Diana visits Hull school's European Day

2.21.00pm GMT Fri 21st Nov 2008

Local Liberal Democrat Euro MP, Diana Wallis, visited a 'European Day of Languages' at Stepney Primary School in Hull today.

Diana Wallis MEP, a Vice President of the European Parliament, addressed a special assembly of the whole school at 9.15am and then joined in some of the activities with the children.

The day was full of activities to develop children's knowledge and understanding of different cultures, diversity and languages across Europe. After the assembly all children received a passport as they were led to their European Destination by 'flight attendants'. Each class visited seven different countries, including; Greece, Germany, Spain, Poland, France, Scotland and Italy throughout the day. As pupils visited each country they will participate in a range of activities, including; flag making, arts and crafts, food tasting and basic language skills. A final assembly was held at the end of the school day.

Diana Wallis said:

"This is a wonderful initiative by the school and I am very pleased to be invited to take part. It is vital that children have an opportunity to learn about other cultures, after all we are part of a Europe which has opened up all sorts of possibilities for people to study, work and live in other countries."

Kate Wilde is the modern foreign language coordinator at Stepney Primary. She said:

"European Day is an ideal opportunity to enhance children's language learning and further develop their intercultural awareness.

"At Stepney Primary we are currently gathering evidence together to achieve 'International School Status', this event will further support this.

"The European Day will also promote children's understanding of the variety and richness of culture within the community, as well as providing the children with an enjoyable day, one they will hopefully remember in the future."

Other guests included Councillor Mike Ross, portfolio holder for lifelong learning and Hull North PPC Denis Healy.