Before heading off for the February half-term, the Senior School and Sixth Form took part in a dynamic Languages and Cultures Week. Coordinated by the Modern Languages Department and our Diversity and Inclusion Group, the event turned the spotlight on the different voices and traditions that make up our school community.
The Senior School and Sixth Form enjoyed a busy week before half term celebrating Languages and Cultures Week.
‘Jete la Baguette!’ Fundraiser
The festivities actually began the Friday prior to the main event, with the high-spirited ‘Jete la baguette!’ fundraiser. Several brave staff volunteers faced students armed with wet baguette-shaped sponges. Despite the cold and wet weather, the atmosphere was brilliant as we raised vital funds for La Soupe St Eustache and The Friends of Notre Dame. It was the perfect, high-energy precursor to the week of cultural immersion that followed.
Immersive Theatre
As the official week began, the Onatti Theatre Company took over the stage on Monday, delivering immersive plays entirely in French, German and Spanish to students from Years 8 to 12. A huge bravo to the student volunteers who stepped into the spotlight to act alongside the professionals! We are deeply grateful to the NHSA for funding this experience – we believe that true fluency comes from immersion beyond the curriculum, and seeing our students engage so enthusiastically shows just how much they value these opportunities.
Language Tasters
Tuesday shifted the focus to our own students’ expertise. In our lunchtime language taster workshops, pupils became the teachers, leading activities in Russian, Urdu and Ibibio. From mastering tricky phrases to singing traditional songs, it was a beautiful showcase of the linguistic diversity within our own student body.
Alumnae Insights and Language Challenges
On Wednesday, we looked toward life after Norwich High. We were delighted to host several alumnae for a virtual panel, who shared how their passion for languages has shaped their university paths and global careers. Their stories highlighted the incredible versatility of MFL studies in the modern professional world.
Thursday saw our younger linguists in a competitive mood, with Year 7 students displaying impressive phonetic precision in a Spanish Phonics Bee, while Year 8 tackled the complexities of French Grammar with impressive speed. Congratulations to our winners, who now wear their languages commendation badges with pride!
European Art Song Evening
The week reached a crescendo on Thursday evening with our European Art Song Evening. This collaboration between the Music and Languages departments saw 28 performers from Years 7 to 13 take the audience on a journey of European music and poetry, including from the works of Schubert, Mozart, Rilke and Machado. Our Sixth Form French A Level group presented a moving summary of the work done by our partner charities in Paris.
Cultures Day
We brought the week to a close with our ever-popular Cultures Day. Students were encouraged to wear clothing that represented their culture, soundtracked by a global playlist and heartfelt Lunar New Year messages from Year 7.
The breaktime food market was a special highlight. From curries to fresh sushi, the stalls were a testament to the generosity and culinary heritage of our families. We rounded off our global tour with a traditional fish and chip lunch – the perfect comfort food before heading off for a well-deserved half-term break.
