By Eleanor Lewis
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June 17, 2025
The Languages Department was delighted to welcome back Professor Charles Forsdick (Old Norvicensian) on Tuesday 17 June for a day of thought-provoking discussion and linguistic exploration. Professor Forsdick, the Drapers Professor of French at the University of Cambridge, is a renowned academic whose work spans travel writing, colonial history, penal culture, and slavery—reflecting a deep commitment to social justice and global understanding. The day began with an engaging session for Middle 5 linguists, where Professor Forsdick explored the vital role of languages in today’s interconnected world. One of his key messages—“English is simply not enough”—resonated strongly with pupils, encouraging them to see language learning not just as a school subject, but as a gateway to global citizenship and opportunity. Later in the morning, Lower 4 pupils from Norwich School were joined by peers from Taverham High School and Ormiston Victory Academy for a collaborative session celebrating linguistic diversity. Pupils shared the wide range of heritage languages spoken at home and discussed additional languages they are learning both in and out of school. Professor Forsdick’s presentation was followed by interactive linguistic challenges drawn from the school’s innovative WolloW programme (World of Languages, Languages of the World). These activities allowed pupils to explore the connections between languages and discover unique systems like Braille, deepening their appreciation for the richness and variety of human communication. To conclude the event, Professor Forsdick joined Lower 6 linguists for a working lunch, where he offered invaluable advice on university applications, personal statements, and the benefits of studying languages at higher education level. His insights into year-abroad opportunities and career pathways inspired pupils to think ambitiously about their futures. Pupils left the event with a renewed sense of purpose and pride in their language learning, understanding more clearly how their skills can shape their place in the world. We are immensely grateful to Professor Forsdick for his generosity and enthusiasm, and we look forward to welcoming him back to The Close in the future.
