Partnership Working
11 October 2024 (SCILT)
We have had a great response from schools who would like to participate in this year’s languages mentoring programme. If you are interested in taking part, please note that this is the final call for applications before the deadline on Monday 4 November.
The Language Explorers Scotland (LES) programme aims to raise awareness amongst BGE secondary age learners of the far-reaching benefits of language learning by facilitating a short programme of discreet mentoring sessions led by university students with lived experiences of language learning and multiculturalism.
To access further information about the languages mentoring programme, including key dates, and to hear from last year’s student mentors, please visit the LES webpage. Successful schools should anticipate hosting their languages mentoring sessions between mid-November and the end of February, in liaison with their mentor.
Please note that this programme runs online, therefore it is imperative that interested schools have an adequate technical set-up and internet connection to allow for remote interactions between mentees and mentors. Geographical proximity to a university is not necessary.
Read more...
10 October 2024 (SCILT)
e-Sgoil is working with the Confucius Institute for Scotland's Schools to offer a 24-week Introduction to Mandarin language and culture to secondary school learners across Scotland.
The course will start w/c 28 October and will be taught via live lessons, delivered on MS Teams on Glow. There will be one 45-minute lesson per week, with options for whole classes to join during the school day, or for individual learners to join after school.
Visit the eSgoil website for more information and to register!
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Host a French-speaking trainee teacher
8 October 2024 (Haute école pédagogique Vaud)
The University of Teacher Education in the State of Vaud, Switzerland is developing an exchange programme to bring French-speaking trainee teachers to English-speaking countries to undertake two-month placements in secondary schools.
If you would like to host a participant in your school, see the flyer below for more information and to contact the programme coordinator.
Nihao China Association
8 October 2024 (SCEN)
The Nihao China Association aims to promote Chinese culture to primary and secondary school students in Scotland through recorded courses and in-person interactions, facilitating cultural exchange between China and the UK. We seek to help students gain a deeper understanding of traditional customs and contemporary developments in China, while also providing opportunities for Chinese university student volunteers in Scotland to foster cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.
See the attached pdf for a detailed outline of the Association's aims and for more information please contact Y.Shi-76@sms.ed.ac.uk
8 October 2024 (UK-German Connection)
We are delighted to launch applications for our School Partnership Bursaries! These bursaries are for schools (primary, secondary, SEN, FE) to keep their UK-German partnerships alive through supporting contact and collaborative engagement between pupils from September 2024 until December 2025.
The primary beneficiaries should be the young people and particularly those who would not otherwise have the opportunity to take part. The £1,000 bursary can support pupils' travel, accommodation and subsistence costs (some teacher costs can also be covered). Reduced bursaries are also available for virtual projects or joint activities for UK pupils during their German partner's visit in the UK.
Applications close 31 October 2024.
Before submitting your application, please visit the UK-German Connection website to familiarise yourself with our updated guidelines.
You can also register to attend a Q&A webinar about our funding opportunities on:
- Wednesday 23 October, 4.30-5.00pm BST.
Read more...
3 October 2024 (SCILT)
SCILT’s Language Ambassadors Online programme is a fully online offer available to all schools across the country. Our interactive monthly online sessions are led by student Language Ambassadors from universities across Scotland who are keen to share their experiences of learning languages and discovering new cultures. You can read more about the programme on our website. Sign up to bring your classes along to any/all of the sessions listed!
Upcoming sessions are as follows:
Wednesday 30 October: 9.00 – 10.00am
Tuesday 26 November: 2.00 – 3.00pm
Friday 24 January: 10.00 – 11.00am
Wednesday 26 February: 11.00am – 12.00pm
Tuesday 18 March: 2.00 – 3.00pm
All sessions will take place on Microsoft Teams. For more information and to book to bring your class(es) along, visit the Language Ambassadors Online programme webpage.
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3 October 2024 (SCILT)
Registrations are open for schools that would like to participate in this year’s Language Explorers Scotland mentoring programme. This programme aims to raise awareness amongst BGE secondary age learners of the far-reaching benefits of language learning by facilitating a short programme of discreet mentoring sessions led by university students with lived experiences of language learning and multiculturalism.
To access further information about the languages mentoring programme, including key dates, and to hear from last year’s student mentors, please visit the Language Explorers Scotland webpage. Successful schools should anticipate hosting their languages mentoring sessions between mid-November and the end of February, in liaison with their mentor.
Please note that this programme runs online, therefore it is imperative that interested schools have an adequate technical set-up and internet connection to allow for remote interactions between mentees and mentors. Geographical proximity to a university is not necessary.
Read more...
Fiestas and Celebrations in Scotland and Valencia
19 September 2024 (International School Partnerships Scotland)
Are you looking for something to engage your class and bring learning Spanish to life? Join us to explore traditions, culture and celebrations in both Spain and Scotland and connect with a Valencian school partner.
This is a highly motivating, inter-disciplinary project for young learners, combining language learning with expressive arts, technologies, social subjects and global citizenship. It can help young people become culturally aware, to learn about their own traditions and celebrations as well as those of others, and foster tolerance and understanding of diversity. Through collaborating and sharing with international partners, young people develop a variety of skills and abilities, including teamwork, creativity, problem solving, inter-cultural competences, leadership, organisation, linguistic confidence, and more.
How can I get involved?
This project is open to primary 5–7 learners and secondary S1–3 learners in any school offering Spanish language.
We are seeking to involve 10 schools in Scotland and 10 schools in Valencia. We will match you with a partner school to work with on collaborative activities over a 3 month period (November to February). Throughout this time, we will support you with curriculum related resources and a series of activities as you get to know your partner.
The project will involve a series of teacher webinars, introducing collaborative activities for classes to take part in, centred around traditional fiestas and celebrations. Young people will learn about traditions and festivals in their partner country, and will research their own cultural events in order to share them. Schools are expected to collaborate with their partner on these activities and share their work.
Want to take the partnership further? We will offer support to schools who wish to take their partnership further and apply for funding to enable a visit to Valencia.
To register your interest, please contact ISPScotland@outlook.com
19 September 2024 (UK-German Connection)
Don’t miss out on our upcoming opportunities for teachers and schools to promote cultural exchange in the classroom:
- Professional Enrichment Programme: funded CPD opportunity for teachers of any subject/sector to visit a school in Germany for 1-2 weeks in spring/summer 2025. No German language skills required. Applications close 27 September.
- Host a Teacher from Germany: free programme for teachers of any subject/sector to host a German colleague and boost your school’s international ethos across curriculum. Visits organised flexibly to suit your school. No German language skills required. Register by 27 September.
Visit the UK-German Connection website to find out more about our offers.
Read more...
Posted in:
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CPD,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
Language Explorers Scotland – registrations for 2024-25 are now open!
13 September 2024 (SCILT)
Registrations are now open for schools that would like to participate in this year’s Language Explorers Scotland mentoring programme. This programme aims to raise awareness amongst BGE secondary age learners of the far-reaching benefits of language learning by facilitating a short programme of discreet mentoring sessions led by university students with lived experiences of language learning and multiculturalism.
An information session for interested schools will take place on Tuesday 1 October from 4-5pm. To book your place at this information session and register your school’s interest in the LES programme, please complete this form by Monday 30 September. A link to the meeting will be shared with registered schools on the morning of Tuesday 1 October. Successful schools should anticipate hosting their languages mentoring sessions between mid-November and the end of February, in liaison with their mentor.
To access further information about the languages mentoring programme, including key dates, and to hear from last year’s student mentors, please visit the LES webpage.
Please note that this programme runs online, therefore it is imperative that interested schools have an adequate technical set-up and internet connection to allow for remote interactions between mentees and mentors. Geographical proximity to a university is not necessary.
22 August 2024 (UK-German Connection)
Don’t miss out on our upcoming opportunities for teachers and schools to promote cultural exchange in the classroom:
- Professional Enrichment Programme: funded CPD opportunity for teachers of any subject/sector to visit a school in Germany for 1-2 weeks in spring/summer 2025. No German language skills required. Applications close 27 September.
- Host a Teacher from Germany: free programme for teachers of any subject/sector to host a German colleague and boost your school’s international ethos across curriculum. Visits organised flexibly to suit your school. No German language skills required. Register by 27 September.
Visit the UK-German Connection website to find out more about our offers and to sign up for Q&A webinars.
Read more...
15 August 2024 (SCILT)
Session 2023-24 saw the first national roll-out of Language Explorers Scotland (formerly Scotland’s Languages Explorers Programme, SLEP), a flagship languages mentoring project run by SCILT in partnership with UCFLS. This mentoring programme was inspired by the success of similar mentoring programmes in the UK. Language Explorers Scotland (LES) aims to raise awareness amongst BGE secondary age learners of the far-reaching benefits of language learning by facilitating a short programme of mentoring sessions led by university students with lived experiences of language learning and multiculturalism.
Similar projects currently running in Wales and other parts of the UK have demonstrated that small group work with a student mentor can have a positive impact on learners in school, and lead to an increase in the number of learners continuing with languages into higher levels of study.
LES 2024-25 will run in partnership with universities across Scotland, including the Universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews, Stirling, Strathclyde, Heriot-Watt University and the Open University. Interested schools can find out more about the mentoring programme and hear from last year’s student mentors on the Language Explorers Scotland webpage.
This programme runs online, therefore it is imperative that interested schools have an adequate technical set-up and internet connection to allow for remote interactions between mentees and mentors. Geographical proximity to a university is not necessary. Further information, including key dates, can be found on the programme webpage. Registrations of interest will open in late September and the live link will be published in the SCILT weekly ebulletin and on the LES webpage. Successful schools should anticipate hosting their languages mentoring sessions between mid-November and the end of February, in liaison with their mentors.
Read more...
Moving Forward with Languages 2024-25
15 August 2024 (SCILT)
Following feedback from interested schools, SCILT has adapted the proposed format of the “Moving Forward with Languages 2024-25” conference days. These will now be as follows:
- Wednesday 11 September – in-person only conference day held at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow
- Wednesday 11 December – online only conference day
The conference workshops will be delivered in collaboration with colleagues in university languages departments across Scotland and are aimed at Higher and Advanced Higher language learners and their teachers! Please note that places for the September conference will be limited to 8 places per school (including staff).
The second conference day, held online, will take place on Wednesday 11 December. Registrations for this event will open in October.
Workshops at both conference days will cover a range of languages, and learners will have the chance to gather advice and tips on the languages that they are learning right now and get a flavour of what it is like to study languages at university level.
Registrations for the September in-person conference day at the University of Strathclyde will open on Friday 23 August via the SCILT ebulletin.
Please note that, due to SCILT’s funding conditions and the physical capacity restrictions of the in-person conference day, attendance at the September event is open to state schools only. Independent schools will be able to register for the online conference day in December.
20 June 2024 (SCILT)
Building on the success of the “Moving Forward with Languages” workshop series, SCILT has teamed up with languages departments from universities across Scotland to run not one, but two language conference days specifically for Higher and Advanced Higher language learners and their teachers!
Registrations will open in August for the first conference day, which will take place on Wednesday 11 September at the University of Strathclyde. The second conference day will take place in early December and the date will be confirmed early in the new session.
Both conference days will feature an in-person programme for those who can attend physically, and a separate online programme for those who would like to attend virtually. Workshops will cover a range of languages, and learners will have the chance to gather advice and tips on the languages that they are learning right now and get a flavour of what it is like to study languages at university level.
If you would like to receive more information about these conferences after the summer break, please register your interest via the form link below.
Read more...
18 June 2024 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection is inviting applications for a funded school partnership seminar taking place in Mainz, Germany from 21 to 24 November 2024. Open to UK teachers (all sectors and subject areas) with no active UK-German school partnership who are interested in linking with schools in Germany. The seminar includes school visits to gain insights into school life in Germany.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for full details and to apply by 10 July.
Read more...
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Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
German,
CPD,
Cultural Diversity,
Funding,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
18 June 2024 (SCILT / Education Scotland / BDA)
SCILT, Education Scotland and the British Deaf Association (BDA) have developed a case study that provides an insight into the experiences and challenges of Deaf young people in Scotland attending secondary school, college, or university. The case study focuses on what supported the Deaf young people to effectively engage and achieve in an educational setting. It also considers the benefits and opportunities of having Deaf and hearing parents involved in the wider life of the school and how they engaged in their child’s learning.
This case study highlights the need for understanding the opportunities, challenges, and experiences that Deaf young people can face in education. It also provides an insight into what supportive approaches allow them to engage in their learning which, is key to improving their outcomes.
In addition to the case study, there are reflective questions to help practitioners consider their practice in relation to the experiences and challenges of Deaf children and young people attending school, college, or university in Scotland.
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17 June 2024 (British Council)
Bring international learning to life by working with an overseas partner school!
Whether you want to increase understanding of global issues or enhance language learning, a school partnership can help you better engage pupils, reinforce existing projects, introduce new teaching approaches and, ultimately, improve learner outcomes.
The British Council offers a range of resources, guidance and learning opportunities for every step of your partnership journey – whether you’re looking for a partner or want to take an existing partnership to the next level.
Check out the free database of schools around the world looking to partner with a school in the UK.
Read more...
UK-German Connection opportunities for teachers
11 June 2024 (UK-German Connection)
UK teachers can now apply for the following funded opportunities for 2024-25. Follow the relevant link for more information:
- Host a Teacher from Germany - Boost your school’s international ethos, pupil motivation and teachers’ professional development by hosting a German teacher (in-person or virtually) for one, two or three weeks during the academic year – no costs involved for UK schools and German does not need to be offered at your school. Register by 1 July for autumn-term visits and by 27 September for visits during the spring and summer term.
- Professional Enrichment Programme - Funded opportunity for UK teachers to visit a school in Germany for 1-2 weeks, observe lessons and experience the German education system. Throughout the visit, you will have the chance to engage in CPD within an international context and exchange good practice with colleagues. Apply by 12 July to visit a German school in the autumn term, and 27 September for visits during the spring or summer term.
10 June 2024 (SCILT)
Session 2023-24 saw the first national roll-out of Language Explorers Scotland (formerly known as Scotland's Languages Explorers Programme, SLEP), a flagship languages mentoring project run by SCILT in partnership with UCFLS. This mentoring programme was inspired by the success of similar mentoring programmes in the UK. Language Explorers Scotland aims to raise awareness amongst BGE secondary age learners of the far-reaching benefits of language learning by facilitating a short programme of mentoring sessions led by university students with lived experiences of language learning and multiculturalism.
Similar projects currently running in Wales and other parts of the UK have demonstrated that small group work with a student mentor can have a positive impact on learners in school, and lead to an increase in the number of learners continuing with languages into higher levels of study.
Language Explorers Scotland 2024-25 will run in partnership with universities across Scotland, including the Universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews, Stirling, Strathclyde, Heriot-Watt University and the Open University. Interested schools can find out more about the mentoring programme and hear from last year’s student mentors on our Language Explorers Scotland webpage.
Please be aware that this programme runs online, therefore it is imperative that interested schools have an adequate technical set-up and internet connection to allow for remote interactions between mentees and mentors. Geographical proximity to a university is not necessary. Further information, including key dates, can be found on the programme webpage where registrations of interest will open in September and the live link will be published. Successful schools should anticipate hosting their languages mentoring sessions between mid-November and the end of February, in liaison with their mentors.
Read more...
14 May 2024 (UK-German Connection)
UK schools and further education colleges interested in hosting a teacher from Germany in 2024-25 can register now!
Applicants can host a German teacher (in-person or virtually) for one, two or three weeks during the academic year with no costs involved for UK schools.
The programme is open to teachers of all subjects and German does not need to be offered at your school.
Visit the UK-German Connection website to find out more about the programme. You can also register for one of the Q&A webinar sessions coming up on 20 May and 12 June.
Read more...
9 May 2024 (BBC)
Sharing knowledge between schools is a "win-win situation" when it comes to learning a second language, according to a Ballyclare teacher.
Pupils in the County Antrim town have come together to tackle the falling numbers of children who learn a second language in Northern Ireland.
Sixth form students from Ballyclare High School teach language classes to pupils in several local primary schools.
Jonny Nelson, head of Spanish at the school, said the lessons are mutually beneficial for the students.
Learning a second language is not compulsory for primary school children in Northern Ireland.
The 'Language Leaders' scheme allows primary school pupils to get a taste of German, French and Spanish, which they would not otherwise learn on the primary curriculum.
The sixth form students lead lessons including games and interactive activities for younger pupils, while they in turn are provided with leadership and teaching experience.
"Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK at the moment that doesn't have a primary languages programme as part of the curriculum so we have to take the steps to try and instil that knowledge and enthusiasm from day one," Mr Nelson told BBC News NI.
Read more...
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Primary,
Senior Phase,
French,
German,
Spanish,
Northern Ireland,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
Languages in the press
26 April 2024 (SCILT)
Today sees the launch of our latest Scottish Languages Employability Award - SLEA Green! This new award recognises and celebrates partnerships between schools and organisations in which languages, global citizenship and intercultural competencies are fostered to prepare local learners for their role as part of a global workforce.
Find out more and download the SLEA Green handbook on our website.
The most recent round of SLEA verifications in November 2024 saw five schools from four different local authorities collect an award. You can read about these varied and inspiring submissions below:
Bronze
Gold
The next verification date for the Scottish Languages Employability Award, SLEA Local and SLEA Green is 17 May 2024. Visit the SLEA pages of our website to find out how your school can achieve an award!
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22 April 2024 (French Ministry of Education / British Council)
Developed in partnership with the French Ministry of Education and Youth, the Franco-British version of British Council's Schools Connect programme provides teachers with classroom resources and useful information designed to enrich international teaching and learning.
Working with a wide range of schools across France through projects, events, courses and workshops, the British Council brings the best of UK expertise and innovation in school education and facilitates mutually beneficial relationships between school systems and professionals in France and the UK.
Visit the Schools Connect France website for more information and guidance on establishing a school partnership.
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9 April 2024 (Goethe-Institut)
We are keen to expand our GEM (German Expert Mentors) programme and would like to offer teachers across the UK the opportunity to offer school-to-school support via coaching and training. We are currently looking for German teachers in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland who would like to work for us as professional development trainers for German teachers. On behalf of the Goethe-Institut they will be offering coaching and training courses for German teachers across the UK.
Along with several years of experience in teaching German as a foreign language at a primary or secondary school, applicants must have the support and approval of their headteacher confirming that the school supports their participation in the programme.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for full details and to apply. Deadline extended to 7 May 2024.
Read more...
18 March 2024 (UK-German Connection)
Share your thoughts on UK-German school partnerships - whether you already have a long-standing partnership, have just started out, or would like to establish a link, UK-German Connection would like to hear your views. We are currently reviewing our opportunities and services that we provide to schools and teachers to determine how we can best support you and your UK-German school partnerships.
The survey closes on 17 April 2024. Your suggestions will be anonymised and will help us tailor and develop our future offers and support services.
In the survey, you will also have the opportunity to register your interest in a partner-finder seminar with teachers from Germany, expected to take place in Autumn 2024.
Thank you for your participation!
Read more...
Virtual exchange survey
14 March 2024 (PALINGUI Project)
Calling all pre-school and primary teachers!
We are conducting a study as part of the ERASMUS+ project INVITED, which focuses on integrating virtual exchange projects into language teacher education. Our partnership includes Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg and the Universities of Murcia, Strathclyde, Ljubljana, and Warsaw.
We are interested in understanding in-service teachers’ attitudes, experiences, perceived competence, problems, and needs related to virtual exchange. To gather this information, we have created a questionnaire. The goal is to use the data to develop a teacher education module and professional development course.
Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary. The gathered information will be used exclusively for the project and will remain strictly anonymous. No personal data will be collected. You have the right to withdraw from the research at any point without providing justification. The questionnaire should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Any queries should be directed to Ingeborg Birnie, UK Coordinator of PALINGUI - Making Language Learning Pathways visible in children age 3-12, based at the University of Strathclyde.
Complete the survey
8 March 2024 (SCILT / ISPS)
SCILT, in partnership with International School Partnerships Scotland (ISPS), is seeking to create mobility opportunities for Scotland’s schools. We are creating a consortium which will bid for funding from the Turing Scheme to support this. This opportunity is open to all state secondary schools in Scotland, and we are currently seeking expressions of interest from those who:
EITHER
- Already have a partnership with a school in any country
OR
- Are interested in working with a partner school in Spain
Subject to a successful bid, schools will be given funding that will enable them to work in collaboration with their international partner school. The aim will be for schools to co-design a bespoke visit that will support language learning and deepen cultural understanding.
SCILT will submit the Turing bid on behalf of the consortium and will facilitate the reporting process. Through our partners at ISPS, we can also help schools to find an appropriate partner, and be supported and mentored throughout the project, including the management of the mobility visits to partner schools.
Schools will be responsible for the organisation and management of all aspects of the visit, and for submitting monthly reports to SCILT.
To submit your expression of interest, fill in the form below by 12 noon on Thursday 14 March 2024. Places will be limited to 6 schools, and a maximum of 30 learners per school, accompanied by three staff members.
We appreciate the short notice of the opportunity, however all Turing bids must be submitted by 21 March.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a speculative call, and all projects will be dependent on the successful outcome of the Turing application. All mobilities will have to be completed by 30 June 2025.
Read more...
20 February 2024 (UK-German Connection)
The Professional Enrichment Programme offers qualified UK teachers a funded opportunity to visit a German school for 1-2 weeks during the 2023-24 school year to develop skills and knowledge through intercultural exchange.
The programme is open to teachers of all disciplines and you don’t need to have an existing link with Germany to take part. Teachers can either visit their partner school or be matched with a German host school.
Application deadline: 1 March 2024
A Q&A webinar is being held on Tuesday 27 February at 4.30pm to answer your questions and provide guidance.
Read more...
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
German,
CPD,
Cultural Diversity,
Funding,
Language Learning,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
German Pupil Courses 2024
9 February 2024 (UK-German Connection)
Applications for UK-German Connection's summer courses for German learners and CPD opportunities for teachers are now open. Encourage your pupils to apply for this unique chance to spend two weeks in Germany, bringing language learning to life!
German Pupil Courses
- Two-week partly-funded course in July or August for pupils in Year 10 & 12 (England, Wales) / Year 11 & 13 (Northern Ireland) / S3 & S5 (Scotland).
- Open to enthusiastic and committed students who have been learning German for at least two years and have an interest in experiencing the culture first-hand through excursions, lessons, and staying with a host family.
- Apply by 1 March 2024
“The opportunity to have German language and cultural lessons at a school, therefore experiencing the school day, and generally connecting with others in the group - as well as host siblings - was invaluable”
(2023 Participant)
CPD opportunity for teachers
- Paid roles available for qualified secondary UK teachers to act as group leaders on the German Pupil Courses in July or August and accompany a group of pupils to Germany.
- Immerse yourself in school and cultural life in Germany whilst leading language lessons and workshops in an authentic environment and gaining invaluable leadership skills.
- Deadline: 1 March 2024
“I am so very grateful to have had the faith shown in me to be a Group Leader. I absolutely loved working with the participants and all the German teachers; there was just such a feel-good atmosphere to the whole experience.”
(2023 Group Leader)
Upcoming Q&A webinars
We’re hosting Q&A webinars for pupils, parents, and teachers throughout the application period to offer guidance and answer your questions. Upcoming dates:
- Thursday, 22 February
- Monday, 26 February
- Wednesday, 28 February
Should you require further information, please don’t hesitate to send us an email at pupilprogrammes@ukgermanconnection.org
Posted in:
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
German,
CPD,
Cultural Diversity,
Funding,
Immersion,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
UK-German Connection initiatives
30 January 2024 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection offers a range of opportunities for UK-German school partnerships. The following initiatives are currently available. Follow the title link for more information:
German Pupil Courses – Applications open
Applications for the German Pupil Courses this summer are now open. These 2-week immersive courses offers UK pupils the opportunity to experience Germany and its culture, language and lifestyle first-hand through spending time with host families and undertaking cultural activities.
