Meldrum Academy, Aberdeenshire

Meldrum Academy marked the European Day of Languages with a fantastic celebration of linguistic diversity, teamwork and creativity across the school. 

Our S1 pupils kicked things off with the Euro Quiz, working in teams to put their communication, leadership and problem-solving skills to the test. The competition was fierce but friendly, with pupils showing great collaboration and curiosity as they tackled questions about languages and European culture. A real highlight of the day was showcasing the incredible diversity within our school community. 

Pupils, ex-pupils and staff came together to share their linguistic and cultural knowledge with S2 classes — from Polish to Tamil, Ukrainian to Welsh. This activity was a brilliant reminder that languages truly connect us all, both within and beyond the classroom.

Across the week, tutor time activities added to the fun, including a hugely popular “Guess the Teacher” quiz. Pupils listened to recordings of staff speaking in their native tongue and had to work out who was behind each mysterious voice — with plenty of laughter along the way! 

We wrapped up our celebrations with a European cook-off, where pupils wowed our judges with culinary creations inspired by French, German and Spanish cuisine. From fluffy crêpes and soft pretzels to rich Black Forest gâteau and perfectly caramelised crème brûlée, the level of effort and creativity was outstanding. 

The European Day of Languages was a fantastic opportunity for our young people to celebrate the value of languages, culture and community — and to have plenty of fun while doing so!

St Patrick's Primary, South Ayrshire

At St Patrick’s Primary School in Troon, we proudly celebrated the European Day of Languages with a variety of fun and engaging activities that helped our pupils explore the importance of language learning and cultural awareness. 

Our learners in Primary 1 to Primary 3 enjoyed tasting un pain au chocolat! This simple but meaningful activity sparked curiosity and discussion about French culture and cuisine. 

Meanwhile, pupils in Primary 4 to Primary 7 took part in a creative task to design posters promoting the importance of learning new languages. Their posters highlighted this year’s theme: “Open Hearts and Minds”, encouraging everyone to be open to new cultures, people, and ways of thinking. 

Our enthusiastic Primary 7 Language Ambassadors also played a key role in the celebrations. They proudly launched our new “French Word of the Week” initiative, selecting a useful word or phrase each week to help the whole school community build their French vocabulary. To extend the learning beyond the classroom, they shared the weekly word on social media, keeping parents and carers involved and engaged in our language journey. 

Pupils also got involved at home by taking part in Walkabout Lingo Bingo, a fun activity where they searched their surroundings for French objects. This interactive challenge encouraged them to make connections between language and everyday life. 

Through tasting, creating, sharing, speaking, and exploring, our pupils embraced the spirit of the European Day of Languages. The day was a celebration of linguistic diversity, global citizenship, and the joy of learning new languages – an important reminder that languages open doors to understanding and friendship across the world.

Institut français d'Écosse

To celebrate European Day of Languages this year, the Institut français d’Écosse will host a conference on 25 September on Aberlangs, a partnership initiative supporting multilingualism and the presence of home, heritage and community languages in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. 

On 27 September, don’t miss a magical celebration of books, linguistic diversity and creativity at the Children’s Book Festival at the Institut français d’Écosse!

EDL 2025 - Not long to go!

European Day of Languages 2025 takes place in just over a month! 

Visit the SCILT website for lots of ideas on how to celebrate in primaries, secondaries or at home. You can also view our blogs from previous years to see activities from schools across Scotland:

• EDL 2024 blog
• EDL 2023 blog
• EDL 2022 blog

Upload a description of your activities, along with some colourful photos, and we will add you to this blog.