International Languages Week 2024: an emphatic success

Students and staff participated in a range of activities designed to expose them to the languages taught at Macleans College, as well as the many other languages and cultures represented amongst staff and students.

A number of Macleans College staff members collaborated to produce an introductory video for students to view at the start of the week. The video contained conversations and teachings in a number of languages, to highlight the diversity within the school and to show that everyone’s language and culture has a place at Macleans College while adding value to the fabric of the school.

In line with this, and in the spirit of ako (reciprocal teaching and learning), a competition ran throughout the week, in which staff and students were encouraged to teach each other words and phrases in languages other than English. In doing so, students earned stickers for their form class’ chart. When all stickers were collected and correctly placed, the chart would reveal the challenging quote ‘The limits of my language are the limits of my world’ in four languages.

Interest was high for the mass dance class on Monday, in which many students watched and participated in an outdoor bachata lesson. Bachata is a dance style which originated in the Dominican Republic, but which is now popular all over the world.

On Tuesday, students came to school dressed in attire representing their culture. In addition, a number of students participated in a Japanese Ikebana lesson - a beautiful form of floral arrangement governed by strict rules. A Spanish quiz was also held and a number of Spanish language classes were fortunate to receive a visit from former student and Rutherford House captain, Thomas Muggleston (2018 - 2022). Thomas recently spent four months travelling around South America and he regaled students with stories from his travels and also encouraged them to continue with their language studies. Thomas remarked that his Spanish learnings from the classroom enhanced his travel experience and provided greater opportunities to connect with people and to gain appreciation of their culture.

Wednesday was an opportunity for students to learn the alluring art of Chinese calligraphy, and Thursday saw students participating in a word-based scavenger hunt around the school.

Where we are from and what languages we speak are a huge part of our identity, so it was fitting to end International Languages Week with the school’s annual flag parade during school assembly. Finally, on Friday, international cuisines were celebrated, with students having the opportunity to purchase food from several food trucks during interval and lunchtime.

All in all, International Languages Week was a productive and positive one both linguistically and culturally. It was encouraging and rewarding to celebrate the rich diversity of the staff and student body and to witness members of the Macleans College community broadening their horizons and making efforts to build their communicative skills and cultural understanding.