At Dunottar, Languages Week is always a highlight of the school year and this year was no exception! From sign language workshops to salsa dancing, theatre productions and language-themed baking, our students were immersed in the vibrant world of languages and culture. The week was a perfect blend of fun, learning and discovery – reinforcing the importance of communication in all its forms.
A Powerful Assembly on Sign Language 👐
To kick off the week, students were privileged to attend an inspiring assembly by Kathleen Grehan and her interpreter Sammy Chalk, who spoke about the importance of British Sign Language (BSL) today. Not only did the assembly shine a light on the challenges and opportunities of sign language, students also had the chance to learn how to sign everyday words such as “hello,” “thank you,” “good,” “bad,” and fun words like “banana,” “tennis” and “fishing.” It was an enlightening start to the week, encouraging our students to explore the beauty of communication.
Year 11 BSL Workshop 🤟
Year 11 students had the unique opportunity to dive deeper into BSL with a dedicated session focused on the sign language alphabet and key phrases. The session sparked great enthusiasm, with students gaining a newfound appreciation for this essential mode of communication, broadening their linguistic horizons in an entirely new way.
Year 7 Takes the Stage in French Theatre 🎭
Our Year 7 students took part in a thrilling French theatre production of Les Trois Mousquetaires, courtesy of the Freshwater Theatre Company. Whether on stage playing the brave musketeers or joining in as part of the lively chorus, every student was involved. The performance was entirely in French, offering a fantastic opportunity for students to practice their language skills in a dynamic and engaging environment. The famous motto “Un pour tous, tous pour un!” (One for all, all for one!) rang true as students brought this classic tale to life!
Years 7-9 Dance Their Way Through Cuban Salsa 💃
It wasn’t just spoken languages being celebrated — students from Years 7 to 9 took part in a high-energy Cuban salsa lesson taught by a talented instructor from the Somos Caribe Academy. Conducted entirely in Spanish, the session was an exhilarating way to combine language learning with physical movement. Students learned not only the steps to the dance but also picked up useful Spanish vocabulary along the way, proving that language can be learned through all kinds of creative experiences.
Languages in the Working World: Year 9 Talk with David Binns 🌍
Year 9 students were treated to an insightful talk by David Binns, Director of UK Operations at Sanako. His presentation focused on the role of languages in the global workforce, showcasing the many ways that language skills can enhance career opportunities. It was a thought-provoking session that highlighted how learning a language can open doors, not just culturally, but professionally as well.
Baking for a Cause: Year 7 Language-Themed Cakes 🍰
Combining creativity, charity, and language learning, our Year 7 students baked language-themed cakes to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Research. The colourful cakes, decorated with greetings and phrases from around the world, were a huge hit, raising both awareness and funds for a great cause. It was a delicious way to close out an action-packed week!
From mastering salsa steps in Spanish to performing in French and learning the universal language of sign, Dunottar’s Languages Week was a fantastic experience for all involved. Students explored the rich diversity of languages while building communication skills and gaining a deeper appreciation for global cultures. At Dunottar, we believe that language learning is not just about vocabulary and grammar but about understanding different perspectives, cultures and the importance of connecting with people from all walks of life.