We are delighted to announce that four Newcastle schools are prize winners in the 20th annual European Day of Languages writing competition. Pupils from Archibald First School , Benfield School, Jesmond Park Academy and Royal Grammar School all won prizes this year.
Our partners, Association of Language Learning North East and Network for Languages North East ran the competition, which received entries from across the UK in 37 different languages. Learners from primary to A Level submitted entries on the theme of ‘Together’, producing posters, poems, narratives, reports and factsheets. International Newcastle was one of the prize sponsors.
The competition was created by volunteers in order to celebrate what young people can do with language they have learnt at school, or know from their family or community, and to give them the opportunity to go beyond the requirements of curriculum and exams to write creatively with wit, humour, imagination and thoughtfulness.
15 schools received commendations and 65 Individual pupils and students were also commended and received their own personal certificate. The fact that they are too numerous to mention individually is testimony to the ability of our young nation.
Steven Fawkes, Association for Language Learning
About European Day of Languages
The European Day of Languages has been celebrated every year since 2001 on 26 September and is organised by the Council of Europe and European Commission. There are lots of ways to get involved for people of all ages and specific competitions, resources and activities for schools.
Click here to find out more about European Day of Languages and the free resources available for everyone to have fun with languages – challenges, quizzes, competitions and other language activities, as well as posters, apps and booklets in multiple languages. These are for people of any age to get involved with, in schools, communities, groups and families. Read on for competitions, activities and resources for schools.
The European Day of Languages aims to:
- raise awareness of the wide variety of languages in Europe
- promote cultural heritage & linguistic diversity
- encourage people of all ages to learn languages
- promote translation, interpretation, other language-related professions.