Pupils in S3 or S5 who are learning German and are enthusiastic to gain an insight into life in Germany and practise their language skills are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open until 1 March 2024
CPD Opportunity – German Pupil Course Group Leaders
Paid roles are available for secondary teachers to act as group leaders on the summer German Pupil Courses, accompanying a group of 12 pupils to Germany and spend two weeks immersed in the daily life, German language, and culture.
Applications are open until 1 March 2024
Applications for Professional Enrichment Programme are now open
The Professional Enrichment Programme offers qualified UK teachers a funded opportunity to visit a German school for 1-2 weeks during the 2023-24 school year to develop skills and knowledge through intercultural exchange.
The programme is open to teachers of all disciplines and you don’t need to have an existing link with Germany to take part. Teachers can either visit their partner school or be matched with a German host school.
Application deadline: 1 March 2024
On Thursday, 1 February and Tuesday, 27 February at 4.30pm we are hosting a Q&A webinar to answer your questions and provide guidance.
Posted in:
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
German,
CPD,
Funding,
Immersion,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
Upcoming UK-German opportunities
16 January 2024 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection offers a range of opportunities to foster partnerships between schools in the UK and Germany. Follow the relevant links below to learn more about their upcoming initiatives:
For teachers
- Professional Enrichment Programme - funded opportunity for qualified UK teachers to visit a German school for one or two weeks during the summer term of 2023-24. Apply by 1 March 2024. You can also find out more at the Q&A webinar on 1 February.
For students
- German pupil courses - open to Year 10 and 12 pupils (and equivalent years in Scotland and Northern Ireland) offering pupils the chance to spend two immersive weeks in Germany experiencing the culture and language. Applications open 24 January and close on 1 March 2024. Teachers of German can also experience the immersion and excitement by applying to be a Group Leader and accompany a group of motivated young people and surround yourself with natives to sharpen your language skills.
- Café Connect for Schools and Youth Groups - adapted from our classic ‘Café Connect‘, for individual young people, we are now offering this virtual exchange café to partner schools and youth groups as a chance to meet up online in a friendly atmosphere and take part in fun, interactive activities, and group discussions on current topics.
- Still & Sparkling Youth Newsletter - share this opportunity with creative individuals aged 14+ who would like to contribute to our youth newsletter. Successful submissions will be published in our next edition and featured on our social media channels. Deadline: 9 February 2024.
Funding
- Grants for joint activities - grants are available for schools and youth groups with a partner in Germany for planning visits and group exchange trips. Applications can be submitted at any time provided they reach us at least six weeks before the start of the trip or project. Sign up for Q&A webinars on funding strands on the webpage.
If you have any further questions about the range of opportunities available, email the team at partnerships@ukgermanconnection.org
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
German,
CPD,
Funding,
Immersion,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
16 January 2024 (Global Seal of Biliteracy)
Global Seal of Biliteracy invites language educators to join its third cohort of the Global Classroom Pair-Share.
Global Classroom Pair-Share is a new, innovative way to connect classrooms around the globe with a shared focus on learning language and discovering new places and cultures. If you’re interested in growing your students’ language skills while growing global connections, you are the perfect candidate to participate. Global Classroom Pair-Share provides teachers with FREE professional development, opportunities to collaborate with other language teachers from around the world and participate in multiple real-time and asynchronous classroom interactions.
Teachers can match with another global classroom for three months with an expectation of one shared collaborative project per month. At the end of the three months, teacher participants can receive three free student tests to qualify for a Global Seal of Biliteracy. Signing up for the programme includes free professional development on second language acquisition and lesson design.
This programme starts in February and is open to language classrooms in mainstream and heritage schools.
Visit the Global Seal of Biliteracy website for more information and to register by 22 January.
Read more...
9 January 2024 (UK-German Connection)
Exclusive opportunity for young people aged 14-19 to go on a live-streamed virtual trip and explore the impacts of overconsumption on communities around the world.
Your pupils are invited to discover more first-hand and visit the countries and sites affected by overconsumption and interacting with experts joining directly from second-hand clothes markets and landfills. In collaboration with Globe from Home, Journey to Change aims to raise awareness of sustainable practice beyond the classroom and facilitate intercultural dialogue between young people from the UK and Germany to come up with solutions for a sustainable future together. This is not to be missed!
There are two free upcoming virtual trips for pupils to take part in. Both are open to pupils with or without German language knowledge:
Re-thinking fashion (industry)
Friday, 19 January 2024 1.45-3.15pm (online – Zoom) – with short warm-up session the evening before
Food and food waste
Friday, 26 January 2024 1.45-3.15pm (online – Zoom) – with short warm-up session the evening before
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information and to register. If you have any questions about the event you can also contact us at youthseminar@ukgermanconnection.org.
Read more...
5 January 2024 (eSgoil)
Looking to broaden your learners' horizons and your school's curricular offer? We are offering a range of language NQs and work-related courses for 2024-25, delivered at no cost via live, online and interactive lessons.
Explore the details in the online brochure.
Read more...
Posted in:
S1-S3,
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Gaelic,
German,
Italian,
Spanish,
Scotland,
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National Qualifications,
Partnership Working,
News from language & education organisations,
Urdu
19 December 2023 (ECML)
This resource website supports teachers and educators working with children aged 3 to 12 in making all language learning visible in the education system through observation, documentation, and assessment.
PALINGUI offers essential information about early language learning as well as tools and tasks that will help to observe, document, and assess young children's language learning pathways in a multilingual context.
There are also reflective tools for teachers and educators which invite you to reflect on different aspects of your professional practice and the educational context in which you work.
Read more...
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Primary,
All Languages,
Europe,
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CPD,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Multilingualism,
Partnership Working,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
11 December 2023 (Press and Journal)
It was a pleasure recently to visit Cults Academy and talk to S3 pupils about the horizons broadened by language learning.
We were joined by a final-year student from the University of Aberdeen, who enthused them with stories about her placement year in France. As many do, she had found her time abroad transformative.
Being part of daily life and culture in another country is a hothouse for language skills. And living on one’s wits in another language is ideal for building personal confidence and resilience.
With their passion for global languages and cultures, our students are ideal ambassadors. They can inspire the next generation of learners and remind them that all the hard work of “getting the grammar right” is worth the effort, because it unlocks the door to new ways of seeing the world.
In partnership with SCILT, Scotland’s national centre for languages, the University of Aberdeen has developed a new language mentoring scheme that pairs languages students with budding linguists in schools.
Read more...
21 November 2023 (UK-German Connection)
UK teachers interested in visiting a German school in the spring or summer term of 2023-24 can now apply to take part in the UK-German Connection's Professional Enrichment Programme.
Successful applicants will receive a grant to help cover expenses for their in-person visit to a German school on the basis of a brief costing plan.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information about the programme and to apply by Friday 15 December 2023. You can also register for an online Q&A webinar taking place on Monday, 27 November, 4.30-5pm.
Read more...
31 October 2023 (British Council)
Get ready for International Education Week 2023!
Taking place from 13 to 17 November, the event this year celebrates international partnerships.
We’ve got lots of information and resources to help you open your students’ eyes to the world and build bridges to other cultures.
Join us to explore the power of partnerships to bring schools together across the globe, engaging and motivating students and helping them discover other languages, countries and cultures.
Visit the British Council website to discover the many ways your school can get involved.
Read more...
26 October 2023 (SCILT)
The Scottish Languages Employability Award (SLEA) celebrates schools delivering DYW through languages and school-business partnerships whilst recognising good practice in this area. The award, which is available at bronze, silver and gold levels, supports teachers in raising awareness of the value of language skills in their school community.
The next deadline for submissions is Friday 17 November 2023.
Visit the SLEA webpage for more information.
Read more...
24 October 2023 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection's Flexible Funding Scheme supports joint activities and projects between UK and German partner schools and youth groups, including visits or virtual activities.
The next deadline for funding applications is approaching. Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information and submit applications by 31 October.
Read more...
10 October 2023 (British Council)
International Education Week 2023 will take place from 13 to 17 November and this year, we’re celebrating international partnerships.
Join the British Council to explore the power of partnerships to bring schools together across the globe, engaging and motivating students and helping them discover other languages, countries and cultures.
We’ll be planning events and sharing resources over the coming weeks, so keep checking the website!
Read more...
6 October 2023 (SCILT)
The SLEA (Scottish Languages Employability Award) family is expanding! We have now launched the SLEA – Local, which aims to encourage and support the development of partnership activities involving a number of schools within a local area or network. The SLEA – Local recognises and rewards employability-focused partnerships organised at a wider local level by teachers, DYW officers or cluster leads.
For more information and details of how to apply, as well as the chance to read about our very first winners from Ayshire Chamber of Commerce and surrounding schools, visit the SLEA – Local webpage.
To find out more about how this fits in with the SLEA family, see the main SLEA award webpage.
And watch this space for the next family member, coming in 2024; the SLEA – Green!
Read more...
28 September 2023 (Open University)
Give your language lessons some real-life purpose and make connections with colleagues across the UK!
Are you looking for some new ideas to make foreign language learning fun, engaging and relevant? Would you like to find new ways of embedding language policy in the classroom whilst developing your own foreign language speaking and teaching skills? Would you appreciate some help and guidance with planning your language lessons, ideas, and have someone with whom to share your reflections, successes and failures?
Then look no further! Frogston Primary School in Edinburgh in collaboration with The Open University are offering a brand-new eTwinning opportunity for all primary practitioners across the UK. It’s free, totally colleague/pupil-led, designed to enhance and practice your languages teaching, learning and assessment.
In this eTwinning initiative, teachers organise and run on-site and online activities with their students. This involves planning with colleagues from other schools around the UK using ready-made lessons and timeframes provided as a guide.
This is an ideal opportunity to meet teachers and educators who share a vision of engaging and impactful learning, using ICT in a meaningful way, and making the most of 21st-century skills. We will provide lessons, resource ideas, guidance, and an online platform where eTwinners can communicate, create projects, share, and learn together at their own pace in line with their interests and the needs of their classes.
The programme begins on 1 November, after the mid-term break. By signing up, you will:
- Be put in contact with an eTwinning partner… a class of similar age/stage in a school in a different location from your own, who are learning the same language as you.
- Be given a portfolio of 6 fully planned eTwinning lessons which are completely adaptable and flexible.
- Be given a secure digital space where you will find all related materials and in which you can plan with your colleagues.
To participate, sign up on this Eventbrite page and we will contact you by 1 November 2023 to explain the next steps.
Read more...
Invite a team of Strathclyde Language Ambassadors to your school!
28 September 2023 (University of Strathclyde)
At the University of Strathclyde, beyond supporting the Language Ambassadors Online and the Language Explorers Programme, we are still offering on-site visits in 2023-24.
So, get your learners to discover the joys of discovering a new culture and learning and being able to use another language by organising a visit from one of our Language Ambassadors teams to your school!
Our Language Ambassadors are students of French, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish, on various degrees, including BA Honours in French and Spanish, International Business and a Modern Language, Law and a Language but also Engineering and Science degrees and they are keen to share their experiences of learning and using their languages as well as discovering new cultures.
This programme is free of charge and provides student role models to promote languages to young people in your school. We aim to encourage your learners to engage with young adults who have decided to study languages at university and to have a positive impact on the number of learners who choose languages as part of their high school curriculum.
We can deliver a range of activities, such as:
- A presentation about their experiences as university language learners and their experiences abroad;
- Q&A sessions about the benefits of studying a language;
- A small group discussion for Senior phase students who have already selected a language;
- Micro-presentations as part of a school-wide event
Want to book a visit from a Language Ambassadors team in 2023-24? Simply contact Cédric Moreau now!
Posted in:
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
Chinese,
French,
Italian,
Spanish,
Scotland,
Language Ambassadors,
Language Learning,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
Strathclyde University,
News from language & education organisations
28 September 2023 (SCILT)
SCILT’s Language Ambassadors Programme has relaunched as a fully online offer available to all schools across the country. Our interactive monthly online sessions are led by student Language Ambassadors from universities across Scotland who are keen to share their experiences of learning languages and discovering new cultures.
Visit our Language Ambassadors Programme webpage to find out more about the programme and to register to bring your class(es) along to any/all of the sessions listed!
Read more...
21 September 2023 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection provides opportunities for young people, teachers and schools in the UK and Germany to come together. Their initiatives range from providing grants and bursaries for partnership activities, pupil courses and scholarships, the opportunity to host a teacher from Germany, virtual café sessions for young people to meet in a safe space and much more. The following activity deadlines are fast approaching. Follow the relevant link for more information:
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information about the range of available opportunities.
Read more...
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S1-S3,
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Cultural Diversity,
Funding,
Immersion,
Language Learning,
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Study Abroad,
News from language & education organisations
5 September 2023 (UK-German Connection)
The Host a Teacher from Germany programme enables schools to host a German teacher (in-person or virtually) for one, two or three weeks during the academic year – no costs involved for UK schools.
All schools and further education colleges in the UK can register. The programme is open to teachers of all subjects and German does not need to be offered at your school; visiting teachers are either teachers of English or have good knowledge of the English language.
Schools interested in hosting a German teacher in 2023-24 can now register by 25 September 2023 (to host in the spring and/or summer term).
NEW! UK teachers participating in the Host a Teacher from Germany 2023-24 programme can express their interest in a return visit for one or two weeks during 2023-24.
UK-German Connection will run a Q&A webinar for UK schools on Tuesday 19 September 2023.
Visit the website for more information and to register for the Q&A session.
Read more...
7 July 2023 (The Northern Scot)
Buckie High have become the first Moray school to strike gold with a major languages award.
The school finished the term on a high by celebrating achieving their Gold Scottish Languages Employability Award (SLEA), which is valid for two years. The award helps schools and businesses to build partnerships through languages in order to develop young people's learning about the world of work and the value of language skills.
It follows on from BCHS claiming their silver award last year when they worked with major local employer Associated Seafoods Ltd (ASL), a collaboration which has been running for the last six or seven years. This time around, Buckie High expanded on the employer base involved, with Chivas Bros, Johnston's of Elgin and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Moray joining ASL in working with the school.
Read more...
6 July 2023 (Clydebank Post)
A Clydebank school was said to have 'impressed judges' on their way to picking up a top educational award for languages.
Pupils across three age groups at St Peter the Apostle High School were praised for their 'passion' for languages such as Gaelic and Spanish as they landed the Gold Scottish Languages Employability Award from SCILT - Gold Scottish Languages Employability Award from SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages and the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s Schools.
The recognition award - launched in 2019 - was developed by SCILT as a way of delivering DYW (Developing the Young Workforce) through languages, encouraging school-business partnerships and recognising good practice in this area.
Read more...
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Spanish,
Scotland,
Awards,
Business,
Careers,
Celebrating Languages,
Language Learning,
Partnership Working,
Languages in the press
13 June 2023 (British Council)
If you’re new to international collaboration, a short-term partnership could open the door to a world of opportunities for your school.
To make getting started even easier, you can apply to join a British Council guided partnership, where a dedicated partnership facilitator will guide you through a short-term, collaborative, curriculum-based project with an overseas partner.
The next round will take the theme of climate change, a major topic of concern for children around the world. Starting in September 2023 and running through the autumn term, we will facilitate your partnership with a range of curriculum-related activities.
Visit the British Council website for more information and to apply by 14 July 2023.
Read more...
13 June 2023 (CISS)
The latest edition of the CISS newsletter has been published. Read about the many activities and initiatives going on across the Confucius Classroom Hub Network and CISS’s work to support the learning and teaching of Mandarin, including competitions, online learning and events.
Read more...
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
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Chinese,
Scotland,
Celebrating Languages,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
CISS news
11 May 2023 (British Council)
As part of the British Council's EU/UK Youth Stronger Together programme, the Social Action strand focusing on schools offers thematic events, workshops and competitions to facilitate partnership building between schools in the UK and EU.
Aspiring to highlight the role of young people aged 15–18 as changemakers, active global citizens and leaders at local, national and European level, key activities include:
- Virtual thematic events on topics of common interest, generated by young people themselves
- International school partnerships between schools in the EU and the UK working together on social action campaign projects
Winners of the school partnership competition will have the opportunity to take part in an international face-to-face workshop on digital campaigning for social purpose!
Schools interested in taking part in the programme should complete the short survey on the British Council website by 15 June 2023.
Read more...
10 May 2023 (TES)
Few would contest that the ability to communicate in more than one language is a very good thing. Scotland’s National Centre for Languages (SCILT), driven by this belief, supports languages wherever they are spoken, used and learned across the country, because there is growing evidence that they boost brain power, improve memory, enhance multi-tasking ability and improve performance in other academic areas.
It is therefore troubling to see a growing trend in recent years for learners in secondary schools to drop languages in favour of other subjects as they progress into later years of study.
For several years, young people in Wales have benefited from a mentoring scheme led by colleagues at the University of Cardiff, which appears to be winning hearts and minds. So, when we heard that the Northern Alliance, the University of Aberdeen and the Open University were planning a similar collaboration, we at SCILT felt compelled to get involved so that similar opportunities could be offered to young people in Scotland. From these initial discussions, Scotland’s Language Explorer Programme was born.
(Note - subscription required to access full article)
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10 May 2023 (TES)
Few would contest that the ability to communicate in more than one language is a very good thing. Scotland’s National Centre for Languages (SCILT), driven by this belief, supports languages wherever they are spoken, used and learned across the country, because there is growing evidence that they boost brain power, improve memory, enhance multi-tasking ability and improve performance in other academic areas.
It is therefore troubling to see a growing trend in recent years for learners in secondary schools to drop languages in favour of other subjects as they progress into later years of study.
For several years, young people in Wales have benefited from a mentoring scheme led by colleagues at the University of Cardiff, which appears to be winning hearts and minds. So, when we heard that the Northern Alliance, the University of Aberdeen and the Open University were planning a similar collaboration, we at SCILT felt compelled to get involved so that similar opportunities could be offered to young people in Scotland. From these initial discussions, Scotland’s Language Explorer Programme was born.
(Note - subscription required to access full article)
Read more...
A Global Citizenship Approach to French - Free new materials for French learners!!
4 May 2023 (Scotdec / University of Stirling / SCILT)
‘Remembering Empire’ is an interdisciplinary learning programme for pupils of French in S3 and AH, developed by Dr Fiona Barclay (University of Stirling) with the support of the AHRC to build language competence and global citizenship values by exploring France’s empire in Algeria. You can read more about the project and materials on SCILT's website.
Join Scotdec for a series of workshops for BGE and AH French teachers alongside Dr Barclay introducing you to the materials, and providing guidance on discussing themes of colonisation, immigration and refugees within the context of a Global Citizenship approach. More information, dates and sign-up information on the flyer attached below.
In addition, SCILT and Scotdec are joining forces to present a webinar on Active Global Citizenship Through Modern Languages on Thursday 1 June, 4-5pm. As well as general strategies, this webinar will also introduce the Remembering Empire project materials. Register for the free event!
4 May 2023 (UK-German Connection)
Would you like to boost your school’s international ethos, pupil motivation and teachers’ professional development? Through the Host a Teacher from Germany programme, your school can host a German teacher (in-person or virtually) for one, two or three weeks during the academic year – no costs involved for UK schools.
All schools and further education colleges in the UK can register. The programme is open to teachers of all subjects and German does not need to be offered at your school.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for full details and register interest by 31 May 2023. Interested schools can also register for Q&A webinar sessions about the programme being held on 10 and 25 May.
Read more...
27 April 2023 (SCILT)
The Scottish Languages Employability Award (SLEA) celebrates innovation in schools delivering DYW through languages, encouraging school-business partnerships and recognising good practice in this area. The award, which is available at bronze, silver and gold levels, supports teachers in raising awareness of the importance of languages in their school community.
The next deadline for submissions is Friday 19 May 2023.
If you're looking for inspiration you can read about our most recent award winners via the case studies on our website. You will also find the full application guidelines and submission form.
If you have any questions about the award or the submission process please contact SCILT.
Read more...
24 February 2023 (SCILT)
Applications for Scotland's Languages Leadership Programme 2023-24 (SLLP) open until 5pm on Monday 24 April.
The SLLP builds leadership capacity to achieve a sustainable model for leading language learning and teaching for all. Applications are welcome from colleagues with 3 years' teaching experience or equivalent, who are interested in developing approaches to language learning and in implementing change in their own contexts. This might include classroom teachers, principal teachers, heads of department, heads of faculty or languages lead practitioners.
This online programme is free of charge to state schools and offers participants the opportunity to engage with the most up-to-date information from Education Scotland and other agencies involved in the delivery of Scotland’s languages policy.
Visit our Professional Learning page for more information about the programme and how to apply. You can also sign up for an online information session which will be hosted by SCILT and Education Scotland on Thursday 23 March.
Read more...
Summer courses in Germany
8 February 2023 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection offers summer opportunities for German learners; these bring language-learning to life by combining language lessons with cultural trips and excursions, as well as staying with host families. The application deadline for all programmes is 1 March 2023.
The programmes are open to pupils who have been learning German for at least 2 years and are eager to actively put their German knowledge to use.
These programmes take place on different dates during July and August. More information can be found on the dedicated webpages.
There is also an opportunity for for secondary teachers to act as group leaders on the German Pupil Courses. These are paid roles. Follow the link below for more information:
Posted in:
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
German,
CPD,
Cultural Diversity,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
27 January 2023 (SCILT)
The Scottish Languages Employability Award was developed by SCILT and Bòrd na Gàidhlig and launched in 2019 as a way of delivering DYW through languages, encouraging school-business partnerships and recognising good practice in this area. Since then we have received fantastic submissions from primary and secondary schools right across the country, and we have awarded recognition at Bronze, Silver, Gold and even Platinum levels!
Following review, we are delighted to launch our revised documentation, which is designed to streamline the application process and to give as much guidance as possible to schools who would like to apply. Have a look at the new handbook and application form on our website now – we look forward to receiving your submissions!
Read more...
12 December 2022 (UK-German Connection)
Keeping up connections between the UK and Germany remains as important as ever. To help keep school partnerships alive, UK-German Connection offers special partnership bursaries of £1,000.00 for you and your partner school.
Applications for the 2022-23 school partnership bursaries are now open until 31 January 2023.
Read more...
8 November 2022 (British Council)
International Education Week is back!
From 14 to 18 November, we’re coming together to recognise the value of bringing the world into the classroom and celebrate international work happening in schools.
With this year’s International Education Week taking place during COP27 in Egypt – the UN’s global climate change conference, where world leaders will discuss the future of climate action – we’re focusing on collaborating for a cleaner, greener future.
As well as offering a range of opportunities to help you and your students take positive action for a greener tomorrow, we’re also showcasing our favourite classroom resources, to help you get started on your international journey.
Join the free webinar Education Exchange: embedding climate education across the whole curriculum taking place on 16 November which will explore the practice of teachers who are embedding climate education across their whole school curriculum and into some of the harder-to-reach subjects.
Visit the British Council website for more information and to register for the webinar.
Read more...
20 October 2022 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection offers a range of grants for joint activities between schools and youth groups in the UK and Germany.
The next deadline for their Flexible Funding Scheme is 31 October 2022.
Visit the website for more information and to submit your application.
Read more...
22 September 2022 (British Council)
Is your school looking to apply for British Council International School Award Accreditation/Reaccreditation? Free webinars are taking place in October and November to support schools with their applications.
Visit the website to find out more and book your place.
Read more...
8 September 2022 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection offers a wide range of initiatives for young people, schools and youth groups. The organisation aims to bring young people in the UK and Germany together through a range of grants, advisory services, networks and programmes – both face-to-face and digitally.
Follow the relevant link below to find out more about their current opportunities:
- Host a Teacher from Germany - enable primary and secondary pupils to gain an insight into German culture by hosting a teacher from Germany for 2-3 weeks next Spring.
- Funding - a range of grants for joint activities between schools and youth groups now open for applications.
- Café Connect - free virtual cultural exchange meetings giving young people aged 14-18 the chance to connect with UK and German peers through fun, interactive activities, group discussions on current topics and informal chat.
- Voyage Kids - a digital magazine for primary pupils to discover German language and culture.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for information on the full range of services available.
