The Christmas celebrations kicked off early in Germany last Friday, 6th December, marking der Nikolaustag in many German-speaking countries. On this day, children prepare for the visit of St. Nikolaus by tidying their rooms, cleaning their toys, and polishing their shoes, which are then placed by the door or on a windowsill. Some even leave hay or straw for St. Nikolaus’ donkey. If the children have been good, Nikolaus fills their shoes with sweet treats and toys. However, if they haven’t been so well-behaved, they might find twigs and sticks instead! Our KS3 classes experienced this tradition last week by making their own German boots and setting them out.  I wonder who received treats and who got twigs? Here is a video that our KS3 students will watch this week, explaining the traditional story of Nikolaustag.

https://kinder.wdr.de/tv/die-sendung-mit-der-maus/av/video-lachgeschichte-nikolaus-100.html

Mrs Gill, Curriculum Leader for MFL

This term, five students from Cardinal Newman College visited our Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) department and Mrs. Gill. Among them were several former students from Penwortham Girls’ High School, now pursuing A-Level German at the college. 

During their visit, the students not only shared their experiences of learning German but also offered fascinating insights into life in Germany. They discussed cultural aspects, everyday experiences, and the practical applications of the language in real-world settings. 

In addition, they provided an overview of the A-Level German curriculum, highlighting key topics and skills that students develop throughout the course. Their enthusiasm for the language and the opportunities it offers was truly inspiring. 

We all had a wonderful time together, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Cardinal Newman College students for their visit.

Mrs Gill, Curriculum Leader for MFL

Year 8 French  

Once again, we have 64 students in Year 8 who have made a fantastic start in French. Our first Module is a very busy one! They have learned to introduce themselves, say how they are feeling, how old they are, whether they have siblings or not, describe a classroom, spell their names and say what they like and dislike. Last week, we learned lots of new verbs introduced through a French song. It is a catchy song which called for an impromptu arm-linked sing-along on Friday in the last few minutes of period 5!  

They have used all this new knowledge to write back to their pen pals in France. This is our fifth year of exchanging letters with “Collège Lasalle” in Lille. We had a big envelope full of letters waiting for us after half-term. The letters were greeted with so much excitement and delight, distributing them made me feel a little like Santa!

Madame Raine

Year 9 French pen pals  

Year 9 French have made origami houses in which they wrote all about themselves and their homes. These were sent to our latest partner school in the Loire Valley in France near “Château de Chambord”. I have heard the French students have been very impressed and it seems we have set the bar high again this year.   

Writing to pen pals is not only a great way for students to use their language skills for a real purpose but is also an opportunity to revisit everything they have studied and get an insight into a different culture. Students are also encouraged to show curiosity and compassion (some of our school values) by asking their pen pals questions about cultural life in their country.  

Madame Raine

Year 8 German 

Four other classes have also been writing to German pen pals from Sickingen Gymnasium in Landstuhl. We are also in our fifth year of exchanging letters with our German partner school. In an era of instant communication with text messages, emails, Facetime and Zoom, it is somewhat surprising that students actually enjoy writing real letters and are even more eager to receive a reply! Two of the German classes have German as their second language too and we are very excited as our students have made friendship bracelets for them.  

Mrs Ingram

MFL Department

The holiday season is just around the corner and it’s time to get festive with our annual Languages Christmas Card Competition! We invite all students to design a unique Christmas card that incorporates elements from different languages and cultures. Whether they choose to include holiday greetings in multiple languages, festive traditions from around the world, or creative designs inspired by global celebrations, it is up to them – the possibilities are endless! Students will be able to showcase their artistic skills whilst celebrating the diversity of languages and cultures. All designs need to be submitted by Friday 13th December, and the winning entries will be featured as part of our school’s holiday celebrations. There will be prizes for the top ones so grab your pens, pencils and paint and let your imagination run wild, MFL style! 

Mrs Gill

Curriculum Leader for MFL

The Christmas celebrations start early in Germany (6th December) as this day marks der Nikolaustag for many families across German-speaking countries and children prepare for the visit of St. Nikolaus. To prepare for the visit, children should tidy their rooms and clean their toys. Shoes should also be polished and set out by the door or on a windowsill. Some children even leave a bit of hay or straw for St. Nikolas’ donkey). They leave them outside in they hope that if they’ve been good enough, Nikolaus will fill it with all kinds of sweet treats and toys. Rumour has it that if you have not been good, Nikolaus will leave you some twigs and sticks instead.  Our KS3 classes will be testing this out next week!  We will be making our German boots and setting them out ready. I wonder who will end up with treats and who will end up with twigs?! Here is a video that our KS3 classes will be watching this week, that explains all about the traditional story of Nikolaustag:  

https://kinder.wdr.de/tv/die-sendung-mit-der-maus/av/video-lachgeschichte-nikolaus-100.html

Mrs Gill

Curriculum Leader for MFL

To understand the significance of this event, we explored the history leading up to the Berlin Wall’s construction, the challenges it caused for Germany and its people and the eventual fall of the wall, known as Der Fall der Mauer. We discussed the brave escapes made by some individuals, the personal sacrifices many endured and the celebrations that erupted when the wall finally came down. 

As part of our celebration, Year 7 students created handprints decorated with vocabulary and facts related to the Berlin Wall. Meanwhile, Year 8 and 9 students made “bricks” covered in graffiti; a tribute to the iconic art found on the Berlin Wall. 

Through these activities, students deepened their understanding of this pivotal moment in history, while also honouring the resilience and unity of the German people. 

Mrs Gill

Curriculum Leader for MFL

Students took part in a quiz where they had to find the name of the country, the city or the language by working out the clue.

Year 7: Joint first place – 7H + 7S

Year 8:  Winners – 8P.  25/25

Year 9: Winners – 9P

Year 10:  Winners – 10H + 10S. Both scored 25/25

Year 11: Winners -11H

The tricky questions were that Dutch, not Danish is one of the official three languages of Belgium.  The other two official languages are French and German. The other tricky question was about the Commonwealth.  The answer was the United Kingdom and not Ukraine is part of the Commonwealth. Thanks to all of our students who participated.

Mrs Williams

Modern Foreign Languages