Fridays at St. Michael’s International School are always special. They provide a purposeful platform for pupils to share their learning publicly, strengthening both understanding and confidence. This week, one of our Year 6 Japanese language classes took centre stage, presenting their versions of traditional Japanese tales. With impressive fluency, expressive storytelling and well-timed humour, our young learners captivated their audience from start to finish.

This was far more than a language exercise. It was an authentic demonstration of communication, collaboration and confidence in action.Through careful preparation, pupils worked together to refine scripts, rehearse pronunciation and support one another with pacing and expression. They listened, adjusted and encouraged, showing genuine collaboration and shared responsibility for the success of the performance.

Standing before an audience requires courage. Doing so in another language reflects real growth. Each pupil demonstrated increasing independence as language learners and a willingness to take risks, speak clearly and project their voice with conviction. By engaging with traditional tales, learners also deepened their understanding of Japanese culture and storytelling traditions. This connection between language and culture is essential in developing globally minded young people who respect, appreciate and celebrate the world beyond their own experience.

Opportunities such as these are intentional. They allow pupils to move from knowledge acquisition to purposeful communication. They remind us that language learning is about connection, empathy and understanding. Growing, working and learning together is not simply a motto. It is visible each Friday as our pupils share their voices with pride and purpose.