European Day of Languages was first celebrated by the Council of Europe during the European Year of Languages in 2001. It is a day for celebrating the rich diversity of languages within Europe . Its aim is to alert the public to the importance of language learning and to encourage lifelong learning in and out of school. At St Chad 's Language College w e believe that having language skills gives you wider opportunities in life. Furthermore language learners have a greater understanding of other cultures which in turn reduces suspicion and mistrust.
Did you know that:
• 94% of the world's population does not speak English as their first language
• 60% of UK trade is with non-English speaking countries
Over 300 languages are spoken in London alone
26 th September 2008 European Day of Language activities at St Chad 's included:
- Themed assemblies all week lead by members of the Language College
- Science – pupils investigated the Chinese words for laboratory equipment, Mrs Richman used key words in French to describe and explain changes between solids, liquids and gases. Atomic structure was explained by pupils in French and Spanish.
- In Maths -converting currency, counting to 10 in Norwegian, naming shapes in Spanish, French arithmetic and European population pyramids
- In ICT - creating a website aimed at tourists visiting a European country, some others have made up a rap and then used the digital cameras to record them completing the rap
- In music - we listened to several National Anthems from around Europe and discussed similarities, especially the military style of brass and percussion. Then all the students composed a short fanfare/anthem with brass sounds and dotted rhythms
- In English pupils completed quizzes and will be preparing a pod-cast with Miss Hanson. Mr Rawlinson's Y7 group had a French breakfast in the morning.
- In PE pupils had the choice of volleyball or Danish long ball
- Languages – pupils completed music quizzes – guessing the language and country of origin of 24 songs
- In RE Year 8 investigated different places of pilgramage across Europe
