Star of the Sea adds spice to cultural festival

There was a tasty twist to proceedings when children from Star of the Sea Catholic Primary in Whitley Bay took part in this year’s North East Festival of Languages.

Themed activities enjoyed by the Year 6 pupils during the three-month celebration centred around foods from around the world, with a focus on the cultural significance of different culinary dishes and traditions.

“Children enjoyed three, short food-related films from around the world, exploring cultures, communities, and languages,” said the school’s Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Lead, Ruth Hodgkins.

“Children learned how meals are more than just something we eat – they reflect traditions, family life, celebrations, and identity. They saw how tradition and culture are highlighted through recipes, cooking methods, and special meals passed down through generations.

“They learned that food plays an important role in festivals and gatherings. The children recognised that sharing and kindness were recurring themes in all stories, showing how offering food can be a way of welcoming others, and building connections across cultures.”

It was the first time Star of the Sea had participated in the annual Festival, which promotes learning and appreciation of different languages and cultures through workshops, competitions, and cultural events across the region.

“Events like the North East Festival of Languages are very important, because they enrich learning in ways that go beyond the classroom,” added Mrs Hodgkins.

“They make learning more engaging, memorable, and meaningful for pupils. They encourage curiosity, creativity, and a greater understanding of the wider world, and demonstrate a commitment to global awareness and cultural education. They promote inclusion and respect, helping to build a more open-minded and supportive school community.

“The festival aims to inspire children and young people to enjoy languages, understand other cultures, and recognise the value of communication in an increasingly connected world.”