, and were usually finished by lunchtime.

“This allowed us to spend far more time attending clubs, going to events like the Dresden FilmFest and meeting people from outside of school.”

Anna was among a limited number of UK students to receive the national language scholarship earlier this year.

The scholarship allowed Anna to spend several weeks at a school in Dresden, have the opportunity to improve her German language skills and make new friendships.

Anna said: “I took full advantage of this wonderful opportunity. I explored the Neustadt, watched Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin in the Semperoper, attended volleyball practice twice a week, toured the Frauenkirche and hiked in the Sächsische Schweiz.

“My full immersion into German culture definitely improved my language speaking. I met so many lovely people with whom I will be friends for many years to come.”

The Dresden Trust is a British charity dedicated to fostering good relations with the city of Dresden in Saxony, Germany, one of the greatest centres of European culture.

Anna added: “It was fascinating to see how the city had been rebuilt following the Allied bombing during World War Two in February 1945.”

Mrs Helen Smail, Head of Modern Foreign Languages at Monmouth School for Girls, said: “For a student, such as Anna, with a keen interest in Germany’s musical and historical culture, Dresden is an absolute gem to visit.

“A most diligent and interested pupil, Anna was wholly deserving of this wonderful opportunity.”

Anna enjoys playing the cello in quartets and orchestras, singing, playing lacrosse and netball.