Kicking the European Day of Languages off on Monday Morning, the MFL Student Leaders and the Head of MFL were delighted to deliver a whole school Assembly highlighting the influence Languages have on Peace worldwide by showcasing “Esperanto”. 

Established by the Council of Europe in 2001, the European Day of Languages (EDoL)  encourages people of all ages to learn and appreciate the many languages spoken across Europe. It serves as a reminder of the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity, promoting multilingualism as a vital skill in our interconnected world.

Our Senior School EDoL celebrations took place not only on Thurs 26th but throughout the whole week with a vibrant schedule of activities: On Monday, students explored foreign board games, while Tuesday featured a hands-on and very popular crêpe-making session. The Language Taster Workshop on Wednesday led by students introduced us to Lithuanian, Polish, and Vietnamese. On Thursday, students participated in the “Languages for Peace” art workshop, where they created posters symbolizing peace and unity. The week concluded with a screening of Wadjda on Friday, offering insight into Saudi Arabian culture.

Form-times were buzzing with activities like the GeoGuessr quiz, Language Detective challenge, and unique word posters bringing the spirit of Europe right into our classrooms and hallways. The Languages for Peace Poster Competition encouraged students to use their creativity to reflect themes of peace and unity. The best three posters won 10 House Points and special prizes from the Languages Faculty, with all participants receiving certificates. Some posters will be proudly displayed at the European Centre for Modern Languages.

On Wed 25th our Junior School celebrated the European Day of Languages with a special focus on Germany! Across the road in our Junior School, we celebrated the European Day of Languages with a special focus on Germany: “EDoL meets Germany”. As one of the largest economies in Europe and a significant player in global affairs, understanding the German language and culture opens doors to countless opportunities. With over 90 million native speakers, German is the most widely spoken language in the European Union!

Students  carousseld in their vertical house forms through an exciting day filled with fun activities: they participated in a Language and Culture Workshop, where they explored the basics of the German language through short videos, songs, and a poem. They also practised a short play based on the story of “Herr von Ribbeck auf Ribbeck,” engaging creatively with the language. In the Handball and Dance Workshop, students learned how to play German Handball and, if time allowed, picked up some traditional German dance moves. As part of the Languages for Peace Initiative, students participated in the Art Workshop, where they designed posters promoting peace and cultural understanding. Drawing inspiration from the German Bauhaus art movement, they focused on geometric shapes and bold colours, showcasing their creativity.

One of the highlights of the day was the Dress-Up Competition: we had several girls in the traditional Bavarian Dress ‘Dirndl’, we had a Jodler with a beer crate, a living Brezl, two currywurst sausages and dozens of living flags buzzing around. It was so difficult to decide on one winner per house so we distributed more Haribo throughout the day to additional astonishing outfits.

The day culminated in a showcase where each group presented what they had learned and created. Everyone shared their experiences, celebrated newfound knowledge, and reflected on the importance of understanding and appreciating different cultures. We were thrilled to see students and staff alike come together to immerse themselves in the German language and culture. The celebrations made the European Day of Languages an unforgettable experience as we learned together and appreciated the diversity that makes our world so unique.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this week such a success for both, the Juniors and the Seniors. It’s safe to say that the European Week of Languages has left everyone with a new appreciation for the power of language – and maybe a craving for more cultural adventures!

Ms Donau-Green

Head of MFL Faculty, WGHS (Junior and Senior)