Pupils celebrated International Languages Day with guest lectures, speaking challenges, language games, and delicious food from around the world.
In honour of International Languages Day on 26th September, our Senior School pupils showcased their passion for languages with a day dedicated to culture and inclusivity.
Starting the day with a language business breakfast in the Fowler Pavilion, pupils attended a drop-in session to hear from guest speakers and industry professionals. Visitors, included an international insurance broker, a diplomat who worked in Iran and a parent whose ability to speak Spanish allowed them to expand their business abroad, to help inspire pupils with all the opportunities that learning a language can offer – all over a delicious breakfast of pastries, coffee, and juice.
Our Year 9 pupils were given an insight into how languages are vital in the world of sport during an inspiring webinar with Futbol Lingo co-founder and director, Pierce Kiembi, whose ability to speak five languages has taken him to UEFA and coach Premier League football teams.
The main event of the day was in Paul’s Court where pupils were challenged to order dessert in a different language, followed by our ‘Great International Bake-Off’, where pupils and staff went head-to-head to create tasty international desserts and incredible cultural delicacies, all judged by Jamie Hutchinson from Framlingham based dessert company, Hilton Macarons.
The final showstoppers included French Macarons, Spanish Espanolotas Aragonesas biscuits and a Belgian chocolate Oreo cake, but it was Mrs Solomon with her South African Peppermint Tart who was crowned ‘Star Baker’.
Our language assistants and language ambassadors were also on hand with a plethora of language mini games and speaking competitions, from ‘pin the flag on the country’, word searches, puzzles and timed translations.
Learning Prefect and French subject ambassador, Edger R, said: “I chose to do French A-level was because I really enjoyed French at GCSE, and I was keen to move on to more complex language and topics in French. A language A-level covers so many different subjects, such as politics, sociology, philosophy and geography, that I really wanted to add to my already rather broad subject choices.
“Being able to speak a foreign language really expands the world available to you, from different cultures, information, resources and ideas. Once you know a conversational level of a language, you become so much more dynamic, and the idea of travelling becomes less daunting.
“The value of languages doesn’t have to come from having precise plans to use them, so my main advice for those that want to study a language at A-level is to enjoy the learning process, embrace the wide variety of content covered, and be open minded to its possibilities.”
Oli N, Head of Stradbroke and Spanish subject ambassador, said: “Having previously lived in Spain, choosing A-level Spanish was a very easy choice for me. I was fortunate enough to already know the foundations of the language whilst I attended an International School there, and I was excited for the opportunities that are available from knowing a foreign language – from job placements abroad in Spain or South America, travelling on my gap year or doing an exchange / study abroad placement year at university.
“Learning a language allows you to expand your skills of interaction, communication, and culture. It’s invaluable in the opportunities that it can create for you, from friendships and networking to further study and your career. For me, my plans are to take Spanish with me to university, where I hope to study Politics and International Relations alongside Spanish in the hope that it allows me to develop, not only my entrepreneurship skills, but to also advance my speaking and understanding of the Spanish language.
“For those who are considering taking a language as A-level, my advice would be to just go for it and fully embrace the opportunity. The level of support I have received at Framlingham College has been immense compared to other schools – there is always someone there to support you and the smaller class sizes offers a more personable lesson experience.
“The step up from GCSE to A-level can be difficult, but stick with it, even if you find it hard or struggle with it for a couple weeks, do not give it up. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, you’re learning, and people still greatly appreciate it when you make the effort to speak their languages and won’t mind if you make a minor error. I’m very excited for what the future holds and where my Spanish can take me, so have fun and immerse yourself in culture.”
