Languages Week 2025: A Celebration of Culture and Communication
Languages Week 2025 took place this week, celebrating languages around the world as well as the power of language as the means of expression and communication which distinguishes humans from all other forms of life. The week was filled with events, competitions and talks, as well as language-related quizzes and trivia during form time.
As is tradition, the week launched with the ever-popular International Bake-Off event, which filled Central Hall with the aroma of freshly baked cakes and biscuits, reflecting an amazing variety of landmarks and cultures from around the world. Students’ contributions raised the bar even higher this year, but the judges eventually decided upon the winners. Well done to the following highly commended bakers: Ellie in Year 9, Harriet and Aadya in Year 8, and Meredith, Sophia, Ariana, and Zoe in Year 7. Particular congratulations to Aricia and Natalia in 7TMP for winning with their recreation of a Greek beach!
On Tuesday, students took part in a Chinese folk dance workshop, whilst Wednesday’s highlights were the International Handball World Cup event and, for older students, a talk by Dr Rebecca Mitchell, affiliated lecturer at the University of Cambridge, entitled “Linguistics and Why We Need to Know About It.”
On Thursday, Languages Week University Challenge pitched all four Houses against each other, as they vied to win points as their knowledge of languages, cultures, and countries around the world was put to the test.
Of course, Languages Week wouldn’t be complete without the much-anticipated International Karaoke competition, which, this year, featured a number of members of staff from within and beyond the Languages Department performing songs in languages ranging from Italian and Spanish to Gaelic, via Romanian to Luganda. An impressive level of talent and linguistic dexterity displayed by all and very much enjoyed by students.
