Celebrating European Day of Languages 

To mark the European Day of Languages, students across the school took part in a range of activities designed to highlight the importance and joy of language learning. Two events stood out in particular for their energy, insight, and inspiration. 

For Year 10 and 11 language students, the school was delighted to welcome guest speaker Rob Hunt, who gave a fascinating talk about his career in languages. Rob shared stories from his year abroad and explained how his passion for languages opened doors to remarkable opportunities. Having worked at the United Nations, he spoke about the prestige and responsibility of international diplomacy. Students were equally captivated by his accounts of translating and interpreting in more unusual contexts, such as for professional footballers and managers, at major music events, and even for renowned fashion designers. His talk showcased how versatile and exciting a career in languages can be, sparking curiosity and motivation among pupils considering their own future pathways. 

Meanwhile, Year 7 students rose to the challenge of the school’s European Day of Languages Spelling Bee. In preparation, students were tasked with learning ten words from each of five different languages: French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, and Polish. After class competitions, finalists from each group faced off in the auditorium, cheered on by their year group. In the high-pressure final, competitors had one minute to spell as many of their studied words as possible. The competition was fierce, with two students proving unbeatable. In an intense sudden-death round, neither faltered, and the pair were awarded joint first prize—a fitting conclusion to a contest that celebrated both talent and teamwork. 

Both events highlighted the rich opportunities languages offer, from building confidence and cultural awareness to unlocking exciting careers. The European Day of Languages was a memorable reminder that languages truly bring the world closer together.