This February, Norwich High School for Girls celebrated Languages and Cultures Week in the Senior School and Sixth Form; an event organised by the Modern Languages Department and the Diversity and Inclusion Group. The week was dedicated to honouring the rich tapestry of languages and cultures within our school community through a wide range of activities, performances and discussions.
Languages and Cultures Week 2025
Celebrating Our Linguistic Community
The week began with a special assembly, introducing students to the celebrations ahead and recognising the diverse languages spoken within our school. Reflecting on the school’s 150 years, Mrs Gibson, herself a Norwich High alumna, paid tribute to her Norwich High French teacher, Miss Elizabeth Kershaw, who had first inspired her to learn languages. This week of events aligns perfectly with the UN International Mother Language Day on 21st February, a global observance that promotes awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and encourages multilingualism.
Language Taster Sessions
On Monday, students eagerly took part in language taster sessions ranging from Cantonese to BSL to Bulgarian, offering them the chance to explore languages beyond the curriculum. These sessions fostered curiosity and an appreciation for linguistic diversity.
Alumnae Insights & Grammar Bee
Tuesday morning saw Year 8 students competing in the exciting Grammar Bee, testing their knowledge of language structures in a lively contest with prizes awarded to top performers. Congratulations to Emma and Clara who came in second and third place, and Isla who won the overall competition. At lunchtime, students attended an inspiring talk from alumnae, who shared how studying languages had shaped their personal and professional journeys, highlighting the valuable skills gained through language learning. As ever, we were impressed by how articulate all our alumnae are and how varied their chosen paths are.
Henna & Islamic Faith Q&A
On Wednesday, students had the opportunity to engage with Islamic culture through a Henna station and a Q&A session with Head Girl Inayah exploring the Islamic faith. This provided a fascinating insight into traditions, beliefs and practices, encouraging open discussion and understanding. On Thursday, students could also take part in, or observe, a traditional Islamic prayer session.
European Arts Song Evening
On Thursday evening, we were delighted to host a special evening of European songs and poetry, featuring works from France, Germany, Spain and Italy. This event, part of our 150th birthday celebrations, highlighted the rich tradition of European music while supporting two charities: The Friends of Notre Dame de Paris and La Soupe St Eustache.
A particular highlight was the return of alumna Lucy Thalange (Class of 2017), a talented operatic mezzo-soprano, who performed Welt ist stille eingeschlafen by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Earlier in the day, Lucy led a masterclass for our students, sharing insights from her impressive career. Since leaving Norwich High School for Girls, Lucy has completed her BMus and MA at the Royal Academy of Music and performed leading roles across the UK and France, including Handel’s Giulio Cesare and La Traviata. She is currently preparing for the title role in Carmen with Opera Integra.
The evening also featured poetry readings and presentations from the Modern Languages Department, with special thanks to Mrs Gibson. Our accompanists, Mx Smith and Mrs Northwood, provided wonderful musical support throughout the evening. The dedication and hard work of our students truly shone through, making it a night to remember.
Culture Day Festivities
A highlight of the week was Culture Day, where students celebrated their heritage and explored global traditions. The food market was a particular success, offering students the chance to sample international cuisines. Cultural music and a non-uniform day allowed students to express their identities and a British classic—fish and chips—was served for lunch.
Competitions and Prizes
Throughout the week, students took part in the Language Nut Leaderboard Competition, with Years 7-9 competing for prizes and Languages Commendation badges by actively engaging in grammar and vocabulary practice. The final leaderboard check took place on Friday 14th February.
A Celebration of Diversity and Learning
The success of Languages and Cultures Week 2025 reflects our school’s commitment to embracing diversity and fostering a global perspective among our students. With International Mother Language Day falling in half term, this week’s celebrations have reinforced the importance of linguistic heritage, multilingualism and cultural appreciation. A huge thank you to all students, staff and alumnae who contributed to making this week an enriching and inspiring experience for everyone involved.
