Languages Day 2025: A Celebration of Diversity and Unity

On the afternoon of 22 September, the LARC building came alive with colour, culture and conversation as pupils and staff gathered to celebrate Languages Day 2025. This vibrant event showcased the rich tapestry of languages spoken and taught at Christ’s Hospital, offering a unique opportunity to explore global traditions and linguistic diversity.

Each language department transformed its space into an immersive experience:

• Mandarin invited pupils to try their hand at calligraphy, celebrating the beauty of Chinese characters.
• Spanish challenged minds with a language-themed puzzle, engaging students in playful problem-solving.
• Classics offered a glimpse into the ancient world through hieroglyphics, sparking curiosity about historical scripts.
• French welcomed guests into a charming Parisian café, complete with authentic décor and treats.
• German delighted visitors with a photo booth and sweet shop, blending fun with cultural flair.
• The newly formed Japanese Society made its debut, showcasing traditional dress and guiding students through the art of origami.

Beyond the language rooms, affinity groups such as the Anti-Bullying Society added depth to the event, reminding us that language is also a tool for inclusion and understanding.

The Linguistics Club drew in many curious minds with their code-breaking challenge, promoting the Linguistics Olympiad: a national competition that links language analysis with STEM subjects like logic, mathematics and computer science. Participation in the Olympiad can open doors to university-level study and careers in AI, cryptography and data science, showing how language skills extend far beyond the classroom.

This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as it marked the 10th anniversary of the LARC building, a milestone that sets the stage for its upcoming centenary. The event was a fitting tribute to the building’s legacy as a hub of learning and cultural exchange.

Throughout the afternoon, student volunteers played a vital role in every room, helping to run activities and welcome guests. Their enthusiasm and creativity helped bring the event to life, making Languages Day 2025 a truly buzzing, joyful and inclusive occasion.