For the second year running, the European Day of Languages, organised by staff from Oundle School’s Adamson Centre, proved to be a highly anticipated and extremely popular event for both pupils and staff. With seven languages timetabled at the school, the day was a great opportunity for highlighting the importance of learning about different cultures and nationalities.
The day-long programme was more ambitious this year, with activities running from early morning through to late evening, providing opportunities for linguists of all ages to immerse themselves in culturally and linguistically diverse activities.
A new theme, the ‘Polyglot Challenge’, was an intellectual test for young linguists, encouraging them to use their skills and resources wisely to translate from 25 different languages.
The International Food Tasting Festival was a highlight of the day, attracting more than 300 pupils hungry to discover new flavours from Colombia to Hungary.
‘Talking Languages’, a talk delivered by Professor David Lines from Warwick University, provided an invaluable experience for Sixth formers, enabling them to find out more about the different pathways in professional linguistics.
The final event of the day was a Languages Quiz Night in the Adamson’s Raymond Lee International Suite, involving enthusiastic First and Second (Year 7 and 8) pupil participants.
In the evening, pupils enjoyed a themed dinner in House with chefs serving famous dishes from around the world.
French teacher, Bori Gannon, commented: “The Adamson Centre has become the hub of inter-cultural exchange at Oundle. Events such as the European Day of Languages allow us to demonstrate how language and culture can build links between people of all ages and of all nationalities.”
Head of Modern Languages, Sara Davidson, added: “The Modern Languages Department was delighted with the turnout and the level of excitement and enrichment on offer. Working in such state-of-the-art surroundings is a source of inspiration and dynamism for both the teaching staff and our pupils. Internationalism is important to Oundle; today’s pupils will be competing for jobs in a highly competitive and global world. Our aim is not only to be at the cutting edge of teaching and learning, but ultimately to enable Oundelians to learn and appreciate any language of their choosing.”