Read more...
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S1-S3,
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Funding,
Language Learning,
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Promoting Languages,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
26 August 2022 (SCILT)
We are beyond delighted to share with you our brand new case study that focuses on language learning in the Early Years! The Early Years Creative Puppetry project, or EYCP as it has become lovingly known, focuses on the work of a professional learning partnership (PLP) that took place during the Spring and Summer terms of 2022. The PLP involved around 40 teachers and early years practitioners from 20 schools and early learning centres across Scotland, alongside Tania Czajka, bilingual author, qualified early years practitioner and Teaching Artist and two Professional Development Officers from SCILT.
The EYCP project highlights how the use of puppet-making and bilingual storybooks can be an effective approach to support language learning at Early Level within a play-based setting. Here we share what the project entailed for educators and children, as well as the impact it has had on all participating partners.
You can access the case study directly on our website.
Access this and other case studies for Professional Learning Partnerships on our dedicated webpage.
Read more...
4 July 2022 (Northern Scot)
Buckie High's partnership with a major local employer has seen them scoop a prestigious national award.
For the past six years, BCHS has been working closely with Associated Seafoods Ltd (ASL), who export their salmon and other products across the globe. One of the many benefits accruing from the partnership has been the opportunity to use and expand a range of languages.
Most recently, the school and ASL were able to resume the S1 seafood project, which brought together a whole host of skills.
The hard work has brought its own rewards in that shape of a silver Scottish Languages Employability Award.
Read more...
23 May 2022 (UK-German Connection)
Calling all young people aged between 12 and 25! Want to have your voice heard on the future of UK-German youth relations? Have your say below!
So much has changed in the last few years. From lockdowns and learning from home, to travel restrictions and political upheaval, it’s affected us all, young and old, no matter where we are in the world.
Whilst the world may be a different place, connections between Germany and the UK are still important. That’s why we’ve put together our ‘Have your say’ survey to get your input on reimagining youth connections with Germany.
Read more...
13 May 2022 (SCILT)
The latest edition of the SCILT newsletter has been published!
Read about SCILT’s work to support the learning and teaching of languages, including our professional learning opportunities, our motivating competitions and our online classes and events. Find out how schools celebrated Languages Week Scotland 2022, and hear from local authorities about their latest inspiring initiatives. There is also the opportunity to read about the work our partners have been doing to support language learning in Scotland.
This edition also features a special article from Mandy Reeman-Clark, who reflects on 18 years at SCILT and CISS on the occasion of her retirement.
If you would like to contribute an article to a future edition of the newsletter you can read the submission guidelines on our website, and email your entries to SCILT.
Read more...
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Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
1+2,
All Languages,
Celebrating Languages,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
SCILT news
UK-German connections
29 April 2022 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection offers a range of initiatives and support to help UK-German school partnerships thrive. Follow the appropriate link below to learn more about the opportunities available to schools and young people:
- Host a teacher from Germany - UK schools interested in hosting a teacher from Germany in 2022-23 can register now. Q&A webinars are also being offered during May and June for all UK schools interested in finding out more.
- Funding programmes - A range of grants are available for joint activities between schools and youth groups. Primary, secondary, FE colleges and youth groups can apply now.
- Still & Sparkling: UK-German Youth Newsletter - Written by young people, for young people, the newsletter is aimed at ages 14-25, and includes content in both English and German. The latest edition is now available online.
- Café Connect - Sessions are a great opportunity for 14-18 year-olds to practise their German and explore cultural topics with peers in the UK and Germany. Meetings are free to attend and give young people an informal and comfortable environment to make friends and develop linguistic and intercultural skills.
The organisation is keen to hear from young people about their views on the future of UK-German youth relations and invites young people aged 12-25 to complete a 'Have your say' survey. The survey closes on 24 June 2022.
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
German,
Cultural Diversity,
Funding,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
News from language & education organisations
19 April 2022 (British Council)
With the Commonwealth Games due to take place in Birmingham this summer, this schools resource is designed to celebrate the Commonwealth Games of 2022 and the ongoing work that the Commonwealth is doing to improve the lives of its citizens.
The pack includes a variety of activities for primary learners and offers opportunities to partner with other schools across the Commonwealth to exchange ideas and work together.
Whilst not specifically aimed at the languages curriculum, there is scope to adapt activities to contain a language focus and explore the cultures of different Commonwealth countries.
Read more...
28 March 2022 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection offers a range of grants to primary and secondary schools (including SEN schools), FE colleges and youth groups for UK-German activities.
They also offer school partnership bursaries to help schools maintain existing links with Germany.
Funding applications are now open! Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information on the grants available.
Read more...
28 February 2022 (Scottish Government)
Year 2 of the Turing Scheme is launching today. This will provide organisations with the opportunity to register projects taking place in the 2022-23 Academic Year.
There are four key actions that can be taken from 28 February:
Visit the updated Turing website to:
- Register to apply for funding
- Subscribe to the new Capita newsletter mailing list
- Sign up for webinars
- Start planning your organisation’s application
Note the programme is now administered by Capita on behalf of the DfE. They have a dedicated team of staff available to help plan and submit applications. Support will be available from 28 February via the Contact Us page on the website and via an online system for those who register.
Read more...
21 January 2022 (SCILT)
We are delighted to confirm that the recently launched toolkit for Phase Three of our ERASMUS+ project, Generation Global, now includes recordings of the sessions that took place at the virtual launch events on 1+2 December 2021. Entitled Making Your Future Brighter With Languages, the events, like the toolkit, set out to give young people, parents and carers a wealth of information, ideas and advice about the importance of learning languages.
The first event, on 1 December, which was aimed at young people, featured interactive activities and an interesting and informative panel discussion of young professionals talking about how they use languages in their careers. These recordings could be useful for teachers to show to classes of young people around subject choice times.
On 2 December the event focused on parents, carers and teachers. At this event we enjoyed contributions by Dr Paul Hare (Professional Development Officer, SCILT) and partners from Denmark and Norway, a fascinating panel discussion with representation from employers, educators and careers advisers, and a powerful message from Liz Neil of the British Council on the value of language and intercultural skills to the workforce of the future.
Recordings of all sessions are available on our website.
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12 January 2022 (SCILT)
The Scottish Languages Employability Award (SLEA) celebrates innovation by schools in promoting languages and employability together through partnerships with businesses, public bodies and third sector organisations. The award, which is available at bronze, silver and gold levels, supports teachers in raising awareness of the importance of languages in their school community.
The next deadline for submissions is Friday 21 January 2022.
Visit the SLEA page on our website to read about Danestone Primary School, whose partnership with Subsea 7 recently earned them a Bronze award. You can also access the full award guidelines and watch videos from previous winners.
Due to ongoing restrictions, online events and activities will be accepted as evidence towards the award.
If you have any questions about the award or the submission process please contact SCILT.
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3 December 2021 (SCILT)
SCILT launched our latest toolkit at two events this week, one for young people and one for parents/carers/teachers. The toolkit and events are part of our three-year Generation Global project, which seeks to address the gap in intercultural and language skills that we have in this country.
In the preceding two years of the project, we have published toolkits to support business leaders and careers advisers/school managers. This latest toolkit 'Making your future brighter with languages' is designed to give young people, parents and carers information, ideas and advice about learning languages; why it is important and how to go about it. As well as this, the toolkit includes a series of short video clips of young professionals talking about the relevance and value of languages and intercultural skills in their career areas. All of this aims to support the young people who are our ‘Generation Global’, our dual-competency workforce of the future.
The launch events this week were recorded, and recordings will be available on our website shortly.
Access the toolkit
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15 November 2021 (UK-German Connection)
As travel plans and exchange activity begin to pick up once more, UK-German Connection are again offering partnership bursaries of £1,000 to help schools to keep their UK-German partnerships alive.
The bursaries can support pupil visits and joint activities taking place in 2022 and are open to both UK and German partner schools. Application is via a short online form. Deadline: 31 January 2022.
Find out more and apply on the UK-German Connection website.
If you have any questions, please contact funding@ukgermanconnection.org
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1 November 2021 (TES)
In this podcast coinciding with COP26, experts explain the importance of sharing best practice on climate change teaching.
Today's young people are more engaged and passionate than ever about saving the environment. In March 2019, it was estimated that 1.6 million young people across 125 countries participated in climate protests, and a new global survey led by the University of Bath reveals that environmental fears are "profoundly affecting huge numbers of young people".
Many school students are currently avidly reading announcements from the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow. Whether it’s from the news, social media or the latest David Attenborough documentary, young people are constantly being exposed to the impact of climate change. And, as the authors of the global survey suggest, it's vital that we counteract young people's anxieties and harness their enthusiasm by giving them information on how they can connect more strongly with nature, contribute to greener choices at an individual level and join forces with like-minded communities and groups.
Yet climate change and sustainability can be challenging subjects to bring into the classroom. For this latest podcast, Tes spoke with two environmental and sustainability education experts, who explained why collaboration and an outward-looking approach to teaching these subjects are key.
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18 October 2021 (UK-German Connection)
This pilot programme provides pupils aged 15-18 in the UK and North Rhine-Westphalia with the opportunity to spend one, two or three weeks at an existing partner school in Germany and carry out a project on a theme of their choice.
Application deadline: 15 November 2021.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information about the programme. There's also an option to register for a Q&A webinar on Wednesday 3 November 2021.
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New UK-German activities for Autumn 2021
30 September 2021 (UK-German Connection)
Young people, schools and youth groups can get involved in UK-German Connection's programmes. There are several new activities for autumn so let your pupils and colleagues know what's on offer!
Follow the relevant links below to find out more:
For young people
- Virtual Conference on climate change (COP26) Taking place against the backdrop of the COP26 Climate Conference and Youth Summit, this two-part virtual youth conference will explore the outcomes of the climate conferences, and give young people the chance to exchange on the role of local communities, cities, and regions in the fight against the climate crisis. Age group: 15-18. Deadline: 4 October 2021.
- Youth Webinar Series ‘Together: Reflecting on Life After Conflict’ Run together with Never Such Innocence, this three-part webinar series gives young people the chance to get creative with poetry, photography and song to reflect on what conflict means to them. Includes creative workshops with experts, the chance to exchange with other young people and a final presentation event with special guests from the UK & Germany. Age group: 12-14. Deadline: 14 October 2021.
- Youth Webinar ‘Green Cities’ To mark 75 years of friendship between the United Kingdom and North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), this two-part webinar will bring together young people from the UK and NRW to discuss how to make cities more environmentally friendly. Participants will learn from city experts and exchange with young people in the UK & Germany about green & sustainable cities. Age group: 16-18. Deadline: 19 October 2021.
For schools & youth groups
- UK-NRW School Partnerships Seminar This partner-finding event will bring teachers from the UK and North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) together to set up new school partnerships and discuss future partnership projects with a focus on ‘Skills for the Global Workplace’. Teachers will have the chance to take part in partnership development workshops, group discussions and excursions, including a visit to the Christmas markets. Deadline: 1 November 2021.
- Café Connect for school & youth partnerships Do you have a partner school or youth group in Germany? Would you like to connect with them in a safe and informal virtual space? We now offer facilitated 'Café Connect' meet-ups to enhance your partnership!
For schools & youth groups with a partner institution in North Rhine-Westphalia
- UK-German Exchange Fellowships This pilot programme provides pupils aged 15-18 in the UK and North Rhine-Westphalia with the opportunity to spend one, two or three weeks at an existing partner school in Germany and carry out a project on a theme of their choice. Deadline: 15 November 2021.
- UK-NRW Capture Your Connection Do you have a connection with North Rhine-Westphalia? To mark 75 years of UK-NRW friendship we've launched our ‘Capture Your Connection’ challenge. Simply share a creative representation of your partnership to help us showcase and give recognition to the fantastic connections that you have established over the years. There will be small goodies for all submissions and the most creative entries will receive special prizes! Deadline: 31 December 2021.
23 September 2021 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection's Flexible Funding Scheme supports joint activities and projects between UK and German partner schools and youth groups, including visits or virtual activities.
The grant is open to primary, secondary and SEN schools, FE colleges and youth groups in the UK and Germany. Grants of up to £10,000 are available.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information and apply by 1 October 2021.
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21 September 2021 (SCILT)
Professional Learning Partnerships (PLPs) are a bespoke part of the SCILT CLPL offer. A PLP is a collaborative and enquiring means of challenging thinking, considering practice and bringing about improvement.
In a recent PLP that ran over two years, teachers in several West Lothian primary schools chose to focus on strengthening literacy skills across languages. They were supported variously by local authority development officers with responsibility for Literacy, PEF and 1+2 Languages, as well as by SCILT and a bilingual theatre practitioner. In year 1, eight schools considered the needs of their learners and the demands of their school improvement plan before settling on a particular pedagogical approach and/or a selection of resources that they were interested in transferring to the context of teaching additional languages. In year 2, three schools collaborated to produce interdisciplinary learning materials and pupil-led drama activities to support reading and performance in L2. Read the West Lothian PLP Case Study on our website.
Each Professional Learning Partnership is unique and based on the needs of the audience and talents of the participating professionals. Examining evidence together, engaging in professional discussion and exploring practical ways forward, each partnership aims to effect positive change that impacts on learners. If you would like to discuss developing a PLP with us, please email scilt@strath.ac.uk with PLP in the subject line.
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10 September 2021 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection is dedicated to increasing contacts and understanding between young people in the UK and Germany. The organisation offers a number of initiatives, funding, materials and courses enabling joint activities between young people, schools and youth groups in both regions.
Find out about hosting a teacher from Germany, the Café Connect online meet-ups for young people, funding for partnership activities and more on the UK-German Connection website.
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23 August 2021 (British Council)
To help you support positive action towards climate change in your school, here’s a round-up of British Council's online events, programmes and classroom resources, which includes a section for language educators.
All activities support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on Climate Action.
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12 August 2021 (UK-German Connection)
Despite the UK no longer being part of the EU, UK-German Connection remains dedicated to supporting partnerships, offering intercultural opportunities, and facilitating connections between schools, youth groups and young people themselves in both countries.
Current opportunities include the following. Click on the relevant link for more information:
- Funding for UK-German exchange activities - Schools and youth groups with a partner in Germany can apply for grants for planning visits, taster trips and joint activities, including virtual projects. A series of Q&A webinars will take place throughout September for anyone interested in finding out more about this funding offer.
- Host a Teacher from Germany - Whether travel is going to be possible or not, you can still bring authentic German language and culture to your classroom in 2021/22. Through the Host a Teacher from Germany programme, your school can host a German teacher (virtually or face-to-face) for one, two or three weeks during the academic year, at no cost. Register by 28 September 2021 (to host in spring and/or summer 2022).
- UK-German Youth Council - Do you know any top-notch communicators with an interest in UK-German youth relations? There's still time for young people between the ages of 14 and 25 to apply for our UK-German youth council. This network will develop ideas and help co-design programmes and activities for young people in both countries. Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome and German language skills are not a requirement. Deadline: 24 August 2021.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for a full overview of their opportunities and initiatives for young people. Or register to receive their newsletters.
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11 August 2021 (British Council)
If you are new to international collaboration a short-term supported partnership with Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning could open the door to a world of opportunities for your school.
Supported partnerships are designed for state-funded schools that are new to international collaboration who wish to start their global learning journey without grant funding.
Clusters of participants – representing a maximum of five UK and five overseas schools – work together on a project linked to a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) that is related to Cop26, the UN Climate Change Conference being held in the UK in November 2021. The project will be delivered during a six week period, starting in November 2021, and will be followed by a final evaluation activity. Please note that only one teacher per eligible UK and overseas school can apply to participate in these collaborations.
We will help you develop your project through three one-hour webinars delivered by a global learning practitioner, who will also provide guidance, CPD and support with any questions that you may have.
Visit the Britsh Council Connecting Classrooms website for more information and sign up to take part by 17 September 2021.
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17 June 2021 (UK-German Connection)
Do you want to join a lively network of young people and support UK-German Connection in the development of new opportunities for young people? Applications are now open for our UK-German Youth Council!
Young people from both countries aged 14-25 can join this consultation forum to develop new ideas and help co-design UK-German programmes and activities. We welcome applications from young people from all backgrounds and with a range of experiences and interests. German language skills are not a requirement.
Deadline: 24 August 2021.
For more information about other current opportunities for schools, such as funding for UK-German partnership activities and the Host a Teacher from Germany programme, follow the relevant links below.
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4 June 2021 (UK-German Connection)
Whether travel is going to be possible or not, you can still bring authentic German language and culture to your classroom next academic year.
Registration is now open to ‘Host a teacher from Germany’ - virtually or face-to-face - in 2021-22.
We’ll put you in touch with a teacher from Germany and help you to plan your hosting experience, with ideas for presentations, interactive lessons, group language practice sessions and other bilateral activities between your classes.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information and to register. You can also sign up there to one of the Q&A webinars to find out more about the scheme.
To find out about other opportunities offered by UK-German Connection, including the next Café Connect meet ups for young people, see their Summer Newsletter.
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24 May 2021 (TES)
With global citizenship more important than ever, here are some ideas for international collaboration between schools.
Whether students were locked down in London or Lagos, millions of young people around the world experienced what it was like to have their learning disrupted and now understand, to some degree, what it means not to have free movement or access.
“The pandemic has created a unique window of insight into the global challenges that we all face,” says Carl McCarthy, executive headteacher at GLF Schools multi-academy trust.
And this is something he’s tried to delve into with his students, noticing the disparity in provision that some young people face nationally, as well as globally. But he has also been celebrating the staggering kindness, innovation and teamwork we’ve witnessed, and he has been harnessing the technology that brings together citizens in opposite corners of the world.
“In this new, post-Brexit, global-facing context, we have the opportunity for our students to build knowledge and understanding together with fellow students from around the world – all who have been facing similar challenges at the same time and all who have seen similar strengths in human spirit and the triumph of science and technology to offer solutions to some of the greatest problems that we have collectively faced,” says McCarthy.
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17 May 2021 (UK-German Connection)
We’re delighted to announce the re-launch of our new grants for UK-German partnership activities!
Our refreshed funding offer is similar to the grants we offered before but has been adapted to recent external developments and the changing landscape of international activity.
Schools and youth groups with a partner in Germany can now apply for the following grants:
- Partnership Visit Fund - staff planning visits. Visit your partners to kick-start your link and plan future activities. Deadline: rolling.
- Instant Impact - first-time taster trips for young people. Give your pupils / young people the chance to meet their peers in Germany and gain an insight into the life and culture of your partner school or group. Deadline: rolling.
- Flexible Funding Scheme - joint thematic projects and activities, including virtual partnership activities and/or reciprocal visits. Work together on thematic activities and engage in intercultural dialogue. Deadlines: 16 July, 1 October 2021.
For an overview of the grants available, as well as guidelines and application forms, please visit the UK-German Connection funding webpage. The page includes the option to sign up for Q&A webinars to find out more about the funding offer. Follow links to the individual grant pages to register for the webinars.
If you have plans for upcoming activities and would like to discuss your ideas, please contact us via funding@ukgermanconnection.org - we’re here to help!
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11 May 2021 (Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL))
The Threlford Cup is CIOL’s prestigious award for inspiring the learning of languages. The cup is presented annually to a person, or for a project, or to an organisation for an activity that has inspired others with an original language-learning or teaching initiative.
The winner of the award is selected from nominations received from the wider languages community. Everyone is welcome to nominate.
Visit the CIOL website for more information and nomination criteria. Nominations close at 5pm on Sunday 25 July 2021.
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29 April 2021 (SCILT)
The Scottish Languages Employability Award (SLEA) encourages innovation and creativity in the promotion of language skills through meaningful engagement between employers and schools. The award aims to help schools and businesses to build partnerships through languages and supports teachers in raising awareness of the importance of languages in their school community.
The next deadline for submissions is Friday 21 May 2021.
Due to restrictions over the past year, online events and activities will be accepted as evidence towards the award. To read the full guidelines, watch videos from the pilot schools and read case studies from previous winners, visit the SLEA page on the SCILT website.
If you have any questions about the award or the submission process please contact SCILT.
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SCILT news
Turing Scheme - final call for schools seeking international visit funding
22 April 2021 (British Council)
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to receive funding for international pupil placements through the Turing Scheme.
Deadline and support - although the schools deadline is fast approaching (midday 7 May 2021) there is a range of support tools to help you apply, including application tutorials and guidance documents.
Finding partners - you will not be required to provide specific details of your partners at application stage, but you will need to detail the type of partnership you intend to establish. Find out more about finding partners.
Number of participants - there are no limits imposed on the number of participants you can take on your international visit. Remember to include all your proposed costs for pupils who may require extra support – grants can always be revised downwards but you cannot request additional funds later.
Consortia - if you are applying as a consortium on behalf of multiple schools, a single application can cover all your proposed activity. Alternatively, you may wish to submit more than one application. It is important that each application covers different schools and activities.
Jane Racz, Director, Turing Scheme Delivery Partner, says, “The Turing Scheme will enable young people to gain life experience of other cultures, languages and classrooms across the globe. It will open doors to learners, broadening horizons, raising self-esteem, improving attainment and ensure a more equitable learning environment for young people.”
Apply now for activities that can take place in the academic year 2021/22.
As the Delivery Partner for the Turing Scheme for schools, British Council is here to help – please get in touch if you have any queries.
7 March 2021 (The Guardian)
After spending a third of his placement in France stuck in lockdown, modern languages student Elliot Bellman was worried that his conversation skills might suffer. But his weekly chats with Mme Tolu, a Parisian care home resident in her 80s, have helped keep his fluency up to scratch.
“During the pandemic it’s difficult to travel and have those normal experiences, going out and talking to new people,” said Bellman, 20, a third year student at the University of Warwick. “So this allows me to keep talking to someone in French. And Mme Tolu doesn’t have any family around her any more, so I feel like I am helping somewhat with the loneliness. It’s mutually beneficial.”
He is one of 107 students across the world who have been matched with a senior citizen in France as part of the ShareAmi scheme, which aims to combat the isolation felt by many older people during France’s strict lockdowns while helping language students unable to travel abroad to develop their skills.
Read more...
9 February 2021 (SCILT)
We are delighted to announce Renfrew High School in Renfrewshire as the latest recipient of the Scottish Languages Employability Award (SLEA) in recognition of their successful partnership working in promoting languages as a key skill for employment.
The school received a Bronze Award for the 'Braehead Brochure' project with their partner Braehead shopping centre. The awarding panel commented: “Renfrew High School’s project and submission is a really interesting and practical one. It has a strong sense of purpose and a tangible, useful outcome.”
Congratulations to everyone involved on their excellent achievement!
The SLEA, developed by SCILT in partnership with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, encourages innovation and creativity in the promotion of language skills through meaningful engagement between employers and schools. Read more about Renfrew High School's project, and find out how to submit your own entry for the Award, on the SCILT website.
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26 November 2020 (SCILT)
We are delighted to confirm the recently launched toolkit for Phase Two of our ERASMUS+ project, Generation Global, now includes recordings of the sessions that took place at the virtual launch event on 1 October. Entitled Making Space for Languages, the event brought together education professionals, from a range of organisations and backgrounds, to discuss the importance of languages and intercultural studies to all fields of study.
As well as compelling contributions by Fhiona Mackay (Director of SCILT), Laurence Findlay (Director of Education and Children’s Services, Aberdeenshire Council), Louise Glen (Senior Education Officer for Languages, Education Scotland), Dr Paul Hare (Professional Development Officer, SCILT) and partners from Denmark and Norway, visitors to the website will be able to view a fascinating panel discussion involving professionals from a broad range of academic disciplines, all of whom agree that a knowledge of languages gives an extra dimension across the full spectrum of careers.
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24 November 2020 (British Council)
There’s no more authentic way for pupils to learn about global issues than by working with their peers in another country.
Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning can help UK-based schools find partner schools in more than 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East and South Asia.
Once you’ve made a connection we have a range of support to help you get started and build a strong and sustainable school partnership, including the best online platforms to use for your international school collaboration. One to one partnerships or cluster groups can also apply for funding to cover a range of activities to share learning. The next funding deadline is 2 December 2020.
