This year, Language Camp felt like stepping into a story. Across three immersive days, students from Years 4 to 6 became performers, creators, problem‑solvers and storytellers, using language in bold and playful ways.
Language Camp is a key part of how students build confidence and capability in their chosen language across Primary School. Each year, students return with stronger skills, deeper understanding and greater confidence, building on what they learned the year before. Activities are designed to stretch students at different stages, supporting both beginners and more experienced language learners.
The camp also creates valuable opportunities for connection. Students work alongside peers from other year groups, learning together and supporting one another as they communicate in a shared language. These mixed‑year experiences help build relationships, encourage leadership and create a sense of belonging within each language group.
From breakfast to bedtime, students are spoken to in their target language, extending learning well beyond structured sessions. This level of immersion allows language to be used naturally throughout the day, reinforcing vocabulary, listening skills and confidence in real‑world contexts. By the end of camp, students are more willing to take risks, try new words and communicate with purpose.
Together, these experiences lay strong foundations for continued language learning in High School and beyond, including future exchange and immersion opportunities. Language Camp supports students not only to learn a language, but to see themselves as language learners.
German – Superheroes
German students explored language through the theme of superheroes, combining imagination with problem‑solving and teamwork. Working in German, students developed heroic characters and took part in collaborative challenges that encouraged creative thinking and communication. The outdoor environment supported energetic learning, with students using language naturally as they worked together.
French – Astérix & Obélix
Inspired by the adventures of Astérix & Obélix, the French camp immersed students in storytelling and performance. Theatre games encouraged expressive language and confidence, while a special French Bingo activity reinforced vocabulary in a lively, interactive way. Through play and performance, students engaged with French in a relaxed and social setting.
Italian – The Life of Leonardo da Vinci
At the Edmund Rice Retreat and Conference Centre, the Italian camp centred on the life and ideas of Leonardo da Vinci. Students rotated through Leonardo‑inspired activities that explored creativity, curiosity and innovation. Using Italian, students discussed inventions, ideas and artistic thinking, building confidence in descriptive and conversational language.
Japanese – Festivals in Japan
Japanese students explored festivals celebrated across Japan through drama, games and food‑based activities. Festival‑themed drama and fruit basket games introduced new vocabulary through movement and interaction. Later sessions included tongue twisters, the word game shiritori, origami and cooking chocolate bananas, reinforcing language through play and shared experiences. Students also explored Dharawal seasons and created bookmarks, linking culture and environment.
Chinese – Chinese New Year
The Chinese camp focused on Chinese New Year and Spring Festival traditions. Throughout the Chinese Language Camp, students participated in a range of immersive cultural and language-based activities. They learned and performed the festive song “Gong Xi Gong Xi Gong Xi Ni” through singing and dancing, and explored traditional customs by making dumpling wrappers using flour and water, followed by a role-play activity of preparing dumplings together.
Students also created a variety of Chinese New Year crafts, including lanterns and decorative plates, and practised using festive greetings through family role-play scenarios. A highlight of the Chinese Language Camp was the opportunity to enjoy traditional foods such as dumplings, baozi, noodles and fried rice, further enriching their cultural experience.
Language Camp continues to provide students with the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, communicate with purpose and connect through shared experiences.
Thank you to all Language teachers, support staff and colleagues who made Language Camp 2026 possible.
