BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LANGUAGE Speaking Day at the Sandy Point High School (SPHS) has triggered much enthusiasm in the students as a contingent from the school’s Modern Languages Department travelled to Nevis early yesterday (May 21) to interact with their Nevisian counterparts in foreign languages.
As early as 8:00 yesterday morning, the SPHS students were warmly received by the students and staff of the Charlestown Secondary School (CSS) as they prepared themselves for a day of fun, interacting in French and Spanish.
According to Head of the SPHS Modern Languages Department Deslyn Richards, the visit to Nevis came as part of the school’s Modern Languages Week. She said because the theme is “I love French; I love Spanish!” the Department viewed a trip to Nevis as an ideal way to generate much-needed interest in foreign languages. She added that the pairing is expected to build friendships among language learners and added that the students were expected to speak only the language which they major.
“This should improve their vocabulary in the language, increase their fluency and allow them to have a greater love for the language. They would have fun interacting with the different students in a different environment which may increase their interest in the subjects.
“The students are all excited with the opportunity to meet new friends as they can now relate to each other and learn the various languages together,” Richards told SKNVibes.
Head of the CSS Modern Languages Department Marjorie Brandy said the student pairing initiative is expected to facilitate and establish relationships among students as they interact in French and Spanish.
“This pairing is very important as it builds friendships between language students, a foundation upon which to build at a later date. It should improve conversational skills and increase their interest and students are very excited about it,” Brandy said.
Richards informed that the week of activities continues today with a T-shirt day at the SPHS, as her Department continues to promote the significance and benefits of foreign languages.
