From 9th to 13th February, we held our fourth Modern Foreign Languages Week. Linguists or not, it was a week full of events for everyone.
The week was officially launched on Monday during assembly by language student ambassadors from Newcastle University. Year 8 and 9 boys had the chance to work more closely with the ambassadors in an interactive, thought-provoking workshop where they learned how useful languages may be in their future careers.
On Tuesday, the hall was taken over by Year 8, who put their acting skills to the test as they performed in French in front of their peers in small groups their version of a short play with a soap style plotline: Girl dates boy then walks off with boy’s best friend in the clothes shop.
Later on that day, Year 7 took part in a Europe-themed treasure hunt: ten challenges and one hour to accumulate as many points as possible. Tasks included torturous tongue twisters like ‘Cinq chiens chassent six chats’ and ‘Camarón, caramelo’ ; recognising languages like this sentence – ‘Rakastan kieliä… Entäs sinä?’ Urdu or Finnish?; answering curiosities like why the Welsh flag is called ‘r right thumb and stick out your tongue).
The events on Wednesday revolved around food. The whole Senior School enjoyed a Spanish-themed lunch featuring tortilla de patata amongst other delicious options. Julien and Frédérique from La Petite Crêperie in Grainger Market paid a visit to give Year 3 and 5 boys a flavour of French cuisine. Nutella pancakes flew off the bigoz (Breton for cooker) while a few sampled Frédérique’s very own speciality – caramel with salted butter. Members of staff appeared from everywhere drawn by the smell of cooking crêpes that wafted up the stairs. All the boys ordered in French and promised they supported Julien’s favourite team – NUFC! Merci beaucoup, Julien and Frédérique.
On Thursday, it was the Year 10 linguists’ turn to get a taste of MFL Week. Much excitement surrounded this particular event as Year 10 and 9 girls from Westfield School came along to enjoy a morning of linguistic fun. Boys and girls joined forces to compete in teams and take part in a cultural online quiz and speed dating in French and Spanish
That morning boys in Year 6 divided into five groups and presented a Spanish speaking country from El Mundo Hispano. The Mexicans won first prize with their superb costumes and word perfect delivery from memory. Estupendo!
The week was wrapped up on Friday with a day full of activities. During the assembly prizes were given out for the tutor groups who won the Language Competition that had been held during the week. Well done 11TD and 11AC as they demonstrated excellent team work and language awareness. In the afternoon, we held the school round of the national Spelling Bee Competition. Boys had to learn the spelling of 100 words in French or Spanish. They were given one minute to spell correctly as many words as possible. Philip D’Agostino, Freddie Lee, Sam Peter and Oliver McFarland will represent NSB at the regional finals at Newcastle University in March. Year 6 and Year 8 lessons in the afternoon featured special guest teachers: our linguists in Year 12 and 13! The Sixth Formers took the lead and delivered two fantastic French and Spanish lessons they had planned and resourced themselves.
Finally, we would like to thank the boys and staff for their enthusiasm and their fantastic contribution to MFL Week. We look forward to doing it all again next year!