Bishop Cotton School (BCS) Shimla, held a French cultural event bringing the curriculum alive for the Classes 6 & 7 year groups in school. French is taken as a 3rd language after Hindi and English. The BCS French event was named after the famous French song by singer Edith Piaf ‘La Vie En Rose’ which translates as – Life in Pink. Chief Guests for the French evening were Rameshwar Singh Thakur, IPS Officer (with his wife) together with Francois Laederich, local French cheesemaker from Mashobra, with Amiksa Cheese.
When they arrived they were taken on a tour of the displays around the first flat in the school. The French students from classes 6 – 8 had their text books brought to life with a story of a little clown ‘Petite Patate’ and a dream sequence he has – travelling to another planet where the season change every day. Groups of boys explained the story of the clown to the visitors – in French first, putting into practice the language skills they have learnt over the past year. Then there was a French cultural show performed with a mixture of ages. French songs were sung by seniors and juniors and a traditional folk dance was performed – even French food were experienced together with a mime show, highlighting famous aspects of French culture. We even had our two BCS French boys from Paris help in getting the accents correct with the others. The whole event was a joy and thanks to all who worked so hard to put on such a fun and magical evening especially Mrs Radhika Sharma the French teacher, whose inspiration the event was.
Program French Event: “La Vie En Rose” (Life in Pink)
A celebration of French Culture, Language & Cuisine
Programme: A French Faire’
· A Mime, silent performance by the Clown
· A song : La Vie En Rose with the school band
· A Song : A La Vie Comme a La Mort with the school band
· A song : Alouette sung by the juniors
· A fashion show with a runway.
· A Folk Dance : La Poulida De Gemo
· A Hip-Hop Dance
· An Instrumental Piece by the school band: Comment Te Dire Adieu
· A Float – a Giant Clown with a Crown as in the Nice Festival.
· Chief Guest: Mr.Rameshwar Singh Thakur’s Address
· Guest of Honour: Mr.Francois Laederich, local French Cheese Maker
· The Director: Mr.Simon David Weale’s Address
· Vote of Thanks
· National Anthem of France
· French Food served in the Dining Hall
Bishop Cotton School, Shimla is one of the oldest residential boys’ schools in Asia (founded 1859) and has played a key part in shaping the development of public schools and education in India as well as producing a host of well-known and successful alumni.
