Languages Week 2026
Languages Week was fantastic with pupils enjoying a packed programme of talks, competitions, performances and activities celebrating the opportunities that learning a language can bring.
The week began with an inspiring session for Senior 11 pupils and a number of Lower Sixth linguists, who heard from former Ibstock pupils Alex Mortimer, who studied German and Spanish at Cambridge, and Ella Peters, who studied Spanish at the University of Bristol. Pupils also heard from Selin Dundar, who studied French and Business at the University of Bath, via video. All three spoke brilliantly about the transferable skills they developed through studying languages, the work experience opportunities offered by their year abroad and the wide range of careers they and their peers are now pursuing, from finance and law to management consultancy. A huge thank you to Alex, Ella and Selin for taking the time to share their experiences and demonstrate where a passion for languages can lead.
Tuesday evening saw Ibstock host a Spanish, French and German Debating Competition, welcoming pupils from Hampton, Tiffin Boys, Kneller Hall, formerly Radnor House, and Kingston Grammar School. There were some excellent performances from our Ibstock pairs, including second-place finishes in both German categories and Spanish Senior 11. Congratulations also go to Jack and Robert for their victories in the Upper Sixth Spanish category, and to Juliet and Chloe, who won the Senior 11 French category.
Pupils took to the stage for our very own Ibstock EuroVision. Pupils performed songs in different languages, showcasing their confidence, creativity and musical talents. After some fantastic performances, Elsa and Vilhelm were crowned the winners for their Swedish song following a vote by their peers. Well done to everyone who performed and helped make the event such a success!
At lunchtime, the orchard became the setting for a Concours de Pétanque, giving Senior 9 pupils the chance to enjoy a traditional French bowls competition. The competition brought plenty of fun and friendly rivalry, with pupils embracing the opportunity to put their language skills into practice in a different setting.
Senior 7 French pupils also enjoyed an interactive workshop based on Les Misérables. The session gave pupils the opportunity to explore French language and culture through an engaging and hands-on experience, bringing the world of the famous musical to life.
Senior 7 pupils also had the chance to experience Spanish culture through Flamenco lessons. They learnt some of the traditional dance moves and threw themselves into the session with enthusiasm, doing brilliantly as they developed their new skills.
Our Senior 10 linguists also took part in the International Space Challenge at Dunottar School. The event brought together 15 Ibstock linguists for a language-focused challenge, giving pupils the opportunity to work in teams to design a space hotel and sell their product to foreign investors by giving a presentation in German, French or Spanish.
The week also featured the Maths and Languages House Competition, with Senior 8–Senior 10 pupils representing their Houses across French, Spanish and German. The competition brought together languages, teamwork and a healthy dose of House spirit as pupils put their knowledge to the test.
From debating and dancing to singing, pétanque, space challenges and hearing first-hand about the opportunities languages can unlock, Languages Week has been a wonderful celebration of the breadth and enjoyment of language learning at Ibstock.