Visit the website for more information.
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20 November 2020 (British Council)
The MFL Student Mentoring Project was designed as a response to the ongoing decline in the number of learners choosing to study a (modern foreign) language past the compulsory stage of KS3 in Wales.
The project focuses on changing attitudes and perceptions of languages by training undergraduate students in four Welsh universities ( Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff and Swansea) to mentor Year 8 and 9 learners (12-14 years old) in Welsh secondary schools to appreciate the value and benefits of language learning. The scheme has inspired the development of comparable projects in the UK.
Find out more on the British Council Wales website.
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13 November 2020 (SCILT)
The Scottish Languages Employability Award (SLEA) aims to help schools and businesses to build partnerships through languages in order to develop young people’s learning about the world of work and the value of language skills.
Videos are now available on our website of two of the SLEA pilot schools talking about their experience of working towards, and submitting evidence for, the award. These include advice from teachers and school co-ordinators, and feedback from pupils who took part in the qualifying events, and would be useful for any teachers considering putting their school forward for the award. Huge thanks to the staff and pupils at St Mary’s Primary School and Bishopbriggs Academy for their fantastic contributions!
The next deadline for submissions is Friday 22nd January 2021. In view of the current restrictions, online events and activities will count towards the award. Please get in touch with Sheena Bell if you have any questions about any aspect of the submission process or if you would like more information about the award generally.
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3 November 2020 (UK-German Connection)
This November and December, we’re looking to bring young people together virtually, to discuss the effects of recent events upon your outlook and ability to live sustainably:
- How has Covid-19 impacted you living sustainably? Have you faced challenges, or maybe seen more positive opportunities for change?
- What individual changes can we now make to live more sustainably? (Do these look different than one year ago?)
- How can we encourage wider sustainable change within our communities?
This webinar series will focus on the above questions, with a focus on two key themes of food and fashion. Participants will attend two webinars in November/December 2020, as well as a larger online event in January 2021.
If you're aged 14-19, in full-time education in the UK and have an interest in discussing the themes and topics with peers in the UK and Germany visit the UK-German Connection website to find out more and to register your interest by 13 November 2020.
German language skills are not required for the webinar. Some German language elements will be included in the webinar but you don’t need any prior knowledge and/or translations will be provided.
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26 October 2020 (British Council)
British Council eTwinning is offering free live CPD and resources on climate change throughout November. Help your class to tackle #ClimateChange together with pupils from across the world.
Visit the British Council eTwinning website for more information. As well as the Climate Change November programme, you can also find other ready made step-by-step guides to help you start an international project.
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20 October 2020 (UK-German Connection)
To celebrate our 15th anniversary, we want to showcase the fantastic connections between the UK and Germany that you have built.
Whether it’s a friendship, tandem partnership, school partnership or youth group exchange or other kind of connection, we’re inviting you to share it creatively and inspire others with your story!
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information and submit your entry by 4 November 2020.
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1 October 2020 (Erasmus+)
In response to COVID-19, the European Commission announced a new decentralised call with the deadline of 29 October 2020, 11am (UK time). Schools are invited to apply for Partnerships for Digital Education Readiness (KA226) and Partnerships for Creativity (KA227).
As virtual cooperation opportunities are key to successful partnerships in the Covid-19 context, schools are strongly encouraged to use the eTwinning and the School Education Gateway to find partners and work together before, during and after the project activities.
Visit the Erasmus+ website to access application forms and guidance documents.
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Host a teacher / Have your say
4 August 2020 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection provide support to schools in the UK wishing to forge partnerships with schools in Germany. The following opportunities are currently open:
Stay international: Host a Teacher from Germany
You can still bring authentic German language and culture to your classroom next year, without going anywhere: welcome a teacher from Germany to any department for 1, 2 or 3 weeks! This free opportunity is now even more flexible; you can host at a time to suit you.
Applications are open throughout the summer period and up to 18 September / 1 December*, and we're here if you have any questions.
Deadlines:
- 18 September (to host later in the autumn term)
- 1 December (to host in spring/summer 2021)
Find out more and sign up on the Host a Teacher webpage.
*Schools unable to host so far this year due to Covid-19 do not need to re-register.
Have your say on the future of UK-German opportunities!
In light of the Covid-19 situation and with the changing landscape of international relations, we’re keen to make sure we’re still offering you the right kind of opportunities and support to keep connections with Europe, and in particular with Germany, alive.
We’re reviewing the opportunities and services we offer and would like you to tell us how we can best support you and work with you and your pupils to bring German and Germany alive in your school.
Deadline: 15 September
Complete the form on the Have your say webpage.
17 June 2020 (SCILT)
The latest verification round of the Scottish Languages Employability Award (SLEA) has taken place, and two more schools were delighted to receive recognition for their successful partnership working in promoting languages as a key skill for employment.
Bathgate Academy in West Lothian received a Bronze Award for their projects with partners including Clarke Fire Protection Products, Mitsubishi and WL Gore. The awarding panel commented: “The links made with local businesses are strong and purposeful and have excellent long-term potential.”
Broughton High School in Edinburgh received a Gold Award for their projects with a range of partners, including Visit Scotland, The Balmoral Hotel and Social Bite. The awarding panel commented: “The projects are impressive in the variety of ways in which they convey the importance of languages to pupils, fostering the importance of citizenship and cultural understanding as well as language skills.”
Congratulations to both schools on their excellent achievements!
The SLEA, developed by SCILT in partnership with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, encourages innovation and creativity in the promotion of language skills through meaningful engagement between employers and schools. Find out how to submit your entry for the next verification round on the SCILT website.
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26 May 2020 (British Council)
eTwinning offers various free online professional development at both a UK and a European level.
Visit the website for a full schedule of online events beginning in June 2020, including a one hour introduction to eTwinning.
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26 May 2020 (Learning for Sustainability Scotland)
Get funding to collaborate locally and internationally on the big issues that shape our world.
Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning is here to help you bring Learning for Sustainability and the Global Goals to life for your learners! There are a host of learning opportunities and support on offer through the Connecting Classrooms programme. Whether you are looking for personal development opportunities, or want to collaborate with other schools.
Visit the website to find out more. Next funding application deadline is 15 June 2020.
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News from language & education organisations
19 May 2020 (UCML)
The British Council has been a major disseminator of knowledge about the United Kingdom and of the English language since its foundation in 1934, working with over 50 countries. Since the start of the Covid-19 public health crisis, the British Council has had to close most of its schools and test centres across the globe, leading to a substantial budget deficit. Although a public body under the auspices of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the government response to the council’s financial situation has not been positive, and the council’s future is now significantly under threat.
UCML considers the British Council one of its closest allies in its mission to support study, teaching and research in modern languages, and has therefore launched a campaign to raise awareness of the vital role the British Council plays in languages education. To this end we have written a letter to the Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, as well as other key stakeholders, and support the campaign launched by the Public and Commercial Services Union, which includes an Early Day Motion in Parliament.
Visit the website to read the letter and find out how you can participate in the campaign.
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13 April 2020 (TESS)
Scotland’s e-Sgoil – based in the Western Isles – has revealed its plans to deliver a national timetable of live lessons that will be streamed online in a bid to support teachers and pupils in the wake of the UK wide school closures, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking exclusively to Tes Scotland the e-Sgoil – which has four years’ experience in beaming lessons into schools across the country – said it was hoping to partner with online learning platform Scholar in order to deliver live national qualification lessons in a wide range of subjects, as well as offering some lessons aimed at primary pupils.
Scholar – a partnership between Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and education directors’ association Ades – runs online courses in a range of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher subjects, providing pupils with learning materials and assessments.
Meanwhile e-Sgoil – which was set up to ensure equal access to courses and subjects for pupils irrespective of where they live – has a team of teachers on its books who have experience of delivering remote lessons in real time in everything from Higher physics, to primary Gaelic. This year it has had a presence in 15 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities.
The plan is to start streaming the lessons incrementally, beginning with maths and languages – thanks to Scotland's National Centre for Languages (Scilt), and Confucius Institute for Scotland’s Schools.
Together the languages bodies and e-Sgoil plan to offer taster courses in Spanish, Arabic, Italian, Gaelic and Mandarin suitable for primary and secondary pupils, as well as delivering national qualification courses in French, German, Italian, Mandarin and Gaelic.
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2 April 2020 (SCILT/CISS)
The Scottish Languages Employability Award (SLEA) celebrates innovation by schools in promoting languages and employability together through partnerships with businesses, public bodies and third sector organisations. The award, which is available initially at bronze, silver and gold levels, supports teachers in raising awareness of the importance of languages in their school community.
For full guidelines, case studies and futher information visit the SLEA page on the SCILT website.
The next deadline for submissions is Friday 15 May 2020.
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13 March 2020 (TES/British Council)
We believe every young person should have intercultural and international experience. As the UK’s cultural relations organisation, the British Council creates opportunities for schools and teachers in the UK and worldwide to connect and work together to share ideas and practices.
Our range of international education programmes can help develop teaching skills with funded professional development, connect schools across the globe and bring language learning to life.
TES and the British Council have joined forces to explore different ways to bring the world into the classroom and open the door to a host of international learning opportunities.
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Promoting Languages,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
2 March 2020 (eTwinning)
We are launching the eTwinning Spring Campaign around the annual theme of Climate Change and Environmental Challenges on 2 March.
Our Spring Campaign in 2020 celebrates eTwinning and eTwinners on a local level while raising awareness on climate change and environmental challenges.
During this campaign, eTwinners are encouraged to get inspired by the annual theme and to create on-site events in their schools and the classrooms! Activities and resources are aimed at both experienced eTwinners and newcomers.
Visit the website for more information about how to get involved.
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12 February 2020 (eTwinning)
Supporting the European Green Deal, eTwinning acknowledges that students of today are the adults of tomorrow most likely to experience the effects of climate change. That is why it is imperative to learn to live sustainably in order to counteract climate change and other environmental challenges.
2020 is the year of 'climate change and environmental challenges' for eTwinning. It's free to sign up, meet and partner with teachers from schools in 44 countries and start an international classroom project.
See the website for more information and get involved.
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Funded summer courses in Germany - applications now open!
6 February 2020 (UK-German Connection)
We offer three summer course opportunities for pupils and teachers, all combining language-learning with cultural trips and excursions, as well as staying with host families. All are part or fully funded. Follow the appropriate link to find out more about each course.
Application deadline for each programme: 1 March 2020.
If you have any questions about the courses, don't hesitate to get in touch with the UK-German Connection team at pupilprogrammes@ukgermanconnection.org
Posted in:
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3 February 2020 (Erasmus+)
Due to technical issues with the web forms, the European Commission has announced an extension to the first funding deadline of the 2020 Call. The new deadline for online application forms to be submitted is Tuesday 11 February.
Erasmus+ offers funding to UK schools for life-changing international opportunities. You can apply for one or more of the following funding streams:
- School Education Staff Mobility (Key Action 101):
Revised application deadline - 11 February 2020 at 11am (UK time)
School staff can teach, train or job shadow abroad - to develop their professional practice, build relationships with international peers and gain fresh ideas.
- School Exchange Partnerships (Key Action 229):
Application deadline - 24 March 2020 at 11am (UK time)
Pupils and students can take part in international exchanges and study experiences, and staff can do training and teaching assignments overseas - to develop new skills, get inspired and gain vital international experience.
- Strategic Partnerships for School Education (Key Action 201):
Application deadline - 24 March 2020 at 11am (UK time)
Schools can collaborate with international partners - to drive innovation, share best practice, and offer new opportunities to young people.
The funding is open to UK schools and colleges providing general, vocational or technical education to pupils aged 3 – 18 years. Local and regional authorities, school coordination bodies and consortia can also apply.
Please visit the website to find out more and apply for Erasmus+ schools funding now. There are online guides and video tutorials to assist applicants, but any queries can be directed to the Erasmus+ UK National Agency at: erasmusplus.enquiries@britishcouncil.org.
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14 January 2020 (British Council)
Want to inspire your students and teachers – and help them to succeed?
The Erasmus+ 2020 Call is now open for applications. Erasmus+ offers funding to UK schools for life-changing international opportunities. You can apply for one or more of the following funding streams:
- School Education Staff Mobility (Key Action 101):
Application deadline - 5 February 2020 at 11am (UK time)
School staff can teach, train or job shadow abroad - to develop their professional practice, build relationships with international peers and gain fresh ideas.
- School Exchange Partnerships (Key Action 229):
Application deadline - 24 March 2020 at 11am (UK time)
Pupils and students can take part in international exchanges and study experiences, and staff can do training and teaching assignments overseas - to develop new skills, get inspired and gain vital international experience.
- Strategic Partnerships for School Education (Key Action 201):
Application deadline - 24 March 2020 at 11am (UK time)
Schools can collaborate with international partners - to drive innovation, share best practice, and offer new opportunities to young people.
The funding is open to UK schools and colleges providing general, vocational or technical education to pupils aged 3 – 18 years. Local and regional authorities, school coordination bodies and consortia can also apply.
Please visit the website to find out more and apply for Erasmus+ schools funding now. Any questions? Please contact the Erasmus+ UK National Agency at: erasmusplus.enquiries@britishcouncil.org.
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9 January 2020 (UK-German Connection)
Did you run any activities with your German partner school last year?
School partnership bursaries are available once more to help you to keep your UK-German partnership alive.
All you need to do is answer a few short questions about your partnership activities last year and your plans for 2020.
For further details and to enter your information, please visit the UK-German Connection website and submit your information by 31 January 2020.
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16 December 2019 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection is again offering bursaries of £1,000 to help keep UK-German school partnerships alive. The bursaries can support pupil visits and joint activities taking place in 2020.
Visit the website to find out more and submit your application by 31 January 2020.
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6 December 2019 (TESS)
From making imaginary pizzas to becoming interior designers for a doll’s house, learning through play isn’t just for the youngest pupils, argue two Glasgow teachers. They tell Emma Seith how they are using it to support children who speak English as an additional language – and to connect with colleagues around the world.
Have you heard the tale about play-based learning, a viral Facebook page and one of Scotland’s most diverse communities? It involves two young teachers in Glasgow, who have gained thousands of followers around the world for their imaginative use of play in the classroom.
The magic happens at Holy Cross Primary in the Govanhill area, which serves a truly multicultural community. Holy Cross has a significant Romanian and Slovakian pupil population, and there are a large number of children with Pakistani heritage, many of whom speak Urdu and Punjabi. Overall, 80 per cent of pupils speak English as an additional language – something that proved challenging for Rebecca Meighan and Claire Scally when they were both teaching P1.
So, what are they doing that has struck such a chord with teachers around the world?
Meighan and Scally quickly realised that before they could push on with reading and writing skills, they needed to first build up their pupils’ English vocabulary. But they didn’t want to simply show pictures – they wanted pupils to be able to “see and touch and feel these objects”. The solution was to enable them to acquire language in a more natural way: to let them play.
“When we got to teaching phonics, initial sounds and word blends, we were finding it really difficult because the children were coming either with little English or no English at all,” explains Scally. “You always start with the letter S – the ‘sss’ sound – but when we were trying to get them to think of words that start with the letter S, they were just looking at us blankly.”
Meighan and Scally decided to change tack. After brainstorming words with the sound they wanted children to learn that week, they set up play activities related to that sound. For instance, with the “V” sound, one activity was to make a volcano erupt (with lava produced by combining vinegar and baking soda). The children were also given the chance to role-play being a vet; one of the suggested activities was taking a pet dog for a vaccination.
The plan achieved the desired result: instead of looking blank when they were asked to give examples of words featuring the sound they were working on, the children were able to reel off a list. And, importantly, they remembered these words because they had been immersed in a world (albeit an imaginary one) where they were relevant.
“We knew that if we gave children the chance to interact with these objects – to do and not just see – they would remember them and gain some more language from that,” explains Meighan.
Meighan and Scally set up The Power of Play Facebook page to collaborate with teachers outside their school (bit.ly/PowerPlayGla). They quickly discovered that teachers across the UK – as well as from Finland, Norway, Australia, Canada and New Zealand – were on similar journeys and wanted to introduce more play into their classrooms.
At the time of writing, the page had attracted more than 17,000 followers and 16,000-plus likes. Some of Meighan and Scally’s posts, meanwhile, have attracted hundreds of comments.
Many Facebook commenters ask them where they get their resources from, including the miniature apples decorating their cardboard apple trees, brightly painted numbers with googly eyes and “bones” (dog biscuits) used for Halloween activities.
What they have created is a community of teachers helping each other. The ideas that go down well, they say, are the ones that are relatively easy to do, and which feature resources that can be adapted and used again.
(Note - subscription required to access full article)
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4 December 2019 (Scotdec)
Scotdec offers this online course for secondary school teachers across Scotland with an interest in Global Citizenship Education.
Open to all Scottish Secondary school teachers of Maths, English, Modern Languages, Science and Social Subjects, Issue to action will connect you with a network of teachers across Scotland and equip you with the skills to teach your subject through a global citizen lens.
From the comfort of your own home, at a time and location that suits you, you can take part in the Issue to action in a way that fits around your other commitments.
Visit the website to find out more and register your interest for the Spring cohort.
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Posted in:
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Senior Phase,
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Scotland,
CPD,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
20 November 2019 (Stride Magazine)
Gemma Burnside from the Scotland Malawi Partnership, explains why all schools should consider the benefits an international school partnership can bring to their learning communities.
With current events threatening to make the UK ever more insular and closed off from the rest of the world, it’s important to consider the vital role international school partnerships play in introducing young people to other cultures and ways of life. By expanding their view of how their peers around the world experience life and education, these kinds of partnerships are creating the global citizens and activists of the future.
Working with around 250 schools across Scotland as members of the Scotland Malawi Partnership, I have the chance to see the incredible variety of school partnerships between Scotland and Malawi. No two are the same in what they want to achieve or the experiences they share. What they do have in common is the friendships that are created between teachers, pupils and communities in these two countries.
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5 November 2019 (British Council)
International Education Week takes place 18-22 November 2019, and British Council has a range of ways to help your school #BeInternational.
International partnerships have changed the lives of pupils in thousands of schools. Pupils who have learnt new languages, developed their understanding of different cultures, and discovered more about the global issues that affect us all. Here are some of the ways you can participate in International Education Week 2019:
- Take the #BeInternational languages quiz
- Enter our Unexpected Voices speechwriting competition
- Partner with a school in Europe through eTwinning
- Partner with a school outside Europe with Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning
- Download The Great Languages Challenge and get your students to design their own challenges for their classmates or peers in their partner school overseas.
- Apply for funding to take your students on an international exchange
- Get recognised for your international work through the International School Award .
- Share your international activity with us using the hashtag #BeInternational
Visit the British Council website to find out more.
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Scottish Languages Employability Award
4 November 2019 (SCILT)
Schools and businesses across Scotland can now receive recognition for successful partnership working in promoting languages as a key skill for employment.
The Scottish Languages Employability Award (SLEA), developed by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages in partnership with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, encourages innovation and creativity in the promotion of language skills through meaningful engagement between employers and schools.
The Award is available at three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze. A toolkit has been developed to support schools in achieving the Award, available in Gaelic and English through support from the Gaelic Language Act Implementation Fund.
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT said: “The Award recognises the achievements of schools and learners who have ensured that language skills are at the heart of their Developing the Young Workforce agenda. Three quarters of employers report that they are looking for young people with better language skills. In addition, language learning develops a whole range of important meta-skills: enhanced communication, inter-cultural sensitivity, problem solving and critical thinking. When youngsters learn to read, write, talk and listen in different languages they are therefore developing key skills for life and work and this award celebrates that.”
Shona MacLennan, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig said “Recent research has shown how useful Gaelic skills are in the world of work, with increasing opportunities in a wide range of careers for people who speak Gaelic. We’re delighted to see that Bishopbriggs Academy has been awarded Gold for the way they have developed pupils’ skills and interests through Gaelic.”
The Award was launched at a ceremony on 1 November 2019 at The Ramshorn, University of Strathclyde. Three Awards were presented to schools whose links with employers have demonstrated to learners how languages can be used in the world of work:
The “Chinese Tuesdays” project, centred at Braehead Primary in Stirling, saw seven primaries in the Stirling Learning Community come together in a multi-disciplinary project involving media, cookery, art and drama. This exciting collaboration was awarded Gold.
Bishopbriggs Academy submitted a wide range of projects from across the school: language-promotional events, Gaelic film projects and German science projects. Using the toolkit to capture the school’s innovation allowed Bishopbriggs to become the first secondary in Scotland to gain a Gold Award.
St Mary’s Primary in Bannockburn linked with local historic attraction Bannockburn House in a project that saw pupils work with staff from Bannockburn House to create a range of resources in French for tour guides to use with French-speaking visitors. The project was awarded a Silver Award.
Staff and pupils from these schools attended the ceremony to collect their Awards.
The toolkit for applying for the Scottish Languages Employability Award is available to download.
Meaningful employer engagement and providing relevant careers advice are both key recommendations of Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy, “Developing the young workforce”. The SLEA supports these aims by giving young people the opportunity to find out more about the role of languages in the business world.
Collaboration between schools and businesses supports Scotland’s International Policy to equip young people with international communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy.
More information on SCILT’s work to promote the value of languages amongst young people in Scotland.
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Duais Fastadh Cànainean na h-Alba
’S urrainn do sgoiltean agus ghnìomhachasan air feadh na h-Alba aithne fhaighinn airson obair shoirbheachail ann an compàirteachas le bhith a’ bronsachadh chànainean mar sgil dheatamach airson fastadh.
Tha Duais Fastadh Cànainean na h-Alba, leasaichte le SCILT, Ionad Nàiseanta na h-Alba airson Cànainean ann an compàirteachas le Bòrd na Gàidhlig, a’ brosnachadh ùr-ghnàthachas agus tionnsgalachd ann am brosnachadh sgilean cànain tro cho-obrachadh sùsbainteach eadar luchd-fastaidh agus sgoiltean.
Gheibhear an Duais aig trì ìre: Òr, Airgead agus Umha. Tha acainn air a bhith ga leasachadh airson taic do sgoiltean ann a bhith a’ faighinn na Duaise, ri fhaotainn sa Ghàidhlig agus sa Bheurla air sgàth taic-airgid o Mhaoin Buileachaidh Achd na Gàidhlig.
Thuirt Fionnghal NicAoidh, Stiùiriche SCILT: “Tha an Duais ag aithneachadh euchdan sgoiltean agus luchd-ionnsachaidh a tha air dearbhadh gu bheil sgilean cànain aig cridhe a’ chlàir-ghnothaich Leasachadh na Feachd-obrach Òige aca. Tha trì cairteal de luchd-fastaidh ag ràdh gu bheil iad a’ sireadh dhaoine òga le sgilean cànain nas fheàrr. A bharrachd air sin, tha ionnsachadh cànain a’ leasachadh raon fasrsaing de dh’àrd-chomasan: conaltradh nas fheàrr, tuigse eadar-chultaral, fuasgladh thrioblaidean agus smaoineachadh sgrùdach. Nuair a bhios daoine òga ag ionnsachadh mar a leughas, a sgrìobhas, a labhras agus a dh’èisteas iad ri diofar chànainean, bidh iad a’ leasachadh sgilean deatamach airson beatha is obair agus tha an Duais seo a’ comharrachadh sin.”
Thuirt Shona NicIllinnein, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig “Tha rannsachadh ùr air sealltainn dè cho feumail ’s a tha sgilean Gàidhlig ann an saoghal na h-obrach, le barrachd chothroman ann an raon farsaing de dhreuchdan airson daoine aig a bheil Gàidhlig. Tha sinn air ar dòigh a bhith a’ faicinn mar a fhuair Acadamaidh Dhrochaid an Easbuig Duais Òr airson an dòigh sa bheil iad air sgilean is ùidhean nan sgoilearan a leasachadh tro Ghàidhlig.”
