In June, the University of Kent was delighted to welcome 16 schools and over 300 year 8 students to its two World Languages Day events held in Medway and Canterbury. The World Languages Days are a key part of the University’s outreach programme for languages and are aimed enthusing and motivating students about language and culture.
Each day began with a science presentation in Spanish. Dr Gaby Roch, from the School of Physical Sciences, explained the changes of state between solids, liquids and gas using carbon dioxide (or ‘dióxido de carbono’). Students then took part in three further sessions, one in a language they were learning (French, German or Spanish), one as an introduction to a new language (languages available included Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Farsi, Dutch and Portuguese) and one to explore culture and customs in practical and interactive ways. Sessions included a rueda dance workshop, the ever popular African Drumming and a session looking at art and language in Spain and France.
At lunchtime students had the opportunity to explore the ‘European Arcade’ featuring French, German, Spanish challenges and broader European language activities such as quizzes and guessing games. Students who visited the stands were in with a chance of winning prizes for their efforts and most took away a handful of interesting mementos at the end of the day. The day was supported by a large team of student ambassadors, many of whom contributed their language expertise to sessions.
Feedback from teachers and staff alike has been overwhelmingly positive, with one Medway attendee calling the day:
‘the best visit I’ve ever been on!’
and one Canterbury student saying that the event was:
‘amazing and fun, well organised and a great day out!’
If you would like more information regarding this event, please contact outreach@kent.ac.uk.