Chalk Talk: Athboy students say ‘bonjour’, ‘hallo’ and ‘ciao’ for European Day of Languages

There was a distinctly European flavour to the classrooms of Athboy Community School this week as students swapped their usual language lessons for quizzes, games, research, posters – and even a little Kaffee und Kuchen.

Ahead of European Day of Languages on 26th September, German, French, Italian and EAL students have been celebrating the many languages and cultures of Europe throughout the week.

First Years put their language skills to the test with online games and a class quiz, while Second Year French and German students tried a language ‘mash-up’, teaching each other new phrases before creating posters in their newly discovered language.

Third Years looked a little further afield, choosing European countries they would love to visit – or countries with which they have family connections – and researching and translating phrases from their chosen destinations.

For senior students, the celebrations took on an international theme. Fifth Year German students explored some of the best-known sights across German-speaking countries, while TY French students researched French-speaking countries and territories. TY German students turned their attention to German companies recognised around the world, while TY Italian students filled the school with colourful posters featuring useful Italian phrases.

Sixth Years perhaps got the tastiest lesson of the week when the language groups came together for ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ and ‘Café et Croissants’.

The week of activities was organised by language teachers Ms Gallagher, Ms Fitzsimons, Ms Mc Swiney and Ms Vitrano, giving students a chance to discover that learning a language can take them far beyond the classroom.