Chaidh an Duais a chur air bhog aig cùirm air 1 an t-Samhain 2019 aig an Ramshorn, Oilthigh Shrath Chluaidh. Chaidh trì Duaisean a thoirt seachad do sgoiltean le ceanglaichean do luchd-ionnsachadh a bha a’ taisbeanadh do luchd-ionnsachaidh mar as urrainn dhaibh cànainean a chleachdadh ann an saoghal na h-obrach:
Chunnacas leis a’ phròiseact “Chinese Tuesdays”, stèidhichte air Bun-sgoil Cheann a’ Bhràigh ann an Sruighlea, seachd sgoiltean a’ tighinn ri chèile ann an Coimhearsnachd Ionnsachaidh Shruighleas airson pròiseact ioma-gnìomh Mandarnais leis na meadhanan, còcaireachd, ealain agus dràma na lùib. Choisinn an co-obrachadh ionmholta seo Duais Òr.
Chuir Acadamaidh Dhrochaid an Easbuig a-steach raon farsaing de phròiseactan thar na sgoile: Tachartasan Bronsachaidh Chànainean, pròiseactan fiolm Gàidhlig agus pròiseactan Saidheans Gearmailtis. Ghlac an acainn ùr-ghnàthachas na sgoile agus leig e le Drochaid an Easbuig a bhith na ciad àrd-sgoil ann an Alba a choisinn an Duais Òr.
Bha Bun-sgoil Naomh Muire ann an Allt a’ Bhonnaich an compairteachas le àite eachdraidheil ionadail Taigh Allt a’ Bhonnaich airson pròiseact far an robh luchd-obrach agobair le sgoilearan gus taghadh de ghoireasan ann am Fraingis airson luchd-iùil a chur gu feum le luchd-tadhail le Fraingis. Choisinn a’ phròiseact seo an Duais Airgead.
Bha luchd-obrach agus sgoilearan o na sgoiltean seo an lathair aig a’ chùirm seo airson na duaisean aca a chruinneachadh.
Tha acainn airson cur a-steach airson Duais Fastadh Cànainean na h-Alba ri luchdachadh a-nuas o làrach-lìn SCILT https://scilt.org.uk/Employment/Skillsforlifeandwork/tabid/1597/Default.aspx.
Tha compàirteachadh ciallach agus libhrigeadh comhairle dhreuchdan freagarrach nan dà àrd-mholadh aig Roi-innleachd Fastadh Òigridh na h-Alba, “Leasachadh na Feachd-obrach Òige”. Tha an Duais a’ cur taic ris na h-amasan seo tro bhith a’ toirt cothrom do dh’òigridh a bhith a’ faighinn a-mach barrachd mu àite nan cànaineann ann an saoghal a’ ghnìomhachais.
Tha co-obrachadh eadar sgoiltean agus gnìomhachasan a’ cur taic ri Poileasaidh Eadar-nàiseanta na h-Alba gus sgilean fastaidh agus conaltraidh eadar-nàiseanta a thoirt do dhaoine òga gus nach bi iad a dhìth orra ann an comann-soisealta agus eaconamaidh a tha a’ fàs nas ceangailte thar an t-saoghail.
Airson barrachd fiosrachaidh mu obair SCILT a thaobh bronsachadh luach cànainean a-measg òigridh na h-Alba, bheir sùil air https://scilt.org.uk/Employment/tabid/8062/Default.aspx.
Related Links
Another accolade for Bishopbriggs Academy (Kirkintilloch Herald, 5 November 2019)
28 October 2019 (Learning for Sustainability Scotland)
Interested in getting involved in Connecting Classrooms? Learning for Sustainability Scotland is running a series of webinars over the next few months. Whether you are an individual school, want to collaborate with other schools as a ‘cluster of interest’, or are looking for personal development opportunities, these webinars will support teachers through the Connecting Classrooms programme. All the webinars are free to attend.
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22 October 2019 (British Council)
There’s a new opportunity for Connecting Classrooms partnership schools – the do your :bit competition!
do your :bit is a coding competition, which encourages children and teenagers to combine creativity and technology in solutions for the Global Goals, using BBC micro:bit handheld computers.
The partnership resource has been produced to help schools collaborate on the do your :bit design challenge and enter the competition. Completing this unit together will give pupils opportunities to develop core skills in digital literacy, critical thinking and problem solving, creativity, communication and collaboration, and citizenship.
Visit the British Council Connecting Classrooms website to find out more about the competition and how to get involved.
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Espacios Increíbles/Amazing Spaces – Case Study
21 October 2019 (SCILT)
Modern Languages and Design & Technology teachers in five secondary schools across three challenge authorities collaborated with staff and students of the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Strathclyde during session 2018-19. The result was a highly competitive design challenge for sustainable homes in Latin America.
A Case Study of the project has been produced and is available for schools through the SCILT website.
Moderation templates were created using the benchmarks. These have been uploaded onto the SCILT website and can be found together with all the resources from the project.
Making languages your business
18 October 2019 (SCILT)
The newly refurbished Ramshorn building at the University of Strathclyde played host to an important dialogue between the worlds of business and education recently. On 2 October, thirty-eight representatives from a range of industry sectors met with delegates from schools, further and higher education with the aim of improving the supply of language skills from education to the workplace and better matching the needs of the labour market. Sectors represented included tourism, engineering, manufacturing and law.
Delegates were welcomed to “Make languages your business” by Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, who noted that it was now “imperative” that graduates are equipped with the necessary skills, in particular the ability to speak other languages, to operate on a global stage. The keynote speech was delivered by Ivan McKee MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation.
Mr McKee said: “Learning other languages facilitates cultural awareness and helps us make connections with people from around the world – skills that are crucial in the 21st century.
“If Scotland is to continue to compete on the world stage, we need our young people to be open to new technologies, to people and cultures from around the world and crucially to the changing ways of doing business. It is essential that we inspire children and young people to learn other languages and, through doing so, provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to help them take full advantage of the opportunities in our fast-changing world.”
In his plenary speech, Charandeep Singh, Deputy Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, made reference to Scotland’s wealth of linguistic diversity and outlined the importance of languages to companies and organisations looking to operate internationally.
The central part of the event consisted of a Q&A session, chaired by John Crawford of Scottish Development International. Panellists provided insights into the importance of language and intercultural skills in their careers, and how the capacity to engage with clients in their native languages has benefited their organisations.
“Make languages your business” was organised by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages based at the University of Strathclyde. It is the culmination of the first phase of a three-year Erasmus+ project, “Generation Global”. At the event, SCILT launched an online toolkit to help Scottish businesses to grow their international markets and to develop the language and intercultural skills of their staff.
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT said: “Erasmus+ funding has enabled SCILT to collaborate with its counterpart agencies in Norway and Denmark so that the Generation Global project could be realised. Each of the three countries working together can make a real difference to young people in Scotland and the other partner countries. Schools by themselves cannot be given sole responsibility for creating an appetite for language learning. It is when schools, universities and the world of industry and business come together that we can truly create a climate in which all languages are celebrated and language learning can flourish.”
The project is coordinated by SCILT on behalf of the Scottish Government Wider Engagement Network.
More information on Generation Global.
Access the Toolkit.
Meaningful employer engagement and the provision of relevant careers advice are key recommendations of Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy, “Developing the young workforce”.
This collaboration between education and businesses supports Scotland’s International Policy to equip young people with communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy.
The panellists for the Q&A session were Dr Jonathan Downie (Integrity Languages), Andrew Gillespie (ACE Aquatec), Mark Pentleton (Radio Lingua) and Paul Sheerin (Scottish Engineering).
17 October 2019 (Erasmus+)
The latest news from the Erasmus+ UK National Agency is now available to view online. Included in this issue is a statistical animation showcasing funding results broken down across each country in the UK from 2014-2018. Whilst Erasmus+ stories have taken on a Scottish flavour this month, with new additions from Pollokshields Primary School, Glasgow Caledonian University and LEAP Sports Scotland.
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15 October 2019 (Creative Multilingualism)
Many of our students are already multilingual, but our classrooms often don’t reflect this. In our action research project, we were amazed by the transformation that occurred when we invited students to use their home languages in class.
Imagine walking into any science or humanities-based lesson in a UK school or elsewhere in which all of the students are engaged in the same task yet using different languages. For most of us that would probably be an unusual sight. Yet we have to ask ourselves why. Why does this seem such an unlikely scenario when our schools commonly serve a multicultural and multilingual student body with home languages that are not English? If we are to promote multilingualism and encourage students to learn languages other than English, shouldn’t we also value and welcome all the languages that already exist in our school communities?
Think of the wealth of knowledge and intercultural exchange as well as language learning opportunities that students from different backgrounds can bring to the classroom. Also, when charged with the education of children whose primary home language is not English, we need to consider how we can facilitate and encourage our students’ development in their home language too. Multiple longitudinal studies by UNESCO have consistently revealed that a student’s academic proficiency in their home language plays a significant role in their success in additional language learning and across the whole curriculum.
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8 October 2019 (Deadline News)
A University of Dundee lecturer has been honoured for using sign language and music to bring youngsters together in harmony.
Sharon Tonner-Saunders, a lecturer in the University’s School of Education and Social Work, has been named as a recipient of a British Council eTwinning National Award for using songs and Makaton to break down international language barriers.
Unlike British Sign Language, which is the language of the UK’s deaf community, Makaton was developed to assist hearing people with learning or communication difficulties. Signs are developed to look like a word and be as simple as possible to perform, making it particularly easy for children to learn.
Her project, Hands of the World, has brought together learners of all ages and student teachers in schools from more than 40 countries, with classes contributing video clips of themselves singing and signing along to popular songs.
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7 October 2019 (University of Strathclyde)
Find out more about the Ramshorn Theatre renovation that was completed in summer 2019, with Estates Services managing the project.
The Ramshorn is a category A-listed building, reflecting its regional importance and local interest. Working with listed buildings comes with its own challenges, as it was necessary to preserve the unique architectural and historical features of the church.
This project saw the transformation of a neglected historic building into a bright modern office environment and multi-use space. The old theatre space and the hall were turned into flexible event and teaching spaces that will act as a hub for cultural exchange, performances and engagement work with schools, scholars, local government and the public.
[..] SCILT and CISS are settling in well in their new home, and are thrilled to be giving the building a new purpose and continuing the story of the Ramshorn.
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4 October 2019 (London Connected Learning Centre)
London Connected Learning Centre’s Peter Lillington reports back from last week’s UK eTwinning Conference.
If you’re a UK educator of 3-19 year olds and you haven’t yet heard of eTwinning – get up to speed and get in quick (and certainly before 31 October). eTwinning is a free online community for schools in Europe and some neighbouring countries, which allows you to find partners and collaborate on projects within a secure network and potentially access Erasmus+ funding.
This fantastic initiative is supported in the UK by the British Council and of the 670,000 registrations on the platform, more than 27,000 are teachers from the UK. Take a look to get a flavour of some of the projects that show the power of online international collaboration between schools: from coding, robotics, Lego and laughter to challenging perceptions on migration, language learning, history and inclusion.
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1 October 2019 (UK-German Connection)
The UK-German Bears project is a free two-week bilateral programme, which puts pupils not only in touch with Alex, the teddy bear from Germany, but also with a German school class. The German class hosts Ben, the British teddy bear, at the same time as the UK school hosts Alex, making this a fun, interactive way for primary children to learn about each other’s language and culture!
If you'd like to host the Bears, dates are still available in the 2019-20 academic session.
Visit the website for more information and to register interest.
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30 September 2019 (Consejería de Educación)
Looking for a partner school in Spain in the 2019-20 academic year? The Spanish Embassy Education Office in the UK and Ireland can help. They will only promote the links between schools. Any actions decided upon by the schools will be their exclusive responsibility.
Visit the website to find out more and to make an enquiry.
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17 September 2019 (Erasmus+)
With multilingualism being a key ingredient in making your CV stand out from the crowd, language skills are in high demand.
As well as boosting employability, learning a language also helps people to become more culturally aware, and can even improve cognitive skills in observation, memory and creativity.
In the UK less than half of the working age population can speak a foreign language. The BBC reported earlier this year that foreign language learning was at its lowest level in UK secondary schools since the turn of the millennium.
However, the Erasmus+ programme, which supports language learning in schools, is making a difference by providing funding to UK schools to run vital international activities.
Ahead of the European Day of Languages on 26 September, let’s take a look at the UK language landscape and how Erasmus+ is helping school staff and pupils to reignite their love of languages.
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9 September 2019 (UK-German Connection)
As the new school year gets underway, find out about the latest selection of initiatives from UK-German Connection in their autumn newsletter.
This edition includes information about the following opportunities:
- Host a Teacher from Germany in 2020
- Youth Seminars in Germany
- Magical Christmas trips
- UK-German bears - Alex and Ben
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5 September 2019 (UK-German Connection)
There are just over two weeks left to register for this free CPD opportunity to host a teacher from Germany for 1, 2 or 3 weeks in spring/summer 2020.
What are the benefits?
- Choose your own timings - it's flexible and fully funded!
- Enhance the intercultural dimension in your school community
- Share best practice on an international level
- Boost speaking confidence in your classrooms
- Create a connection with a German school
Deadline: 20 September 2019 to host in spring/summer 2020.
Visit the UK-German Connection website to find out more and to apply.
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27 August 2019 (British Council)
Would you like to set up a student exchange visit but don't yet have a partner school?
For schools looking for a partner school, we still have a few spaces available on our seminar in Germany in the Autumn term 2019, designed to allow schools to set up a partnership and plan your exchange.
All arrangements will be made by the British Council and travel, accommodation and meal costs will be covered.
Visit the British Council website for more information and to apply by 13 September 2019. Be quick, spaces are extremely limited!
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Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning
26 August 2019 (Learning for Sustainability Scotland)
Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning is an exciting new programme that supports schools across the globe to collaborate on and learn about the big issues that shape our world.
Connecting Classrooms upskills teachers and students with the confidence, skills, knowledge, values and attitudes they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world – and create positive change as part of a whole-setting approach to Learning for Sustainability.
There are a host of learning opportunities and support on offer through the Connecting Classrooms programme. Whether you are an individual school, want to collaborate with other schools as a ‘cluster of interest’ – or looking for personal development opportunities – you can tailor your journey to suit your needs and priorities; thanks to the programme’s flexible range of elements.
Language practitioners will be interested in the following:
23 August 2019 (SCILT)
We have published our updated guide for schools who want to engage with business and raise the profile of languages. The revised guide includes:
- advice on running a languages promotional event
- suggestions for projects to build a partnership with a local business
- ideas to help you find a suitable business in your local area
The guide supports our series of six promotional videos. In these videos, learners can hear directly from a range of employers about the value of languages in the workplace.
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21 August 2019 (UK-German Connection)
Are your pupils interested in sustainability and in discussing the wider impact of our daily choices? UK-German Connection, in collaboration with the British Embassy in Berlin, is hosting a seminar for young people from the UK and Germany, taking place in Berlin from 1-4 November 2019.
The seminar will bring young people from the UK and Germany together to compare everyday consumer habits, explore the wider theme of sustainability and consider the challenges of living sustainably.
Key highlights include:
- Expert-led workshops on sustainability and consumer choices
- Excursions in Berlin on the seminar theme
- Presenting collective ideas about sustainable consumption during an event at the British Embassy in Berlin
German language skills are not required, so the opportunity is open to pupils across the curriculum. Participants are required to pay £25 to confirm their place. Travel and accommodation costs will be met by UK-German Connection.
The deadline for applications is 16 September 2019.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information and to apply.
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9 August 2019 (TES)
One head explains how a partnership with a school in Palestine has helped pupils to gain a new perspective on the world.
In the 21 years that I have worked at Lockerbie Primary School, we have developed our international curriculum to help change the perception of what most people think of when they hear Lockerbie – the air tragedy in 1988 – and instead showcase our town to the world in a more positive light and help broaden pupils’ horizons, too.
We’ve done this in numerous ways, from the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, which provides funding to schools for international activities, to working on a number of British Council eTwinning projects, most notably Hands of the World, which brings children of the world together through music and Makaton.
But the international connection that has sparked the most joy over the years has been our link with the Al Shurooq School for Blind Children in Palestine.
The partnership began in 2005 after a series of emails between me and Al Shurooq’s founder, Helen Shehadeh. Our local minister, who met her on a visit to Bethlehem, introduced me to her.
By the end of the year, as pupils, parents and members of the wider school community looked on, I was using my mobile phone and a microphone to talk to Helen during our Christmas assembly. Two of our P7 pupils, aged 11, then spoke with two pupils from Al Shurooq about their respective schools and how they celebrate the festive season, before wishing each other a “happy and peaceful Christmas”. It was one of the most moving moments in my whole career.
Around five years ago we moved on to focused, whole-school joint curricular projects after Ruba Aburdeinah was appointed as the new director at Al Shurooq.
These mini-projects have primarily centred on the United Nations’ International Day of Peace in September. Every year each of my 12 primary classes, plus our nursery classes and Learning Centre for children aged 2-18 with complex and continuing needs, exchanges work on the theme of peace with a different partner school from around the world. Last year, we exchanged items with schools in 15 different countries, with our Learning Centre pupils making “peace postcards” to send to Al Shurooq.
Music has proved to be a unifying force, too, with students using the World Voice Songbook to learn about each other’s cultures through traditional songs in each other’s language.
We have also enhanced pupils’ understanding of life in Palestine through the Culture in a Box project. This eTwinning initiative asks pupils to choose 10 items they think best represent their culture and explain why. These items then go into a shoebox, which is exchanged with boxes from schools in other countries.
Refugee Week is also an important focus for us, once again prompted by our connection with Al Shurooq. This year we took part in Refugee Week’s Ration Challenge, which asked people to eat and drink the same as a Syrian refugee living in a camp in Jordan for a week. Our class teachers also led themed activities throughout the week and we invited parents and the wider community to attend a Time for Reflection assembly.
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8 August 2019 (TES/British Council)
We believe every young person should have intercultural and international experience. As the UK’s cultural relations organisation, the British Council creates opportunities for schools and teachers in the UK and worldwide to connect and work together to share ideas and practices.
Our range of international education programmes can help develop teaching skills with funded professional development, connect schools across the globe and bring language learning to life.
TES and the British Council have joined forces to explore different ways to bring the world into the classroom and open the door to a host of international learning opportunities.
Visit the TES and British Council websites to access a wide range of resources and information.
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8 August 2019 (eTwinning)
British Council is giving away free classroom resources to UK teachers to help kick start an international project. Culture in a Box is a ready-made, easy-to-run project, making it easy for your class to exchange aspects of UK culture with that of another school in one (or more) eTwinning countries. The resource is designed to help you to kick start an international project with pre-prepared, cross-curricular activities spanning key stages one to five.
Register on the eTwinning platform before 15 September 2019. The 'Culture in a Box' ready-made resource will then be posted to your school in September.
Visit the website for more information.
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NEW! Languages in a nutshell
16 November 2018 (SCILT)
NEW! Languages in a nutshell
Languages in a nutshell is a guide to learning languages, produced by SCILT in partnership with The National Parent Forum of Scotland. Aimed at parents, this leaflet explains how the 1+2 Approach will be put into practice and why learning other languages is so important. It also suggests ways parents can support their child’s language learning.
If you are interested in ordering this leaflet for your school please visit our Leaflets page.
Languages in a nutshell is one in a series of Nutshell leaflets produced by The National Parent Forum of Scotland.
28 October 2018 (School Education Gateway)
Join this course to learn about eTwinning and how it can help you design a project-based learning experience for your students in cooperation with colleagues across Europe and beyond. During the course, you will learn about the principles of project-based learning and how to start a project in the eTwinning community.
Throughout the activities, we will look at the entire life cycle of a project, starting with the initial idea, including finding a partner and negotiations to design a common project, and ending with the implementation and evaluation of the project. We will include principles of project work and collaboration, as well as the educational use of various ICT tools that facilitate project work. We will also look at the social aspect of collaborative projects, showing eTwinning not only as a platform in which to implement educational projects, but also as a meeting place between colleagues, an environment where we can share ideas and participate in various professional development activities.
Visit the website for more information and to enrol on the free course, commencing 5 November 2018.
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25 October 2018 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection offers a number of grants for joint activities between schools and youth groups in the UK and Germany.
The next deadline is approaching, so if you have any projects taking place in 2018-19 for which you'd like funding, visit the UK-German Connection website for more information and apply by 31 October 2018.
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23 October 2018 (eTwinning)
We are pleased to announce the schools awarded the European Quality Label 2018! A total of 1204 projects received the Quality Label for their outstanding work. See the list of the distinguished schools, teachers' name and the project that got them their Quality Label.
Congratulations to all the Scottish schools on the list who have been recognised with an award!
If you'd like to get involved with eTwinning and collaborative projects with schools overseas, visit the website to find out how you can get involved and be rewarded with a Quality Label for your school.
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17 October 2018 (British Council)
Scotland's share of Erasmus+ EU funding is up by more than €1m since last year. This means that a record total of €22.3m will be shared by 172 Scottish organisations working across a range of sectors:
€14.1m for universities and higher education institutions
€5.9m for organisations working in vocational education and training
€865k for youth work organisations
€832k for schools
€614k for organisations working in adult education
With further funding results for 2018 yet to be announced, and 2019 calls due to open, the figure will again rise.
Erasmus+ enables people from the UK to go abroad to study, train, or volunteer and is delivered in the UK by the British Council in partnership with Ecorys UK.
Most of the new funding is for projects between Scotland and European countries. But Erasmus+ also reaches beyond Europe and in turn helps Scotland to do so.
€3.8m of this year’s figure is shared between ten higher education projects, which will connect Scottish universities and colleges with their counterparts in the USA, South Africa, India, Israel, Palestine, China, Canada, Mexico, amongst many other countries.
If you want to find out more about Erasmus+, information sessions giving an overview of the programme and available funding are being run throughout the UK during autumn. Check the website for more details.
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16 October 2018 (British Council)
This year, pupils from Kinlochbervie in the Scottish Highlands took part in our Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning programme by partnering with Sachangwan Secondary School and Nguzu River Primary in Kenya.
The distance between the schools, which we are reliably told by Kinlochbervie students is exactly 4623 miles as the crow flies, didn’t stop students speaking, giving tours of their schools and teaching each other about their culture.
Via letters, and a video directed by S1 pupils, Kinlochbervie students told their Kenyan peers about otters, lochs, shinty, fishing and snow. In a video response, the Sachangwan students showed off their impressive school grounds, sang, and planted trees in honour of the partnership. There were dance performances on both sides and in footage yet unseen by British Council Scotland, the Kenyan students learned to ceilidh dance.
However the partnership didn’t stop at school tours and dancing. The Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning programme , delivered by the British Council in partnership with the Department of International Development, provides teachers with the resources and training to teach internationally. As part of this, partnered schools work together on a project focusing on one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Kinlochbervie and Sachangwan students chose to focus on gender equality, exploring the issue as part of their Modern Studies (High School) and Citizenship (Primary School) courses. In the summer, P5-S2 pupils hosted an event in Kinlochbervie to celebrate their work on the project. The event featured live performances from the Scottish pupils and video performances by Kenyan pupils around the gender equality theme.
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15 October 2018 (SCILT)
Young people from seven East Ayrshire schools had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at Prestwick Airport on 9 October 2018. Over 80 S3-S6 pupils heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company.
The event “Broaden your horizons with languages” demonstrated the relevance of language skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
Pupils attended from Auchinleck Academy, Cumnock Academy, Grange Academy, Kilmarnock Academy, Sanquhar Academy, St Joseph’s Academy and Stewarton Academy.
A teacher from Auchinleck Academy said: “Today’s event has opened learners’ eyes to the competitive job market and how working hard at languages can really be worthwhile and improve their job prospects.”
Jim Fleeting, former Director of Football Development at the Scottish Football Association and a speaker at the event, stated: “The group of pupils who attended today seemed very positive and it is so exciting to be involved in a session like this. I would encourage young people to be ambitious to take up the challenge of learning languages. They will be a valuable asset for their future.”
