Last week, we saw one of Claremont’s favourite events take place, which did not disappoint! We started the week with an assembly from 70 informing us what the school could expect from the week ahead, why we celebrate the European Day of Languages and the advantages of language learning. One highlight was a video showing just how international our community is and how we embrace our multiculturalism at Claremont. People across our whole community impressed us with all the different languages they can speak.
You can watch the video here.
7O’s key message was clear; take risks, be brave and just give it a go! This was such a positive message and we were also inspired by a talented artist singing in numerous languages. 7O themselves spoke collectively in 17 different languages. I was certainly a proud language teacher and form tutor!
During the week, both children and staff were spoilt by a delicious international menu. Every day we discovered new food and sampled parts of different cultures, and people were encouraged to use key phrases and words for the theme of the day. There was a real buzz in the dining hall, wondering what delights were in store for us! A huge thank you to Chef and his team.
There was an abundance of language-themed activity during the week, such as duolingo competitions and the cross-curricular geography and languages treasure hunt. They explored the play areas trying to find signs, answer questions and eventually crack the code or the European Day of Languages key word. Well done to all those that got involved!
However, the pièce de la résistance was of course on Friday where staff and pupils dressed up in different costumes to represent a variety of countries, which really brought the day to life.
Year 8 worked with Pre-Prep, reading to them in different languages and teaching them some French and Spanish. 8S even got to play a game of “What’s the time Mr Wolf?” in French with Reception. It was so lovely to see our year groups mixing together and learning important skills from one another.
At break time, the Headmasters Lawn transformed itself into a Parisian French café, with French music and scrumptious French delicacies, such as pain au chocolat, croissant, chocolat chaud and jus d’orange. Year 8 did a superb job running this experience, sharing menus, teaching French café phrases and assisting our younger pupils. The sun was shining and it was a perfect way to feel we had escaped to distant shores; something I am sure we’ve all missed!
Year 6 enjoyed an Onnatti theatre production online and Year 7 were treated to an Italian workshop by the charismatic Mr De Pleave from the senior school, which the children thoroughly enjoyed and did not want to end. I was super impressed with how quickly they picked up this new language.
Our Italian and German Language workshops continued into Enrichment. At one point we had French, Spanish, Italian and German all being heard down the MFL corridor! Huge thanks to Anselm De Pleave and Bettina Komaier who gave up their time to support our day. We look forward to more opportunities like this in the future!
I would also like to thank the whole school community for supporting this event. It has been fantastic to be able to celebrate this significant day properly this year with fewer restrictions. Language learning at its best!
Madame Osborne – Head of MFL
