NEWS
EMBRACING LANGUAGES AS A BRIDGE THAT CONNECTS US TO THE WORLD
SHAPING A BRIGHT FUTURE THANKS TO LANGUAGE COMPETITIONS
STUDENTS OF ITALIAN AT THE
DANTE ALIGHIERI POETRY FINALS AT MELBOURNE
UNIVERSITY . LEFT TO RIGHT
– SAMARTH
GUPTA ( YEAR 10 – THIRD PRIZE WINNER ), HUGH ALMOND ( YEAR
11 ), NICHOLAS
LAROBINA ( YEAR 11 ), SIMON TRIPATZIS ( YEAR 10 ), ALESSANDRO
NACCARATO ( YEAR 9 )
Recognising the power of languages is an integral step towards embracing a bright future . In an increasingly interconnected world , proficiency in multiple languages opens doors to endless opportunities , enabling effective communication , cultural understanding , and global collaboration .
Here are three examples of the opportunities Scotch boys have to develop their language skills through language competitions which are conducive to creating meaningful connections to the people , culture and customs of three countries .
FRENCH
One such opportunity that the French Department offers its students is the Alliance Française Berthe Mouchette Competition . The first competition took place in 1894 , and ever since , more than 16,000 Victorian students have been bringing French poetry to life every year .
This year approximately 300 Scotch French students from Years 7 to 10 took part in this unique and memorable experience , which reinforces the vitality of French in Australia . In 2022 Scotch had 27 finalists and three prize winners , including the best candidate in Year 9 and the best candidate in Year 10 . Many parents of our students still fondly remember their first Alliance Française poem .
Clearly Voltaire was right when he said ‘ that which touches the heart , engraves itself in memory ’. ( Ce qui touche le cœur se grave dans la mémoire .)
As we embark on the journey of embracing a bright future , let us embrace languages as a bridge that connects us to the world and paves the way for a more inclusive and harmonious future .
ZELJKA HAMZA – HEAD OF FRENCH
36 Great Scot Issue 169 – September 2023