3,700 students have participated in UKLO’s language competition with over 165 languages documented and over 415 schools based in the UK, Thomas Haryde School in Dorchester, being one of them.

The enticing and challenging competition has been a significant attraction to many Thomas Hardye students who are scientifically and mathematically minded. Thomas Hardye has been involved in the unique and ambitious organisation for 5 years, and students of all years are allowed to participate, with half a dozen are currently involved. It’s amusing, competitive and there is an inquisitive atmosphere which is remarkable! 

UKLO is organised by University Professor, Richard Hudson who was keen to broaden opportunities for all students. The competition consists of a breakthrough stage, a foundation stage, an intermediate stage, and an advanced stage (which is the national element of the competition).  After this, the best 16 students are chosen and can go through to the next round. 

Mr Davison, Head of the Modern Foreign Languages department at the Thomas Hardye School outlined the competition:  “They work very hard to publicise it, a lot of it is done from universities, and they have worked very hard to engage state schools as well.”  Students are given sheets with an unknown language and a handful of clues and are required to decode and solve a phrase using the clues that they are given. Through breakthrough and foundation, students are encouraged to work in groups, viewed as more for leisure and fun. The advanced stage involves a 2.5 hour timed exam. 

Originally the competition originated in 1965 in the Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics at Moscow State University in Russia. The intriguing and educational competition has been a huge success and enabled students to practise critical thinking skills.  So, if you are aged 16 or 17, how about trying it for yourself?