Every year, our Gala Folclórica becomes one of the most anticipated moments in our school calendar — a celebration of Chilean identity where students from Medio Mayor (Playgroup) to 12th grade Senior Years take the stage to share the richness of our folk traditions. This year was no exception, as families, teachers, and students came together to honour our culture through music, dance, and community spirit.
The English Immersion Program was once again proudly present, reinforcing our commitment to making English a natural part of school life, even in moments so deeply connected to our national identity. With a bilingual script, the gala reminded us that English at Colegio Concepción is not just about repetition, but about complementing Spanish with meaningful and authentic communication. One part in Spanish, another in English, both carrying their own weight, both inviting our students and audience to engage with language in a new way.
This year, the bilingual script was beautifully brought to life thanks to the voices of Ignacio Ortiz Figueroa (10th grade Senior Years) and Antonnia González Pavés (11th grade Senior Years), whose clear and expressive delivery gave rhythm and presence to the ceremony. Their contribution reflected not only their talent but also the confidence our students have developed through immersion in English.
The youngest members of our community, from Medio Mayor to Kindergarten, dazzled with dances representing diverse Chilean traditions, from northern rhythms to island influences, each performance was a display of joy, colour, and pride. It was heartwarming to see how, from such an early age, our children connect with their culture while also experiencing English as part of their everyday school life.
Being part of the Gala Folclórica with a bilingual script is a milestone for the English Immersion Program, as it demonstrates that innovation in education means weaving language into all experiences, academic and cultural alike. In doing so, we help our students not only to learn English, but to live it, in assemblies, in projects, and in celebrations that matter to them and their families.
We are proud of our students, proud of our traditions, and proud of our ongoing mission to nurture a school community that embraces language, culture, and innovation as key pillars of a 21st-century education.