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages based at University of Strathclyde, in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Ayrshire. Companies attending included Choice Language,
Supreme Tours, ARCS Partnership, Language Within, The Park Hotel Ayrshire, Radio Lingua, Scottish Football Association and easyJet.
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT said: “Events such as these are a really important way of providing young people with high quality careers advice delivered by the business people themselves and of demonstrating to them the value of language skills in our increasingly globalised world.”
Meaningful employer engagement and providing relevant careers advice are both key recommendations of Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy, “Developing the young workforce”. This event supported these aims by giving young people the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role of languages in the business world. The targets laid out in the Scottish Attainment Challenge are about achieving equity in educational outcomes, with a particular focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap. Through hearing from a range of business leaders and interacting with employees, the aspirations of the young people who attended were raised.
This collaboration between schools and businesses supported Scotland’s International Policy to equip young people with international communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy.
The event is one of a series of employer engagement events being held across Ayrshire during this academic session. These events are organised by SCILT and DYW Ayrshire and aim to promote language skills.
More information on the work of SCILT to promote languages for employability is available on our website.
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International friendships at Carluke High
15 October 2018 (SCILT)
Young people from Barcelona and Dublin had the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a Scottish secondary school when they visited Carluke High on 27 September 2018. Students from across the school welcomed the visitors, who had a chance to take part in a ceilidh, sample Scottish cuisine, attend classes and participate in the Carluke “Jam and ham” concert at night.
The visit was part of “What’s ours is yours”, a partnership project between Carluke High, Institut Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia (Barcelona), and Mercy College (Dublin). It is an Erasmus+ funded project with the objective of promoting an awareness and understanding of other cultures. The project also aims to change attitudes and promote responsible local and global citizenship.
Emma Drennan, Principal Teacher of Modern Languages at Carluke High said: “This has been a brilliant opportunity to get pupils together from different countries. It was lovely to see pupils using Spanish, English and teaching each other some Irish! This was an unforgettable experience for all involved and we hope these international friendships will last.”
Alan Sinclair, Teacher of Music and Music Technology, added: “It’s just fantastic to see our pupils working so well with their peers from other countries and I’m so glad that the Erasmus+ project allowed us to provide our pupils with this opportunity. One of my favourite moments was when a pupil told me they were happy to ‘have made new friends’. Definitely a proud teacher moment there!”
Eilidh, a S3 pupil involved in the project, commented: “Getting to know new people, a new culture and learn the language has had a big impact on me.”
The day was organised collaboratively between the three schools. Representatives were in attendance from SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages based at the University of Strathclyde, and British Council Scotland.
Louise Whyte, Professional Development Officer at SCILT, said: “What an inspiring Erasmus+ project across two subjects – music and languages – and three partner schools. It was nice to see it in action as pupils were immersed in a day of learning activities with a special Scottish theme. Bravo to all those involved!”
This collaboration between these three schools from across Europe supports the Scottish Government’s International Policy to equip young people with the international communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy.
11 October 2018 (British Council)
Every day at British Council Scotland we hear about how international learning benefits Scottish schools, teachers and pupils. Making this happen is a core part of our work, and we are keen to spread the message far and wide.
Last month, we visited John Paul II Primary School in Castlemilk, where a partnership with a school in Spain has had a powerful effect on pupils. We also heard from our partners at Glasgow City Council, which is a leading example of good practice when it comes to local authorities creating international and intercultural opportunities for their schools.
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8 October 2018 (British Council)
The International School Award (ISA) can help with your vision for school improvement. If you are writing your School Improvement Plan, and you’re looking for something new that has a proven track record of making a difference, then the International School Award could be what you are looking for.
It works in all profiles of schools: primary and secondary, inner-city and rural, thriving and struggling. Everyone has something to gain.
Experienced head teachers like Kevin McCabe, now Director of Improvement at Drb Ignite Multi-Academy Trust, testify to the ISA’s effectiveness as a tool to change the culture of your school. It does this by opening up the classroom to the world, giving the students the motivation they need to change the way they work and enriching the curriculum with cross-curriculum work.
Visit the website for more information and to register interest. Action plans should be submitted by 18 November 2018.
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2 October 2018 (Goethe-Institut)
The Goethe-Institut is offering German teachers grants for courses in Germany. The programme includes courses on methodology and didactics, "Landeskunde" as well as specialised language courses for teachers.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more information and apply now for a course in 2019.
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2 October 2018 (Goethe-Institut)
The Goethe-Institut invites secondary school students to take part in a competition to engage with questions about the future of Europe.
The debating competition offers a great chance to actively use the German language in an authentic setting and at the same time to get to know other secondary school students from across the United Kingdom. Debating in a foreign language will bring immeasurable benefits to significantly improve the student’s communication skills.
Applications are invited from teams of four year 12 students (4th year of learning German).
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more information and to register by 26 October 2018.
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Inspiring the future global workforce in South Ayrshire
2 October 2018 (SCILT)
Young people from seven South Ayrshire schools had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at Prestwick Airport on 25 September 2018. Over 70 S3-S6 pupils heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company.
The event “Broaden your horizons with languages” demonstrated the relevance of language skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
Pupils attended from Ayr Academy, Belmont Academy, Kyle Academy, Girvan Academy, Marr College, Queen Margaret Academy and Prestwick Academy.
A teacher from Queen Margaret Academy said: “All speakers spoke about the importance of languages in their line of work, which pupils don’t often hear, except from language teachers. Jim Fleeting adding at the end of his Q&A session that you need a language to work at the Scottish Football Association, and that was such an important point.”
A teacher from Prestwick Academy added: “Pupils have heard how competitive the job market is. To realise that languages are not just an asset but a necessity in their future will have been a very beneficial lesson for our pupils.”
Jim Fleeting, former Director of Football Development at the Scottish Football Association and a speaker at the event, stated: “The group of pupils who attended the event seemed very positive and it is so exciting to be involved in a session like this. I would encourage young people to be ambitious to take up the challenge of learning languages. They will be a valuable asset for their future.”
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages based at University of Strathclyde, in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Ayrshire. Companies attending included Choice Language,
IBM, Alex Begg, Radio Lingua, Scottish Football Association and easyJet.
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT said: “Events such as these are a really important way of providing young people with high quality careers advice delivered by the business people themselves and of demonstrating to them the value of language skills in our increasingly globalised world.”
Meaningful employer engagement and providing relevant careers advice are both key recommendations of Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy, “Developing the young workforce”. This event supported these aims by giving young people the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role of languages in the business world. The targets laid out in the Scottish Attainment Challenge are about achieving equity in educational outcomes, with a particular focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap. Through hearing from a range of business leaders and interacting with employees, the aspirations of the young people who attended were raised.
This collaboration between schools and businesses supported Scotland’s International Policy to equip young people with international communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy.
The event is one of a series of employer engagement events being held across Ayrshire during this academic session. These events are organised by SCILT and DYW Ayrshire and aim to promote language skills.
More information on the work of SCILT to promote languages for employability.
2 October 2018 (University of Glasgow)
University of Glasgow, in partnership with Islamic University of Gaza, has launched an new course, 'Online Arabic from Palestine for beginners'.
The course will be of interest to anyone wanting to learn, or promote the learning of, Modern Standard Arabic with a Palestinian ‘flavour’ for work, to communicate with Arabic speaking ‘new Scots’, for linguistic solidarity with the people of Palestine, or simply for the pleasure of learning such an important language.
The Online Arabic from Palestine course will be taught by trained and experienced teachers based at the Arabic Center (Islamic University of Gaza) and will make use of bespoke interactive materials created over the past year by an international team of language experts. Please see the IUG Arabic Centre website for course details and registration.
The Online Arabic from Palestine course is the result of an international and multilingual project (OPAC) run over the past 12 months by a team based in the University of Glasgow School of Education (PI Dr Giovanna Fassetta) and the Gaza Strip (Palestine). The international team has worked in close collaboration to design and develop an online Arabic course for beginners, through the combined efforts of academics, teachers, administrators, IT experts, videographers and graphic designers.
Please note there is a cost to take part in this course. However, research outputs are freely available from University of Glasgow website.
For the past 10 years, the Gaza Strip has been under blockade. The blockade has resulted in very high unemployment, especially among young graduates, and in forced cultural and linguistic homogeneity. The aim behind the course was to create opportunities for multilingual, intercultural and professional collaboration between graduates of the Islamic University of Gaza and a team of foreign language teaching experts based at the University of Glasgow.
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1 October 2018 (British Council)
It’s not often that I get to visit a school, so I was really pleased when Alan Sinclair, Teacher of Music at Carluke High School, invited me along to a special day of sharing and celebration with not one but two of their international partners, writes our Communications Manager, Jordan Ogg.
Last week, pupils and staff from Institut Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia in Barcelona, Spain, and Mercy College Coolock in Dublin, Ireland, were welcomed as part of their Erasmus+ funded 'What’s Ours is Yours' project. A busy schedule saw the pupils collaborating through a variety of activities, taking in Spanish language tasks, multimedia production, a Ceilidh in the PE department and Scottish cookery classes in the afternoon.
It was an insightful opportunity to see first-hand how the schools have embraced international and inter-cultural learning and, in particular from a Scottish perspective, how Carluke High School's approach has complimented the wider curriculum. For example, I was impressed to see film and home economic students engaging with classes on music technology and modern languages – and all through this one partnership.
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24 September 2018 (British Council Scotland)
British Council Scotland are working in partnership with the Lefèvre Trust to offer a limited number of grants to Scottish secondary schools to facilitate reciprocal visits to partner schools in France. The opportunity marks the final round of Lefèvre funding and recognises the recently re-signed Memorandum of Understanding between Scotland and France.
Schools interested in applying should have an existing link to France through a partnership or exchange. Projects with a STEM focus, and from schools in underprivileged areas, are encouraged.
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24 September 2018 (Erasmus+)
Erasmus+ is the European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport. Each year, UK schools, colleges, universities and youth organisations are invited to apply for funding to support vital international activities, including:
- International study/traineeship/volunteering placements for students and young people
- Opportunities for staff to teach or train abroad
- Collaboration with international partners to drive innovation, cooperation and excellence
- Opportunities for young people to interact with decision-makers on issues of concern to young people and to influence youth policy
The Erasmus+ UK National Agency (a partnership between British Council and Ecorys UK) is seeking to appoint a pool of external assessors to assess funding applications and project reports submitted under the Erasmus+ programme.
Applicants need to have knowledge and expertise in the sector(s) of the programme which they wish to assess: schools, vocational education and training, adult education, higher education and youth.
If you’re interested, please find out more on the website and register your interest before 6pm on 5 October 2018.
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19 September 2018 (British Council)
Connecting Classrooms is back, and we have some exciting updates for the new school year.
If you are thinking about taking your school on an international journey this year, it’s time to take a look at how you can join the new Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning programme.
You can apply for Connecting Classrooms opportunities either as an individual school, or part of a cluster, which will be overseen by a lead school.
Becoming a lead school provides a host of benefits, including access to grants to develop your cluster, the opportunity to deliver CPD to other schools in your area and cover support for your co-ordinator’s time.
Visit the website for more information and apply by 28 October to be included in the first round of grant awards.
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Promoting Languages,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
17 September 2018 (Erasmus+)
Interested in funding for international pupil exchanges, staff overseas teaching/training placements and partnerships with schools across Europe?
Erasmus+ and eTwinning offer fantastic opportunities for UK schools to connect with schools across Europe.
Taking place in September to November 2018, we are running free sessions in cities across the UK for school staff interested in beginning or enhancing international collaboration. There's an event in Glasgow on 30 October.
Whilst the twilight session offers a particular focus for schools, there is also a daytime information session more specifically for organisations who are new to the Erasmus+ programme and are considering submitting an Erasmus+ application in 2019.
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Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
All Languages,
CPD,
Funding,
Immersion,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
13 September 2018 (British Council)
The British Council is working in partnership with the Lefèvre Trust to offer a limited number of grants to Scottish secondary schools to facilitate reciprocal visits to partner schools in France. The opportunity marks the final round of Lefèvre funding and recognises the recently re-signed Memorandum of Understanding between Scotland and France.
Schools interested in applying should have an existing link to France through a partnership or exchange. Projects with a STEM focus, and from schools in underprivileged areas, are encouraged.
A French study visit is the ideal way to instil a love of the French language in learners, give them exposure to authentic language usage and enable them to experience French culture first-hand. Pupils can also benefit from:
- raised levels of language proficiency in preparation for exams
- improved confidence in speaking French by practising with peers at the partner school
- increased motivation in continuing to learn French by exchanging language and culture in an authentic environment
- strengthened partnership and development of new cross-curricular projects for the whole school.
Visit the British Council website for more information and apply by 19 November 2018.
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13 September 2018 (UK-German Connection)
Make this a year to remember for your school; welcome a German teacher, take part in our funded Christmas trips to Germany and support your Language Assistant to become a Cultural Exchange Ambassador!
Find out about these initiatives and more in the UK-German Connection 'Back to School' newsletter.
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S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
German,
CPD,
Funding,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
News from language & education organisations
12 September 2018 (Edinburgh Napier University)
Do you have young linguists with a passion for writing? Then here's a great opportunity for budding authors!
Worldwide Napier is a free magazine showcasing the work of language students at Edinburgh Napier University.
Senior pupils at secondary school are invited to submit contributions for the second edition of the magazine in French, German and Spanish by 31 October 2018.
You can read the first issue online and see the attached introductory letter and poster for more information.
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12 September 2018 (ECML)
ECML are hosting professionals in early years’ education at a workshop on “Inspiring language learning and teaching in the early years – Why it matters and what it looks like for children aged 3-12 years” in Graz, Austria on 12-13 September 2018.
The project is designed to help professionals harness opportunities inherent in linguistically diverse classrooms and use them for the benefit of all pupils. Those involved in early-years education, at whatever level, can in particular find evidence here of good practice and a variety of teaching and learning tools to develop learners’ language competence.
Visit the ECML website for more details and developments.
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10 September 2018 (UK-German Connection)
Welcome a teacher from Germany to any department in your school for 1, 2 or 3 weeks in 2019 to give your pupils a real-life learning context for German language and culture.
What are the benefits?
- Choose your own timings - it's flexible and free!
- Enhance the intercultural dimension in your school community
- Share best practice on an international level
- Boost speaking confidence in your classrooms
- Create a connection with a German school
"The guest teacher's input into our curriculum was excellent. She came equipped with resources and lessons, which she delivered to our classes, helping to boost the numbers opting for German."
To find out how you can take part, please visit the UK-German Connection website and apply by 21 September 2018 to host in spring or summer.
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S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
FE,
German,
Cultural Diversity,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
27 August 2018 (SCILT/UCMLS)
To make 1+2 a reality we need to act with one voice for languages! So do join us at the University of Dundee on Saturday, 15 September 2018 for a half-day conference where SCILT/UCMLS evaluate past actions and plan new ones.
We will finish with a networking lunch and wine to celebrate 25 years of UCMLS. For catering purposes, please sign up by 7 September via Eventbrite.
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SCILT CLPL
24 August 2018 (SCILT)
SCILT CLPL
Refreshed and raring to go? Us too! New school year = new SCILT CLPL menu. Featuring a variety of workshops for primary colleagues, for secondary colleagues and one workshop specifically aimed at bringing primary and secondary colleagues together. Our free professional learning is learner-focused, practice-led and evidence-informed. Booking now open! More information on our CLPL menu.
OU/SCILT Teaching Primary Languages programme
There is still time to register for the sector-leading Open University Scotland/SCILT Teaching Primary Languages programme. The course will be available to all primary practitioners but also secondary teachers who teach at primary level. We have produced an FAQ document with further detail about the course for your information.
This blended professional learning programme combines primary languages pedagogy and beginner's language learning. Choose from beginner's French, German, Mandarin or Spanish. The course fee is £240.00 per student. There are plans to offer teachers, who enrol on the course, a summer school experience which will offer immersion in the language to boost confidence and provide ample opportunities to learn more about the cultures in which the language they are studying is spoken. The summer school is not part of the course, it is optional and can be booked separately. More information on this will be published in due course.
If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, don't delay! Speak to your local authority languages Development Officer first, then they can contact Sylvia Warnecke at the Open University (s.warnecke@open.ac.uk ) to confirm your enrolment on the programme.
21 August 2018 (UK-German Connection)
Would you like to take part in a Magical Christmas Trip this year and build on or set up a partnership with a school in Germany?
These visits offer primary pupils the chance to get a taste of Germany at Christmas time, meet their German peers and get involved in some seasonal intercultural activity. Secondary pupils have the opportunity to brush up on their German and practice their skills as young leaders.
There are two options for getting involved:
- apply to take part in a visit to Berlin run by UK-German Connection to set up a link to a school in Berlin
- apply for funding and organisational support to run your own Christmas visit to an existing partner school anywhere in Germany.
Application deadline: 18 September 2018.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information.
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S1-S3,
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Study Abroad,
News from language & education organisations
9 August 2018 (YouthLink Scotland)
YouthLink Scotland, its members and UK/German Connection have teamed up to offer an opportunity to share experiences and make new links between our two countries.
This is an exciting opportunity for workers and the young people (aged 14-21) they work with to get together with German counterparts here and in Germany.
The commitment is two residential weekends taking place in October and December - one in Scotland and one in Berlin.
Places are limited so get in touch soon. The deadline for expressions of interest is 30 August 2018.
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FE,
HE,
German,
Scotland,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Cultural Diversity,
Language Learning,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
News from language & education organisations
1 August 2018 (Linguacuisine)
For anyone interested in languages and food!
The free Linguacuisine web app helps you learn a language while you’re cooking a meal! Choose a foreign language and a delicious recipe from that country. Then your own smartphone or tablet will speak to you in the foreign language and talk you through all of the stages of cooking the recipe in your own kitchen. If you can’t understand, just press a button to get a photo or video explaining what to do. When you’ve finished, eat the food you’ve cooked and learn something about the culture of the country. Linguacuisine has a range of recipes now available for language learning from around the world. We now have recipes available in: English, Greek, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Quechua, Chinese and Korean.
You can also use the free recipe builder app so that you can upload your own favourite recipe in your own language. That means that anyone anywhere in the world will be able to watch videos and listen to audios of you guiding them through cooking your recipe and learning your language! Use your own smartphone or tablet to make recordings of yourself and upload them using our user-friendly software to create your own recipe.
You can also join our worldwide online community so you can rate and discuss other people’s recipes and post information, stories and photos. They can do the same for your recipe, so it’s a good way to make friends in other countries.
So Linguacuisine is a really fun way to learn about foreign languages, cultures and cuisines and you get to eat what you produce. You can also tell other people around the world about your own cooking, language and way of life. You learn foreign words better when you are physically touching food and cooking utensils and using them to prepare food. When you are cooking, you involve all of your senses in the learning experience – touch, smell and taste as well as hearing and seeing. So this is multi-modal and multi-sensory language learning. This is task-based language learning with a real product at the end of it and is intended to improve international understanding and communication.
Linguacuisine is available now for all devices, smartphones, tablets and computers from our website, where the online community will also be located https://linguacuisine.com/
The Linguacuisine app is the end result of a 10-year collaboration between computing scientists and linguists at Newcastle University. The Linguacuisine project is a collaboration between Newcastle University, Action Foundation (UK), Hellenic Open University (Greece), Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia (Italy) and the Workers’ Educational Association (UK). It is funded by an Erasmus+ KA2 Strategic Partnership grant of €324K.
For Teachers
The Linguacuisine app can be used for foreign language lessons, but also for cookery lessons and cross-curriculum projects. Students can use the app to cook and learn in the kitchen at home as well as at school.
The app is a good way of preparing students for a foreign trip as it helps engage them with the cuisine, culture and language in advance. Students can also write their own recipes in their own language, informing people abroad about their culture and cuisine.
It is also an excellent way of getting learners to communicate with learners in other countries. Video links have been available for some time, but Linguacuisine means that learners in different countries can do enjoyable shared activities together, cooking recipes from the other countries whilst learning about the other language and culture.
Digital skills can also be developed by using the ‘recipe builder’ authoring software. This was co-authored with learners and designed to develop a wide range of digital skills using the DIGCOMP 2.1 framework; it has been shown to be successful in improving learner competence.
For Professionals working with Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers
The Linguacuisine app was co-designed with a group of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers from Action Foundation, Newcastle, UK and seeks to help them in two ways. Firstly, immigrants to a country can cook the recipes to learn about the language, cuisine and culture of their host country and help their integration. Secondly, immigrants can produce their own recipes in their own language using the recipe builder software, so they are able to have a voice and so people in their host country are able to learn something about their life prior to arrival here. A number of recipes currently on Linguacuisine have been produced by migrants in the UK.
For Catering Professionals
Chefs and other catering staff who are travelling to work abroad can introduce themselves to the language, culture and cuisine of their destination country by using the Linguacuisine app. They can also increase their repertoire and employability by trying recipes from around the world and improving relevant language skills.
Chefs can also produce their own recipes in their own language or English using the recipe builder software. Their recipes can then be tried out by users anywhere in the world. Users can post feedback about the recipes and rate the recipes, so chefs can gain an international reputation and increase their own job opportunities.
Invitation to London Event
Please come to our free London dissemination event in Europe House on 11 September. Book a place.
Try out the app, cook a recipe and learn a new language!
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20 June 2018 (CLAS)
CLAS - Comann Luchd-Teagaisg Àrd-Sgoiltean, the professional body for Gaelic Secondary Teachers in Scotland, held a successful CLPL conference at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Scotland’s Gaelic College in the Isle of Skye on 2 & 3 June. SCILT was in attendance along with other speakers, as colleagues took the opportunity to share their hopes and concerns about Gaelic Education in the present time.
If you are a Gaelic teacher or a teacher who speaks Gaelic and would like to be come a member, contact Catriona MacPhee via CLAS’ facebook page.
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15 June 2018 (THE)
The Chinese government has announced plans to establish 100 “cultural heritage” centres at universities throughout the country that will run academic programmes and conduct scientific research in a bid to promote traditional Chinese culture.
The ministry of education said that it will “build about 100 excellent Chinese traditional cultural heritage sites” in universities and colleges nationwide by 2020, including 50 this year, and support institutions to “focus on ethnic folk music, ethnic folk arts” and folk dances, dramas and operas.
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14 June 2018 (University of Stirling)
As you’ll have gathered from this blog, a good number of our students opt to apply for English Language Assistantships every year, whether between their 2nd and 3rd years or as graduates. For the past few years, some of our ELA students have also participated in SCILT’s ‘Language Linking, Global Thinking’ scheme during their year as assistants and we thought it’d be good to get a sense of what this actually involves – from the perspective of the students involved.
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12 June 2018 (University of Edinburgh)
French and Spanish MA (Hons) student, Róisín MacFarlane, describes her involvement in SCILT’s Year Abroad schools initiative.
Róisín and three other students from the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) recently attended a course with Scotland’s National Centre for Languages (SCILT) preparing both students and teachers for the Language Linking Global Thinking (LLGT) project.
In this article - her first as Web, Communications and Social Media Intern for LLC - she talks about the LLGT programme and explains why so many schools and students are getting involved.
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Language Learning - Benefits,
Language Teaching,
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Promoting Languages,
Study Abroad,
News from language & education organisations
12 June 2018 (UK-German Connection)
Opportunity for UK schools to boost their intercultural dimension by welcoming a teacher from Germany to any department for one, two or three weeks this school year.
This free programme provides pupils with a real-life learning context for German language and culture and offers teachers the chance to share best practice on an international level.
Hosting can take place at any time during the school year.
Application deadlines - 26 July for autumn 2018 hosting slots and 21 September to host in spring/summer 2019.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information.
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7 June 2018 (UK-German Connection)
Are you interested in Europe, history and peace? Do you want to learn more about World War I and its consequences? Do you want to know how other societies experienced the war and how you can personally contribute to a peaceful future in and around Europe?
To commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War, the Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO), along with partners, is organising an International Youth Meeting in Berlin. The event will bring together 500 young people from across Europe and beyond to discuss topics such as war, peace and history in an international setting. It will take place from Wednesday 14 November – Sunday 18 November, 2018.
