St Mary's Calne
'Franzi’s Birthday,' a German Language and Culture Day, was organised by the MFL Department for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils from Prep and Primary school. The Goethe-Institute award-winning workshop was created by Head of German, Mrs Falconcer, and is a fun, interactive introduction to the language and culture of Germany, with the storyline revolving around Felix the frog orchestrating a surprise birthday celebration for Franzi the duck.
The special day saw the girls immersing themselves in German vocabulary, playing birthday games, and forging new friendships. It was lovely to welcome in St Mary's students from MIV (Year 8), LV (Year 10) and LVI (Year 12) to help with the sessions, and host morning break in the LIV (Year 7) Boarding House, School House.
The morning activities included learning to count, singing German songs, and crafting iconic German structures from spaghetti and marshmallows. The girls also made the amazing maps with pictures and facts of Germany (Franzis present), which two girls took home to hang up in their rooms!
After a delicious lunch in the Dining Hall, the girls also met with LV and UV (Year 10 and 11) German language students who gave them a tour of the school, including the iconic Lime Kiln Garden (with the much-loved swing!) and wonderful new Library.
The day concluded with party games, and the girls singing 'happy birthday' in German before enjoying a delicious chocolate birthday cake adorned with fondant frogs in the Dining Hall.
The German teachers were impressed by the enthusiasm and creativity displayed by the girls, making Franzi’s birthday an unforgettable event.
St Mary’s, where all LIV (Year 7) girls study Mandarin and Latin, offers additional language choices in French, Spanish, or German from MIV (Year 8). Language trips and exchanges throughout their school years provide opportunities for the girls to apply their language skills in real-world contexts.
Mrs Annika Falconer and Ms Melanie Davies, MFL Department