The 26th September is designated as the European Day of Languages, a day when across Europe the diversity of languages spoken across the world is celebrated. This year, in celebration of the day, Sir Thomas Rich’s staged a House Languages competition. There were some magnificent and confident performances from all Houses in the drama section with Eastgate and Southgate choosing an international scenario for their multi-lingual sketches. Whilst a beautiful song from Westgate brought Head Judge, Mr Gregory, close to tears, other House performances had the audience smiling and laughing at the enchanting performances. A number of students had tried their hand at creative writing. One of these stood out, a poem written in German for Northgate by Halkeerit Kalsi, die Betonwüste (the concrete desert).

The clear overall winner of the competition was Westgate whose excellent organisation and thorough preparation resulted in strong performances and confident language across the board.

I would like to thank all the students who participated with so much enthusiasm and made the event such a success. Special thanks, however, must go to those who wrote the sketches, organised the younger pupils and directed rehearsals. This level of commitment is most impressive and the Languages Department is very grateful and proud.