Over Weeks 4 and 5 of this term’s German lessons, students in Reception to Year 6 spent time exploring the special German holiday of St Martinstag (St Martin’s Day) in Germany. This holiday is specifically celebrated in the predominately Catholic regions of Germany, but equally the many Lutheran regions also celebrate this special day with a special lantern parade “Laternenumzug”. On this day in many regions in Germany, Germans celebrate a special lantern parade through the streets of many villages and cities to signify the very special and kind work of St Martin. This parade takes place as the streets begin to darken in villages and cities very early and it also heralds the beginning of the long and cold winter ahead in Germany. Students at our campus handmade a very colourful range of lanterns and learnt the very traditional and special St Martinstag song titled “Laterne, Laterne”. Students were also fortunate enough to hear from Tia (Year 5S) as she explained to several classes her experience of being actually part of one of these special lantern parades on one of her trips to visit family in Germany. Tia also brought in her very special lanterns from Germany that student enjoyed experiencing as well - such a rich and engaging learning experience for all students.

Jane Graham
German Teacher