Hampton Air ready for take off from Peterborough primary school

Hampton Hargate primary year 3 pupils off on a flight abroad from the mock airport set in the school hall. EMN-190702-122816009

Pupils at Hampton Hargate Primary in Peterborough saw their school hall transformed into an airport on Thursday, as part of International Languages Week.

More than 600 excited passengers aged 4 to 11, suitcases in tow, passed through Hargate International Airport, complete with check-in desks, in-flight magazines, and cabin crew.

Flight destinations included China, India, Mexico, Brazil, Japan and France.

The week kicked off with a series of dance workshops around the world, from Bollywood to Beijing. Teachers turned to the school’s ‘Language Buddies’ – pupils who speak more than one language – to teach children about the countries they come from.

Hampton Hargate primary year 3 pupils off on a flight abroad from the mock airport set in the school hall. EMN-190702-122922009

Year 3 teacher Mrs Mear said of 10-year-old Language Buddy Hiba: “She had the class in the palm of her hand, teaching the children Urdu which is one of the official languages of India. I was blown away by how confident she was. It is lovely to see the talents of the pupils used in such a positive way.”

Headteacher Andy Lyons said: “I know for some pupils - and indeed some staff who get to be cabin crew and airport workers – Languages Week is the highlight of the school year. The looks on their faces when they experience lift-off, complete with sound effects and the view from a plane window, is unforgettable!”