Photos: CedarBridge Celebrate Languages Week
[Written by Anya Thompson]
The theme for CedarBridge Academy’s Foreign Languages Week was “Boost Your Brain Through Languages.” To celebrate this occasion, the Foreign Languages Department planned a number of events throughout the week, in which many students actively participated. The activities increased students’ awareness of Spanish, French, and Portuguese culture, while also highlighting other cultures.
It is critical that our students learn a second and even a third language because globalization and technological advancement are shrinking the world. In Bermuda, you can hear people speaking Spanish, Portuguese, and even French. This was not so obvious a few years ago. Mr. Greg Glasgow, the head of the Foreign Languages Department, expressed this idea, which was fully supported by other members of the department.
It should be noted that the Foreign Languages Department has four experienced members. Mrs. Rhonda Edwards-Adams, who has taught Spanish for over 30 years, and Ms. Sandra Yearwood, who has taught French and Spanish for over 40 years at all levels of education. Ms. Antonette Chaplin has also taught Spanish and French for over 12 years. Mr. Greg Glasgow has been teaching Spanish for over 30 years.
These teachers also taught in several other countries. There are also more than 15 other teachers and staff members at the school who can speak more than one language. There will be new language courses available soon so that students can broaden their linguistic schema. Certificates in Business Levels 1 and 2, as well as accreditation in Business Languages 1 and 11.
The Bermuda Public School System reform aims to give children additional opportunity to acquire a second language, and all of these are in line with that goal. There is also a Foreign languages club where students can immerse themselves in language learning while also participating in cultural and other fun activities.
The prayers were said in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and even Italian for the entire week. The students also helped prepare Tacos and other French dishes. We also recognized several outstanding French and Spanish students, whose names were read aloud over the intercom. Many students dressed up to represent the Spanish, French, Portuguese, African, Caribbean, and Bermudan cultures.
During lunch, there was a cultural celebration in the courtyard, with music from various languages. Students and faculty members took part in a Language Trivia game in which they answered questions and won prizes. There was also a piñata celebration and when it was finally broken, the students enjoyed the sweet treats.
Overall, it was a culturally festive day that promoted school spirit and an appreciation for different cultures.
Next year, we hope to host a larger and better event, with several schools participating in an island-wide Language Festival.