As a partner organisation, UK-German Connection are recruiting a group of 18-22 year olds from the UK to attend this youth event.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information and apply by 17 June 2018.
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Senior Phase,
FE,
HE,
French,
German,
Citizenship,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Cultural Diversity,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
News from language & education organisations
7 June 2018 (ECML)
The May-June 2018 edition of the ECML's European Language Gazette is now available. In addition to a round-up of activities and initiatives in language education across Europe, this issue includes the opportunity for language professionals to contribute to the brainstorming on priorities in language education for the coming years by completing an online survey. The survey is open until 11 June 2018.
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Press Release: Teachers to learn to teach languages in the classroom
7 June 2018 (SCILT/OU)
An innovative scheme teaching primary teachers languages and how to teach those languages to pupils is being expanded across Scotland for the first time. The first of its kind in the UK, the distance learning programme will see primary teachers study French, Spanish, German or Mandarin and develop the skills to teach the language in the classroom at the same time.
Launching across Scotland today (Thursday 7 June) at an event in Edinburgh where guests will hear from pupils and teachers, the programme is now available to primary school teachers in all local authorities following a successful pilot which featured 54 teachers from 49 schools across nine local authorities in 2017/18. The programme is a partnership between The Open University and SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages based at the University of Strathclyde.
Designed to support the Scottish Government’s ‘1+2’ language policy, which aims to enable all pupils to learn two additional languages from primary level onwards, the programme will link up with the cultural organisations of France, Spain, Germany and China to facilitate immersive summer schools for participating teachers. At the same time, schools will also have the opportunity to make connections with schools in the countries whose language pupils are learning.
Dr Sylvia Warnecke, lecturer in languages and programme lead at The Open University, said:
“The key thing about this programme is its flexibility, meaning that teachers in every part of Scotland – whether urban or rural – will be able to learn together and share their experiences and ideas, helping each other to bring the language they’re learning to life in the classroom.
“We’ve already had teachers from the pilot project tell us that their pupils love it and are really engaged. They have been instrumental in starting after school language clubs and making links with schools in other countries. It’s exciting that all teachers, schools and pupils in every part of Scotland now have the chance to learn together through this programme.”
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT, said:
“We see this as an important collaboration between our two universities, local authorities and teachers. The course is focused on developing teachers’ confidence so they are able to create exciting and motivating lessons for their pupils. In this way we can make sure that languages feature as an integral part of the Scottish curriculum and that youngsters are given their full entitlement to language learning.
“The teachers’ commitment to developing their skills is humbling. Their willingness to embrace their own learning in order to benefit their pupils’ experience highlights the professionalism and dedication that is the mark of the teaching profession.”
Gwen McCrossan, Principal Teacher for 1+2 Languages, Argyll & Bute, said:
“This course is ideal for the geographical situation of Argyll & Bute. We are delighted to be able to take part, as it provides a quality learning experience for teachers who would otherwise find it difficult to access language training. The course is also unique because it is tailor-made for primary school.”
The pilot project has been shortlisted in the partnership category in this year’s Herald Higher Education Awards. Such is the interest in the programme following its pilot phase and ahead of its wider rollout, it is expected that teachers from Wales and Northern Ireland will join the next presentation starting in October 2018.
A short video featuring teachers who participated in the pilot talking about their experience of the programme is available on YouTube.
Further information on how to sign-up for next year's course is available on SCILT's website
Posted in:
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German,
Spanish,
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SCILT news
6 June 2018 (eTwinning)
This term, why not apply to go on a short, fully-funded workshop in another European country?
Applications are now open for teachers of pupils aged 3-19 across a range of subject areas to attend a fully-funded 2-3 day professional development workshop in Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, France and Greece.
These events are designed to facilitate new eTwinning projects through partner-finding and project planning activities. Workshop themes and subject areas are varied, spanning ICT, Maths, and sustainable development.
Find out about, request a free workshop in the UK or register for one or more of the available opportunities on the eTwinning website. Application deadline: 18 June 2018.
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6 June 2018 (The Conversation)
A drop in the number of secondary school students learning languages in UK schools is fuelling concerns about the country’s global competitiveness, particularly after Brexit. Discussions among both politicians and the media centre on the worry that the UK is being held back globally by its poor language skills. The UK economy loses roughly £50bn a year due to a lack of language skills in the workforce.
British Council and British Academy reports all critique modern foreign language (MFL) teaching in the UK. They also express concern about the lack of learning in state schools compared to independent schools and the widening gap between disadvantaged children and an internationally mobile elite. It is well acknowledged that there is a need to move beyond relying on English as a lingua franca.
In line with this, Chinese, an emerging key world business language – and widely predicted to be key to UK business post-Brexit – has become a foreign language option for some UK students in recent decades. Teaching is beginning to thrive across schools and universities as a principle modern foreign language.
Unsurprisingly, private schools – recognising the language as a new source of cultural capital – were the first to offer the new subject. But some newly established schools, especially particularly poor and disrupted schools in the state sector, have also shown interest in featuring Chinese in the school curriculum. They have been able to do so due to the Confucius Institute programme and the related Confucius Classroom programme initiated by the Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban) in 2004.
The Confucius Classroom program partners with UK secondary schools or school districts to provide teachers and instructional materials. The costs of such programmes are shared between Hanban and the host institutions (the UK colleges, universities, schools or school districts). By adopting Chinese as one of the taught languages in the curriculum, disadvantaged British schools hoped to indicate to parents that they provided something special and ambitious.
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5 June 2018 (British Council)
The International School Award (ISA) can help you to develop your pupils' literacy.
Classroom teachers like Natalie Richardson testify to the ISA’s effectiveness as a tool to improve the motivation of students to improve their spelling, grammar and handwriting. That’s because the international work that schools undertake to complete their journey to the ISA gives students an audience for their work. They want to improve their skills because they want to look good in front of an audience of their own peers.
The ISA changes the culture of a school by opening up the classroom to the world and enriching the curriculum with cross-curriculum work.
The International School Award works for all schools, primary and secondary, urban and rural, multicultural and monocultural, everyone has something to gain.
Register your interest and find out more on the British Council Schools Online website.
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Related Links
How to make an international outlook one of your core skills (TES, 5 March 2018). After achieving the British Council’s International School Award, one teacher explains how their school has taken international learning to the next level with a "fifth floor" approach to different languages and culture. Take inspiration from their experience.
30 May 2018 (SCILT/OU Scotland)
SCILT, together with The Open University in Scotland, has been named as a finalist in the Herald Higher Education Awards 2018. 'Primary School Teachers Learning to Teach Languages’ project, facilitated as a partnership between SCILT and OU Scotland, is shortlisted for the Partnership Award. The award winners will be announced on June 28 in Glasgow.
Read more...
18 May 2018 (SCILT)
The Business Brunches took place earlier on this year across Scotland, and supported DYW and the Scottish Attainment Challenge by giving young people the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role of languages in the business world.
Take a journey through the entire series of events and explore some of the highlights for yourself, such as:
- A taste of what really went on at these events and why languages play an important role in the world of work by viewing our Business Brunch video located on the main page
- Inspiring quotes and uploads of presentations from a handful of business leaders who were present that you can share with your own learners
- Feedback received from pupils who participated
- Images, tweets, press releases and more
Read through our resources and materials which you may find useful to promote languages for employability in your own school.
Important news! Business Brunches will be returning for year 2018/19. Further details will be announced on the SCILT website and through our e-bulletin after the summer with instructions on how you can register your school to attend. Keep your eyes peeled!
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8 May 2018 (ECML)
Are you a secondary school teacher of a non-linguistic subject (other than mathematics or history) working in a linguistically and culturally diverse school? Do you teach 12/13 year olds whose first language is different from the language of schooling? Are you interested in sharing your subject expertise and exchanging experiences with European professionals in the field of language in subject teaching? Then this project is for you!
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2 May 2018 (SRF)
The latest news from the Scotland-Russia Forum (SRF) is now available to read online. Teachers of Russian will be interested to hear the SRF has received funding for their schools project and are looking to organise a teacher exchange. See the bulletin for more information.
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1 May 2018 (UK-German Connection)
Would you like to have authentic German cultural input in your school? Through the Host a Teacher from Germany programme, your school can host a German teacher for two or three weeks during the academic year, at no cost. Offers from UK schools to host teachers from Germany in 2018-19 are now being accepted.
All schools and FE colleges from the whole of the UK can take part. The UK coordinating teacher does not need to be a teacher of German, and German does not need to be on the school’s curriculum; visiting teachers are either teachers of English or have good knowledge of the English language.
Visit the UK-German Connection website and find out how your school could benefit!
Application deadlines: 26 July 2018 / 21 September 2018.
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10 April 2018 (UK-German Connection)
Together is a creative arts project, which invites young people to produce poetry, art, or songs on the themes of hope and unity, inspired by the shared history between the UK and Germany to mark the WW1 Centenary.
Open to all young people aged 9-16 working in groups or individually, projects should be on the theme of hope and unity, inspired by the First World War.
Poetry and songs can be in English, German, Gaelic or Welsh. Art work can be in any medium.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information. Entry deadline is Friday 15 June 2018.
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Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
Gaelic,
German,
Awards,
Celebrating Languages,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Language Learning,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
News from language & education organisations
5 April 2018 (Scottish Government)
The Scottish Government's Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee launched a short and focused inquiry into Scotland's participation in the Erasmus+ programme in November 2017. The purpose of the inquiry was to learn more about the opportunities currently available under Erasmus+ and to consider the implications of Scotland no longer participating in the programme after the UK withdraws from the European Union (EU).
The report highlights that Erasmus+ also plays an important role in supporting the Scottish Government’s 1+2 (mother tongue + 2 additional languages) approach to language learning.
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Posted in:
All Languages,
Europe,
CPD,
Funding,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations,
Brexit
3 April 2018 (ECML)
The latest edition of the ECML's Language Gazette is now available on their website. The newsletter includes updates on the organisation's projects along with new initiatives, events and resources of interest to the language teaching community across Europe.
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Early Years,
Primary,
S1-S3,
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FE,
HE,
All Languages,
CPD,
Cross-Sector Working,
Europe,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
26 March 2018 (UK-German Connection)
As part of the European Union’s Year of Cultural Heritage, young people from the UK and Germany are invited to apply to take part in a youth conference in Berlin from 15-17 June 2018. The youth conference will bring young people from the UK and Germany together, to discuss cultural heritage in a digital world, reflecting on the past and looking towards the future, and sharing their diverse local and regional cultures with one another.
The conference is organised by UK-German Connection in collaboration with the British Council Germany, as part of the European Year of Cultural Heritage.
Deadline 19 April
Except for a small contribution of £25, this event is free of charge for participants.
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26 March 2018 (UK-German Connection)
‘Finding Our Place In History’ will take place in Berlin from 1 – 3 June 2018, and will provide young people from the UK and Germany with the opportunity to discuss history, identity and more through the exploration of personal stories woven into the seminar. The basis for this comes from Thomas Harding's novel ‘The House by the Lake,’ which tells the fascinating journeys of several German families including that of his own, the Alexander family, over a period of 100 years.
The seminar is being organised by UK-German Connection in collaboration with Alexander Haus e.V.
Deadline 16 April
Except for a small contribution of £25, this event is free of charge for participants.
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22 March 2018 (British Council eTwinning)
This term, why not apply to go on a short, fully-funded workshop in another European country?
Applications are now open for teachers of pupils aged 3-19 across a range of subject areas to attend a fully-funded 2-3 day professional development workshop in Turkey, Latvia, Norway and Armenia. These events are designed to facilitate new eTwinning projects through partner-finding and project planning activities. Workshop themes and subject areas are varied, spanning cultural diversity to SEN and the environment.
Visit the website for more information about each event and submit your application by 31 March 2018.
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Posted in:
Early Years,
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
All Languages,
Europe,
CPD,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Cross-Sector Working,
Cultural Diversity,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
22 March 2018 (UK-German Connection)
UK students aged 16-19 with an interest in history, discussing identity, reconciliation and more, are invited to apply for the seminar taking place in Berlin from 1-3 June 2018. We will combine these themes through site visits and lively discussions, which will bring young people from the UK and Germany together to work on projects to promote a better, more united future.
UK-German Connection will cover all seminar costs, including flights, local and domestic travel and full board and lodging.
German language skills are not essential. Some German language elements will be included in the seminar but no prior knowledge is necessary and/or translations will be provided.
Visit the website for full details and to apply by Monday 16 April 2018.
Read more...
22 March 2018 (British Council)
The debate over the details of the UK’s future collaboration with the EU is at a critical stage. Emma Skelton reports on a recent expert seminar on the future of UK-EU partnerships for higher education.
The British Council and the Centre for European Policy Studies recently convened a high-level policy dialogue in Brussels on ‘The Future of the EU-UK Partnership on Higher Education and Student Mobility’. This was part of a series of events between key EU and UK policymakers and influencers examining the implications of Brexit for existing collaboration in the sectors of international development, culture and education.
Much discussion at the event focussed on the Erasmus+ programme. Erasmus+ is the largest provider of student mobility for British students to countries in Europe and beyond. Contributors to the seminar highlighted the importance of the UK to the scheme as a whole, as one of the most popular destination countries, which speakers attributed in part to the excellent reputation of UK universities. They also emphasised the call from British companies for more talent with international experience, intercultural awareness and language skills, which can all be gained through mobility programmes such as Erasmus+.
Read more...
22 March 2018 (UK-German Connection)
In collaboration with British Council Germany, and as part of the European Year of Cultural Heritage UK-German Connection is holding a three-day Youth Conference on 'Cultural Heritage' in Berlin on 15-17 June 2018. Successful applicants will work together with other young people, from the UK and Germany, to explore both the history and future of cultural heritage.
Applicants should be aged 16-19 and still in full time education. Those who are successful will be expected to do some preparatory work prior to the conference, which will include digital tasks.
German language skills are not required for the conference. Some German language elements will be included in the conference, but you don’t need any prior knowledge and/or translations will be provided.
UK-German Connection will cover all costs, including flights, local and domestic travel and full board and lodging.
Visit their website for more information and to apply by 19 April 2018.
Read more...
18 March 2018 (SCEN)
After the work of the Mapping Chinese Working Group, driven by SCEN and the Confucius Institute for Scotland, SCEN has created a Digital Map of schools, colleges and universities in Scotland involved in the teaching and learning of Chinese and about China. The principal aim is to encourage more sharing and collaboration.
Read more...
OU/SCILT languages course for primary practitioners
15 March 2018 (Open University in Scotland/SCILT)
Due to the success of the initial pilot of the course developed by the OU and SCILT, LXT192/4 Learning to teach languages in primary school (French/Spanish), we are delighted to now be able to extend the offer to all Local Authorities. The course will be offered for the following languages:
French (LXT192), German (LXT193), Spanish (LXT194) and Mandarin (LXT197).
For the
next presentation of this course starting in October 2018,
registration will open on 1 April 2018. The course fee is £240.00 per student.
The course will be available to all primary practitioners but also secondary teachers who teach at primary level. We have produced an FAQ document with further detail about the course for your information.
In order to make the enrolment process as smooth as possible, we advise that in the first instance Development Officers contact Sylvia Warnecke at the Open University (s.warnecke@open.ac.uk ) with a list of the names and email addresses of teachers planning to study this in their Local Authority. We aim to complete enrolment by late June 2018 to allow time for planning staffing and timetabling.
And last but not least, we are planning to offer teachers, who enrol on the course, a summer school experience which will offer immersion in the language to boost confidence and provide ample opportunities to learn more about the cultures in which the language they are studying is spoken. The summer school is not part of the course, it is optional and can be booked separately. More information on this will be published in due course.
Policy makers, local councils, local authorities, MSPs and Consulates may also be interested in an event celebrating last years' pilot course, Primary school teachers learning to teach languages - A celebration, being held in Edinburgh on 7 June 2018.
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12 March 2018 (British Council)
Language Assistants provide an interactive language resource for your classroom. We recruit our assistants directly from their home countries, meaning their language and resources are always up-to-date and, importantly, authentic.
Native speakers of French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese and Irish, they help pupils to build their confidence, develop conversational skills, boost motivation for learning, and better understand other cultures. Feedback from schools with a Language Assistant noted an improvement in pupils’ listening and speaking skills.
Not only that, many teachers have found that having a native speaker to talk to and share teaching ideas with can reinvigorate both their teaching practice and their own love for language learning.
So, with applications now open for the 2018/2019 academic year, there hasn’t been a better time to ensure your classroom has access to the best language learning resource around – a native speaker.
Visit the British Council website for more information and to apply for your language assistant by 31 March 2018. Please note that the deadline for Chinese Language Assistants is 1 June 2018.
Read more...
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Languages Network Group Scotland (LANGS)
1 March 2018 (SCILT)
Dear colleagues
We have decided to cancel the meeting on Friday, March 2 in view of the severe weather warnings around the country which will make travelling very difficult for many of our members. Apologies for the short notice but we felt this was the sensible choice to make for everyone's safety and comfort.
We will carry the planned agenda forward to the June meeting which will take place on June 1st in the University of Dundee.
I'm sorry for any inconvenience this will cause if you have already planned your trip but I'm sure you will all understand.
Best wishes
Mandy (SCILT)
Business brunches inspire Scotland’s future global workforce in Edinburgh
6 February 2018 (SCILT)
Young people from twenty schools across the Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders areas had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at Dynamic Earth on 30 January 2018. 208 learners from S3 heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company. The Business Brunch demonstrated the relevance of language skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
A teacher attending the event said: “The presentations were relevant. Pupils could relate to the speakers, especially those from Scotland. They really highlighted languages as an additional skill that give you the edge, which is an important message for our learners.”
One of the young people added to this, and commented: “I learnt that knowing a language can bring you a lot of opportunities and can be fun.”
Leanne Banks, Industry and Education Partnership Manager at Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian regional group, and one of the organisers, stated: “Allowing young people to hear directly from businesses across a wealth of sectors highlighted why continuing with their language(s) at school could be so beneficial to opening up a world of opportunities beyond school. With a variety of industry led workshops and exhibitors speaking directly with young people, everyone had opportunities to be informed and inspired. The day was action packed from start to finish and the feedback received from young people and teachers has been so positive we ought to start planning for the next one to make it bigger and better for 2019.”
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages based at University of Strathclyde, in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian, West Lothian and Borders regional groups together with the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland (UCMLS). Schools represented were Beeslack Community High, Broughton High, Drummond Community High, Dunbar Grammar, Firrhill High, Liberton High, Newbattle Community High, North Berwick High, Portobello High, Preston Lodge High, Ross High, St Augustine's High, St David's High, Galashiels Academy, Kelso High, Peebles High, Armadale Academy, Bathgate Academy, St Kentigern's Academy and Whitburn Academy.
Companies attending included China-Britain Business Council, GlobalScot, The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, NHS, JPMorgan, Skyscanner, Food and Drink Federation Scotland and College Development Network, Asia Scotland Institute and Asia Scotland Partnership for the Environment. Apex Hotels, Dig It! 2017 Archaeology Scotland, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh College, Farne Salmon, Napier University, University of Edinburgh, Historic Environment Scotland, Laing O'Rourke, Languages by KLothian, Macdonald hotels, Multrees Walk, Project Trust, Royal Air Force, Scotland-Russia Forum, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Tourist Guide Association and The Open University in Scotland supported the event by hosting a stall in the Marketplace.
Marion Spöring, Senior Lecturer (Languages and European Studies) at the University of Dundee and Chair of UCMLS said: “The learning of languages is not only fun, but also essential for the future employment opportunities of our young people in Scotland. Languages set the foundation for varied careers, for future engineers as well as artists and in tourism, to name but a few.”
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT said: “In these times of uncertainty, it is even more important than ever that we equip our young people with the skills they will need for life beyond school. We want them to be outward-looking and able to operate in an interdependent world. Events such as these highlight the importance of language skills and intercultural competencies in the world of work.
“The business leaders who speak at these events give of their own time because they understand how much these skills are needed and valued by employers and how vital they are for Scotland’s business community. This kind of collaboration is an example of how education and business sectors can work together for their mutual benefit so that we can support young people and help them develop the portfolio of skills that employers require in their workforce.”
Meaningful employer engagement and providing relevant careers advice are both key recommendations of Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy, “Developing the young workforce”. This Business Brunch supported these aims by giving young people the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role of languages in the business world. The targets laid out in the Scottish Attainment Challenge are about achieving equity in educational outcomes, with a particular focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap. Through hearing from a range of business leaders and interacting with employees, the aspirations of the young people who attended were raised.
This collaboration between schools and businesses supported Scotland’s International Policy to equip young people with international communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy.
The event is one of a series of Business Brunches being held across Scotland in January and February 2018.
More information on SCILT’s 2018 Business Brunches.
Summer courses in Germany: Deadline 1 March 2018
30 January 2018 (UK-German Connection)
The following summer courses in Germany are now open for application.
1) two-week part-funded German Pupil Courses for S3 and S5 pupils (separate courses)
2) fully-funded four-week German Scholarships programme for S5 pupils
Both programmes combine language learning with cultural trips and excursions, as well as staying with host families.
"I have a new appreciation for language-learning and I have realised how fulfilling it is to experience different cultures."
3) There’s also a paid CPD opportunity for teachers to act as group leaders on the German Pupil Courses.
The application deadline for all programmes is 1 March 2018.
9 January 2018 (UK-German Connection)
In November, UK-German Connections 2017-18 cohort of FLA/ELA Ambassadors all met for the first time at the introductory seminar in London.
They were given the opportunity to find out more about their new roles as Ambassadors, discuss the three project themes for the year, as well as develop their project plans together in groups.
Hamburg and Orkney are at opposite ends of the North Sea – and what better idea for a project than to compare the regional identity and cultural heritage of these two coastal spots?
Read the blog for the project, where they and their students will share posts diving into an analysis of Orcadian and Plattdeutsch dialects. They plan to consider spoken language, as well as the dialect’s prominence in contemporary and past literature, asking what significance it still holds today and – more importantly – “Are these strange tongues really quite so foreign?”
Read more...
17 November 2017 (TESS)
Building partnerships with schools overseas may seem like a less attractive prospect after the UK exits the European Union, but the benefits to pupils make these continental forays worth fighting for.
Subscription required to access this article
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23 October 2017 (UK-German Connection)
Calling all pupils interested in European issues! Take part in the Young Europeans Award and win a trip to Warsaw!
This initiative aims to encourage dialogue and exchange between young people in the 'Weimar Triangle' countries - Germany, France and Poland. For the 2017-18 round, the UK has been invited to take part as a guest country.
Teams of young people from within schools in Germany, France, Poland and the UK are invited to enter the competition (with support from their school) in groups of 6+ by sending in a collaborative creative project of their choice addressing the statement: 'To be or not to be...a European'.
Winning teams will have the opportunity to visit the Polish capital, Warsaw.
Applications should be submitted by 1 March 2018.
To find out more about the initiative and how to take part, visit the UK-German Connection website.
Read more...
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Erasmus + 2018 information for schools
20 October 2017 (British Council)
ERASMUS+ 2018
If you would like an introduction to the funding opportunities Erasmus+ will provide for schools in 2018, then make sure you book your place at one of the information sessions the UK National Agency is running across the UK this autumn, including 7 November in Belfast and 15 November in Newcastle.
The European Commission expects to announce the 2018 application deadlines by the end of October. The UK is taking part in Erasmus+ as normal in 2018 (please see our Brexit webpage if you or your partners need any reassurance). In 2018, the new School Exchange Partnerships (part of Key Action 2) will be supported by a 40% increase in funding and a simpler application process, so that lots more schools can get involved and benefit from Erasmus+.
School Exchange Partnerships aim to support short-term exchanges of pupils for a minimum of three days at a time, as well as longer term pupil exchanges of up to a year. You can also still arrange staff training and teaching assignments as before. These new partnership opportunities are an ideal way to enable you to visit your eTwinning partners. More information will be provided at the 2018 information sessions and through the application support process from the UK National Agency, so UK schools should gear up for a bumper Erasmus+ year!
