SJS Modern Foreign Languages Day 2019
On Thursday, 14th of February, SJS celebrated Modern Foreign Languages Day. This has become part of Stamford Junior School’s traditions and we are all very lucky to have a whole day dedicated to a different culture each year.
This year, the focus was on Italy – Il Bel Paese– The beautiful country. We started the day with an assembly in which an Italian student from SHS – Lidia Curtis read a beautiful Italian poem about the Carnival, and children from SJS gave a presentation of their favourite aspects of Italian culture. We also enjoyed listening to Vocechoir sing an Italian song, conducted by Mr McAllrae and Mrs Bond. This was followed by workshops for the different year groups. Year 5 enjoyed an Italian language and culture taster session with Mrs Popa and Mrs Tuck.
Reception children designed their own pizzas and even had a go at cooking pasta! Students in Year 1 impressed everyone with their beautiful Venetian masks and gondolas, while the children in Year 2 created their own “gelateria” – ice cream parlour and restaurant menus. Children in Year 3 researched Italian symbols and famous Italian people, resulting in a beautiful collage in the shape of a boot – Italy’s shape on the map. Year 4 groups had a go at painting their own Mona Lisas and various Italian landscapes, as well as creating cardboard models of the leaning Tower of Pisa. Pupils in Year 5 delighted us all with their performance of the famous song “Funiculì, Funiculà”, which they had prepared in their music lessons with Mr Leetch. Also, they have been busy finding out about the Italian explorers! Last but not least, we had a great performance from the Y6, who have impressed us all with their acting skills – guided by a theatre director, they have put together a play about the Roman emperors in only a few hours.
After an Italian-themed lunch, we had the chance of admiring some Italian cars, which were displayed in front of the school.
In the afternoon, all of the children showcased their work in the assembly Hall and taught each other what they had learned from their research. At the end of the day, those collected by their parents, have enjoyed a delicious ice cream from Mr Gino. The children and staff fully entered into the spirit of the day with some splendid dressing up, and they should be proud of their achievements. All in all, we had a beautiful day.