Hear it, Speak it, See it!

The evening was anchored by our ongoing five-year plan, launched in 2024, to make our three additional languages more accessible and engaging for students. Guided by our theme, See it, Hear it, Speak it, the FAL team aims to transform language education with modernised syllabi and tools that empower our students to embrace multilingualism.

Our first speaker, Tshwanelo Serumola, a vibrant young author, children’s rights advocate, and recipient of the 2024 Childrens’ Literature Award, stole the spotlight. Tshwanelo spoke passionately about the importance of nurturing a love for reading from an early age, emphasising how it enhances vocabulary, sparks creativity, and fuels imagination. Beyond vocabulary, Tshwanelo highlighted how reading fosters empathy, emotional intelligence and vital social skills — soft skills every growing child needs.

Next up was the innovative team behind LIMU, a proudly South African educational reading app. LIMU brings language learning to life through songs, cartoons, videos, and vocabulary-building adventures featuring two captivating characters. Designed exclusively for South African languages, the app celebrates diversity and instils affirmations that remind students of their greatness. Parents left inspired to integrate technology into their children’s reading routines.

A highlight of the evening was the incredible creativity of our Grade 7 students who proudly displayed their own superhero-themed books. Originally an English project, the FAL department, with the help of AI, empowered the girls to learn a valuable 21st-century skill: translating and editing using AI. Parents were so impressed who by the many budding FAL authors amongst us!

The event featured two interactive sessions embodying our philosophy that reading should be accessible and fun. The reading corner, hosted by our talented student readers, captivated parents with an engaging demonstration of how reading is taught in FAL classes. Vocabulary is introduced, passages are read aloud by teachers, followed by peer reading, discussions, and comprehension questions. Parents were so enthralled by the session that they didn’t want to leave!

The karaoke section offered a lively twist, proving that even singing songs in an additional language counts as reading. Parents were encouraged to set up their own FAL karaoke sessions at their next braai—it’s a recipe for fun and learning.

It was amazing to note the synergy and alignment between our FAL teachers’ lessons and the themes championed by our guest speakers. This harmonious effort reflects our motto: Our Hearts See Your Hearts.