Northern Saints Teaching School Alliance operates a cross-phase networks in MFL. Teachers from any school phase are welcome to attend to share design thinking courses and good practice across the key stages. Meetings usually take place each half term.
A ‘Language Festival’ took place on 9th July with six of the alliance primary schools (approximately 120 children from years 5 and 6) visiting St. Wilfrid’s RC College. Staff held information stalls/activities on countries including: Cuba; Nigeria; Iceland; Wales and New Zealand. Some of the primaries hosted activities and international cuisine was served for the children to sample. It was a fantastic day as judged by the feedback received from the primary schools:
“Thanks for hosting a fantastic morning, the children loved their time at the language festival.” (Ss Peter & Paul’s)
“Thanks so much. We were made so welcome and the children really enjoyed themselves.” (St. Aloysius)
“Thanks so much for organising the day. We had a great time, the children loved it!” (St. Mary’s)
“Thank you very much to all involved in the organisation of the festival. Our children had a wonderful time and didn’t want to leave!” St. Joseph’s:
Pupil comments from St. Oswald’s:
It was interesting – we found out about new facts.
It was good because some of the teachers actually came from the countries they were teaching about: Ecuador and Wales
We enjoyed hearing from the teacher who had a Nigerian husband – she had two names
We got to experience languages we wouldn’t normally experience
There were lots of different activities
We enjoyed the Chinese writing
It was good because we didn’t have to sit down and stare at a whiteboard
The teachers were all really friendly.