If you need any inspiration, please do look at the Erasmus+ schools projects lists for 2017, to see what other schools are doing through Erasmus+:
· School Staff Mobility funding results (KA101)
· Schools Education Partnership results (KA201)
· Schools-only Partnership results (KA219)
You can also watch this Brae High School video, of their Erasmus+ project, which brings the programme to life.
17 October 2017 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection offers a number of initiatives and opportunities for partnerships between schools in Germany and the UK. Click on the relevant link below to find out more about their latest initiatives:
- School Partnership Bursaries - Special **school partnership bursaries of £1,000** are currently available to help keep you UK-German partnership alive and help cover any costs arising from recent changes to safeguarding regulations. All you need to do is answer a few short questions about your partnership activities this year and your plans for next year by **7 November 2017**.
- Young Europeans Award - Are your pupils interested in European issues? Encourage them to enter the competition and win a trip to Warsaw! With the UK (and UK-German Connection) as a partner for 2017-18, pupils are invited to team up with young people from Germany, Poland and France and enter with a project on the theme 'To be or not to be... a European.’
To find out more about other activities the organisation provides, you can also visit the UK-German Connection website.
Read more...
17 October 2017 (Open University/SCILT)
Primary school teachers are being given the confidence to teach languages to their pupils through a new project run by The Open University (OU) in Scotland and SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages.
Fifty one teachers from schools across nine local authorities are participating in ‘Learning to teach Languages in Primary School’ which will see them learn French or Spanish as well as how to teach the language in class.
The project aims to support the Scottish Government’s “1+2” Language Policy, which has the objective that every pupil will learn two modern foreign languages alongside their mother tongue from primary school onwards.
Read more...
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13 October 2017 (CISS)
The application process for the Tianjin scholarship 2018-2019 is now open. Further information about the scholarship which offers young people the opportunity to study Mandarin in Tianjin can be found on our website. The closing date for applications is Monday 6 November 2017.
Please note that we can only accept applications from current 6th years in an authority with a Confucius Classroom hub.
If you have any questions or would like any further information, please contact
ciss-info@strath.ac.uk.
Read more...
11 October 2017 (European Parliament)
There's still time to apply for the third European Youth Event (EYE) which will be taking place 1-2 June 2018 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
EYE provides a unique opportunity for young Europeans, aged between 16 and 30, to make their voices heard and to come up with innovative ideas for the future of Europe.
EYE2018 includes a wide range of activities in English, French and German run under the motto "The plan is to fan this spark into a flame." (Hamilton, My Shot). The activities centre around five main themes:
- Young and old: Keeping up with the digital revolution
- Rich and poor: Calling for a fair share
- Apart and together: Working out for a stronger Europe
- Safe and dangerous: Staying alive in turbulent times
- Local and global: Protecting our planet
Visit the EYE2018 website for more information. Groups of at least 10 young people who want to take part need to register on the website between October and December 2017.
Read more...
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10 October 2017 (eTwinning)
This term, why not apply to go on a short workshop in another European country?
Applications are now open for teachers from Early Years to Upper Secondary to attend a 2-3 day professional development workshop in Ireland and Spain. These events are designed to facilitate new eTwinning projects through partner-finding and project planning activities. Workshop themes and subject areas are varied, spanning e-safety to computational thinking, MFL, history and culture.
Visit the website to find out more and apply by 16/19 October 2017 respectively.
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6 October 2017 (CISS)
The first blog entries from a number of Tianjin Scholars are now available to read on the Confucius Institute for Scotland's Schools website.
Read more...
19 September 2017 (UK-German Connection)
There's still time to apply to take part in a Magical Christmas Trip to Germany this year!
These visits offer primary pupils the chance to get a taste of Germany at Christmas time, meet their German peers and get involved in some seasonal intercultural activity. Secondary pupils have the opportunity to brush up on their German and practice their skills as young leaders.
There are two options for getting involved: either by applying to take part in a visit to Berlin run by UK-German Connection or by applying for funding to run your own Christmas visit to a partner school anywhere in Germany.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information and to apply by 26 September 2017.
Read more...
15 September 2017 (eTwinning)
eTwinning offers a platform for teachers to communicate, collaborate, share and develop projects with like-minded colleagues across Europe.
Visit the website to find out more about eTwinning and how being part of the community can benefit you and your pupils.
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15 September 2017 (UK-German Connection)
Would you like to have authentic German cultural input in your school? Through the Host a Teacher from Germany programme, your school can host a German teacher for two or three weeks during the academic year, at no cost.
All schools and FE colleges from the whole of the UK can take part. The UK coordinating teacher does not need to be a teacher of German, and German does not need to be on the school’s curriculum; visiting teachers are either teachers of English or have good knowledge of the English language.
There's still time to apply. Closing deadline is 21 September 2017.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information.
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Indiana University Global Gateway for Teachers
12 September 2017 (Indiana University)
For many years, primary and secondary schools worldwide have hosted final year students as part of Indiana University's Global Gateway for Teachers. The student teachers, who may spend up to 12 weeks in the country, have proven to make valuable contributions to the life and work of school during their stay.
For several years, Highland Council has successfully hosted many students, and the aim is to now extend the programme to include as many Scottish Local Authorities as are interested.
More information about the programme can be found in the attached letter.
6 September 2017 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection offers a number of funded opportunities for schools in the UK to link with schools in Germany as well as providing resources and activities for the classroom and professional learning for teachers.
In their latest newsletter you can find out more about current opportunities, including:
- Deadline reminder: seas and oceans youth seminar
- Host a Teacher in 2018
- Voyage kids: back to school special
- Magical Christmas Trips
- Partnerships Bursaries
- Young Europeans Award
- Looking ahead
Find out more on their website.
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31 August 2017 (ECML)
The May-July 2017 edition of the European Centre for Modern Language's newsletter is now available online.
The European Language Gazette highlights the latest developments, programmes and initiatives in language education in Europe.
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28 August 2017 (British Council)
We were very pleased to welcome our new cohort of Modern Language Assistants (MLAs) to Scotland last week with an induction meeting in Edinburgh.
This year, we have almost 80 assistants from 10 different countries in 8 Local Educational Authorities.
Huge thanks to our colleagues at SCILT who supported the event, as well as Louise Glen from Education Scotland and representatives from the Institut Français and the Spanish Consejería.
If you are interested in hosting a language assistant, or would simply like more information, please email
languageassistants.uk@britishcouncil.org or visit the British Council website.
Read more...
History teachers' professional development tour to Berlin
25 August 2017 (German Embassy)
The German Embassy is inviting applications for their next Professional Development Tour for British Teachers of History to Berlin, Germany, 15 – 21 October 2017.
The purpose of the trip is to give participants a wide-ranging impression of present-day Germany as a background for teaching German history in UK schools. The trip will include highlights of contemporary Berlin, talks with history teachers and teachers’ associations, visits to the German Historical Museum, the Jewish Museum, the Federal Foreign Office, the Reichstag and more.
The tour will be conducted in English. All costs relating to the trip will be covered by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Please see the attached flyer and booking form for more information. Apply by 8 September 2017.
24 August 2017 (European Parliament)
The third European Youth Event (EYE) will be taking place 1-2 June 2018 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. It provides a unique opportunity for young Europeans, aged between 16 and 30, to make their voices heard and to come up with innovative ideas for the future of Europe.
EYE2018 includes a wide range of activities in English, French and German run under the motto "The plan is to fan this spark into a flame." (Hamilton, My Shot). The activities centre around five main themes:
- Young and old: Keeping up with the digital revolution
- Rich and poor: Calling for a fair share
- Apart and together: Working out for a stronger Europe
- Safe and dangerous: Staying alive in turbulent times
- Local and global: Protecting our planet
Visit the EYE2018 website for more information. Groups of at least 10 young people who want to take part need to register on the website between October and December 2017.
Read more...
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24 August 2017 (British Council)
We offer many ways to help enhance learning and teaching in schools in Scotland. Raising attainment, building literacy and numeracy, and helping bridge the attainment gap are high on the schools agenda. An international dimension can be motivational for staff and learners, and has been shown to make a real difference in these priority areas.
Our professional development opportunities, curriculum resources and international linking programmes offer a range of exciting and innovative approaches to learning and raising attainment.
Our Bring the World into your School booklet details each of our programmes and shows how they have been developed to strengthen the delivery of Curriculum for Excellence. We also outline how international education can be used across Scotland to improve whole school performance.
Visit the website for more information about the Bring the World into your School initiative, the Learning for Sustainability programme, eTwinning, Erasmus+ funded projects and Language Assistants programme and how these can support and benefit Scottish schools.
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24 August 2017 (SCILT)
UCMLS, the professional organisation representing languages staff in Scottish universities, is again holding two sets of regional cross-sector meetings during 2017-18, with support from SCILT.
The first round of meetings will be during the week beginning 11 September 2017. We will present our planned events and initiatives for the coming session, including the new Languages Lost & Found events on 18 November.
Language teachers and staff in schools, colleges and universities are warmly invited to attend. For those who live too far to attend in person we are also offering the option of joining us on one of two virtual meetings via Skype.
Please register for your session choice by Friday 1 September 2017.
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22 August 2017 (British Council / University of Edinburgh)
- Are you interested in Learning for Sustainability and implementing it in your school?
- Do you need practical help and support?
- Would you benefit from sharing your ideas with other professionals?
- Are you interested in developing or extending a British Council Professional Partnership with a school overseas?
If you have answered ‘yes' to these questions, then this course is for you!
This professional learning initiative by the University of Edinburgh, in partnership with the British Council, is a timely opportunity for teachers to grapple with what Learning for Sustainability means, what existing and new skills and knowledge are required, and how this might all look in the your school context. This 10-week active learning course takes a Learning for Sustainability approach, which involves critical thinking and problem solving, participation, and practitioner enquiry.
Visit the website to find out more and to register for the free online course commencing 22 September 2017.
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15 August 2017 (Goethe-Institut)
The Goethe-Institut is accepting applications to join the schools' network 'The Smart Choice: German'.
In 2016 the Goethe-Institut set up 19 Digital German Networks in the United Kingdom. It is now looking to build on this success and to identify further networks of secondary and/or primary schools that have the intention to start, facilitate and strengthen the teaching of German.
At least three schools need to build a network. The lead partner can apply for the funding with the Goethe-Institut. It can be a secondary school supporting feeder schools or a cluster of primary schools reaching out to a secondary school teaching German. It can also be three primary schools in one area wanting to make a start with German or already having started with it.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website to find out more and to apply by 30 September 2017.
Read more...
15 August 2017 (SCILT/CISS/Braehead PS)
The children of Braehead Primary have been making languages come alive through a collaborative project with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) at Stirling Castle. This project saw P5 pupils working in groups on a number of different tasks. The end result was a virtual tour of Stirling Castle in Chinese, signage in Chinese, language training for castle tour guides and maps of the castle in Chinese. Learners' literacy skills benefited from the project, and their understanding about the world of work increased.
You can see the film in Chinese, set within the castle walls, on the school’s YouTube channel. The film will be entered for the British Film Festival awards in London in October.
The project had a positive impact on the wider school community. The school has recently launched a Chinese character challenge. This is a whole-school competition where one character a week is introduced on their interactive wall in the dining hall – highly visible to all. At the end of term, pupils and teachers will take part in a quiz based on these characters with Chinese-themed prizes up for the taking! Pupils continue to produce language podcasts in Chinese and other languages. The podcasts can be accessed via the
Braehead Primary Languages Café on the school’s website.
There are six classes at Braehead learning Chinese as L3 from P4 to P6. The P5s are the trailblazers and have been learning the language for nearly two years.
Read the full case study of the project for replicable ideas for your own school context to support partnership working and help your school deliver on Developing the Young Workforce.
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SCILT news
19 July 2017 (UK Government)
More British youngsters will be able to learn about German language and culture after a new agreement was made between the Foreign Secretary and the German Foreign Minister.
Boris Johnson and Sigmar Gabriel have signed off on a doubling of funding for UK-German Connection (UKGC), which means an increase in the number of places available on the scheme.
The funding increase, to around £230,000 and matched by the German government, will expand the scheme’s work in bringing together children and teachers in both countries to learn about each other’s language, history, and culture.
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23 June 2017 (European Parliament)
The third European Youth Event (EYE) will be taking place 1-2 June 2018 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. It provides a unique opportunity for young Europeans, aged between 16 and 30, to make their voices heard and to come up with innovative ideas for the future of Europe.
EYE2018 includes a wide range of activities in English, French and German run under the motto "The plan is to fan this spark into a flame." (Hamilton, My Shot). The activities centre around five main themes:
- Young and old: Keeping up with the digital revolution
- Rich and poor: Calling for a fair share
- Apart and together: Working out for a stronger Europe
- Safe and dangerous: Staying alive in turbulent times
- Local and global: Protecting our planet
Visit the EYE2018 website for more information. Groups of at least 10 young people who want to take part need to register on the website between October and December 2017.
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Coming soon: SCILT Associates
23 June 2017 (SCILT)
New for session 2017/18, SCILT is compiling a database of partners and stakeholders, including teachers from all sectors, who wish to become associate members of the SCILT team.
Throughout the year, we may contact our associates if we are planning either a project or piece of work where we require additional capacity, expertise or advice.
If you think you might like to work more closely with the team and help us enlarge the 'SCILT family', then please keep your eye on the bulletin at the start of the new session when we will be able to give further information and sign up details.
22 June 2017 (British Council)
If you're thinking about collaborating with an overseas partner school next term, Connecting Classrooms could be the programme for you.
The global education programme is brought to you by the British Council in partnership with the Department for International Development (DFID).
It offers a free learning journey which helps you to improve your classroom practice and develop your ideas with like-minded teachers internationally.
By developing and networking with thousands of teachers across the world, the British Council aims to help young people develop the knowledge, skills and values to live and work in a globalised economy.
Listen to participating teachers share their experiences, and learn more about how you can get involved, on the Connecting Classrooms website.
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21 June 2017 (UK-German Connection)
Provide your school with authentic German cultural input by hosting a teacher from Germany for two or three weeks, at no cost to you.
Schools do not need to be teaching German to apply and visits can take place at any time between September 2017 and July 2018. Deadlines 10 July(*) and 21 September 2017 (**).
(*) If you’d like to host in the autumn term 2017
(**) if you’d like to host in spring / summer 2018
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information and to apply.
Read more...
15 June 2017 (EVALUATE Project)
EVALUATE is a European Policy Experiment project funded by Erasmus+ Key Action 3.
This experimentation will evaluate the impact of telecollaborative learning on student-teachers involved in Initial Teacher Education in the participating European countries and regions. Telecollaboration, also commonly known as Virtual Exchange, involves engaging trainee teachers involved in Initial Teacher Education in task-based interaction and collaborative exchange with fellow trainees in other locations through online communication technologies.
The guiding research question for the study is: “Will participation in telecollaborative exchange contribute to the development of competences which future teachers need to teach, collaborate and innovate effectively in a digitalised and cosmopolitan world?”
A teacher-training event is due to be held in Italy 5-7 July 2017.
Visit the website for more information about the project and how to get involved.
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13 June 2017 (Daily Post)
More school students across North Wales will be able to take part in a successful Modern Languages Mentoring programme thanks to a further Welsh Government investment of £140,000 for the third year of the project.
Launched in 2015, the Modern Foreign Languages Student Mentoring project places undergraduates from Bangor, Aberystwyth, Cardiff and Swansea universities into local schools to mentor pupils and encourage them to consider modern foreign languages when choosing their GCSE options.
The mentoring project is part of the Welsh Government’s Global Futures plan, which aims to improve and promote the take-up of modern foreign languages in schools in Wales.
Over the last two years the mentoring scheme has had a significant impact on partner schools, who have reported an increase in pupils choosing languages at GCSE as well as improved motivation to continue learning languages and to consider university.
The Welsh Government is now extending the project to include a new digital platform to increase its reach to schools and pupils who have not been able to engage with the project due to geographical location.
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11 June 2017 (Preston Street Primary)
Thursday the 8th June was an important date for P6 and not because Theresa May decided to have her snap election that day. P6 at Preston Street Primary managed to secure themselves an opportunity to attend a South American Spanish Day event at Edinburgh Zoo.
To start the day off P6 had a short introduction via a video from Dr. Arnaud Desbiez who manages the RZSS South American projects. This was followed by Sandie Robb explaining a new initiative ‘Science in the Language Class’ which links to RZSS conservation projects to language learning. This led into a fun quiz which covered facts about some South American animals and included Spanish questions on numbers, colours and parts of the body. Afterwards, a gentleman by the name of Xabier San Isidro told us his story of how his love for languages shaped his life.
Read more...
9 June 2017 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection offers a number of opportunities for UK schools to partner with a school in Germany. The following options are currently available. Follow the appropriate link for more information:
Visit the UK-German Connection website to find out more about all their activities.
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News from language & education organisations
9 June 2017 (Access China UK / Education Scotland)
Funding is available for schools to set up a successful sister school partnership with China or if you already have a sister school this can be used to re-activate the partnership. The funding is provided by Access China UK Education, which specialises in setting up and supporting schools with active relationships. The deadline to access the fund is 26 June.
Visit the website for more information.
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9 May 2017 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China)
On 4 May, Consul General Pan Xinchun paid a visit to Fettes College where he delivered a speech to the students and had a cordial meeting with the headmaster Michael Spens.
In his speech, Mr. Pan spoke highly of the Fettes College for its outstanding achievements in education. He indicated that well-educated students with global vision need knowledge about China. As the second largest economy, China has made huge contributions to the global development. He introduced the close links between China and Scotland by giving examples of people's daily life. Mr. Pan said, the demand in other countries for Mandarin speakers is increasing as China's cooperation with the rest of the world is deepening with a growing number of people learning Chinese language and culture. In Scotland alone, nearly 30,000 students from primary and secondary schools are learning. He encouraged the students to work hard and gain more understanding about China so as to build a bridge of friendship and cooperation between China and Scotland.
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9 May 2017 (ECML)
The EOL ECML project “Learning environments where modern languages flourish” has already succeeded in recruiting 99 partner schools and teachers in ten different countries; we will continue to accept new partner schools until the end of July 2017.
This European network of project partner schools will not only support one another in developing innovative approaches to establishing language friendly learning environments through an exchange of relevant resources, research and practice, but will have dedicated support from the project team throughout the lifespan of their school projects.
Visit the ECML website for more information and to register to join the EOL network.
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25 April 2017 (SCILT)
A series of five successful Business Brunch events organised by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages in partnership with the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland took place this year where 535 learners from S3-S6 were given the opportunity to hear from a wide range of exciting business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company.
The events demonstrated the relevance of language skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
Find out more about the events on our new Business Brunch 2017 webpage.
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SCILT news
25 April 2017 (SCILT / UCMLS)
Following our final consultation with stakeholders at the national UCMLS conference in Glasgow on 10 March 2017 we have produced our cross-sector Action Plan in support of Scotland's 1+2 language policy, and it is now available online. Click below for more details but please REFRESH THE PAGE to get the latest version of the webpage!
Marion Spöring, UCMLS chair.
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24 April 2017 (UK-German Connection)
Broaden your pupils' horizons and enhance your school's international dimension by linking with a German school. Find out how to set up and develop a partnership with a German school, including practical tips and advice on joint activities, projects and visits to Germany.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information.
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Biscuits galore!
20 April 2017 (CISS)
For some S2 pupils from Elgin Academy, the term began with a busy and exciting visit to Walkers Shortbread HQ in Aberlour, Moray.
The pupils have been studying Mandarin since January with the support of the Hanban teacher Sufang Wang and under the guidance of Jerome Lestienne, PT of Modern Languages. The pupils presented to members of the International team from Walkers and the HR team. The presentations reflected what they had learnt so far, which included simple greetings, some numbers (and how to express numbers with hand gestures) and explanations of what is peculiar to the Chinese language such as learning tones, characters, etc.
The presentations also incorporated advice on effective “dos and don’ts” of Chinese Business Etiquette. These were well received by the International Team, who later explained they are increasingly doing business with China. It is now one of the top ten countries with whom they deal and in the near future will be opening an office in Shanghai.
Pupils were judged on presentation skills, clarity of delivery, content, structure and language skills. (The latter were judged by members from CISS and the Hanban teacher.) The winning group were generously rewarded with a prize and all pupils left with a goodie bag.
Pupils were asked questions by the team regarding how they found learning Chinese. They replied they had found it interesting and were grateful to have the chance to learn some Chinese whilst at school.
The Director of the International Team thanked them for the useful and stimulating presentations. He highlighted the fact that future employees with such knowledge would be most welcome for the company to employ.
Posted in:
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CISS news
27 March 2017 (European Commission)
The European Commission presented today an initiative under the Erasmus+ programme which further supports learning and mobility of young Europeans. Called "Move2Learn, Learn2Move", it will enable at least 5,000 young citizens to travel to another EU country in a sustainable manner – individually or together with their school class. The one-off initiative, which is linked to the 30th anniversary of the Erasmus programme, is consistent with two central priorities of the Commission: to put a renewed focus on Europe's youth, and to facilitate EU citizens' mobility, particularly low emission mobility.
Move2Learn, Learn2Move builds on an idea put forward by the European Parliament in 2016. It will be implemented through eTwinning, the world's biggest teachers' network. Part of Erasmus+, it enables teachers and pupils across Europe to develop projects together through an online platform.
[..] The initiative will be open to school classes of students aged 16 and above taking part in eTwinning.
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20 March 2017 (Erasmus+)
The March 2017 edition of the Erasmus+ newsletter invites organisations and individuals to complete a questionnaire to share experiences and opinions to help shape how the programme might look after 2020.
The newsletter also contains news on upcoming events and activities.
Read more...
UK-German Connection initiatives for schools
7 March 2017 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German connection have the following opportunities they'd like teachers and schools to be aware of:
- What do you need now? Have your say.
It’s now more important than ever to maintain connections with Europe. With this in mind, we’re reviewing the opportunities and support we offer schools and are asking teachers for their input on what schools currently need in order to keep links with Germany alive. We’ve put together a short questionnaire for you to have your say and would be grateful for your feedback. Complete the survey.
- Plastic Pirates
There’s now another chance for UK and German partner schools to apply for funding to get together in Germany and undertake research on Germany’s rivers and oceans.
1 March 2017 (Articulate Language Camps)
Articulate Language Camps run an International Camp (12-17 year olds) and Launch Camp (6-11 year olds) each summer in Scotland.
The International camp brings together young people aged 12-17 from across Europe and beyond to share their language and culture and provides the opportunity to learn French, Spanish, German, Italian or English.
The Launch camp gives young campers the chance to experience the same languages in a fun and interactive way, learning through digital media projects and outdoor activities.
Find out more in the Articulate Language Camps videos on YouTube where you will also find links to their online brochure and registration form. Follow the relevant link below for more information about each camp:
You can find out more about Articulate Language Camps by visiting their main website.
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News from language & education organisations
14 February 2017 (SCILT)
Young people from eleven schools across the north east of Scotland had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen on 9 February 2017. 116 learners from S3-S6 heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company. The Business Brunch demonstrated the relevance of language skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
A teacher attending the event said: “Today’s event gave learners the opportunity to engage with local employers and discover the relevance of language skills here, in their local area. Pupils were able to see that they might even need a language that is not taught at their school, but the skills they develop whilst learning any language are transferable and therefore valuable.”
One of the young people added to this and commented: “I learnt that no matter what career you pursue, it can be very useful to be able to speak a different language. It can broaden your horizons.”
Virginie Jégat from TOTAL E&P UK LIMITED and one of the workshop leaders stated: “Here at TOTAL E&P UK we see on a daily basis the benefit of languages in the workplace. The ability to speak another language adds huge value to the business experience, whilst increasing cultural understanding within the workforce and towards our clients.”
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages based at University of Strathclyde in partnership with the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland. Companies attending included Aberdeen City Council, University of Aberdeen, The Chester Hotel, China-Britain Business Council, VisitScotland, TOTAL E&P UK LIMITED and Scottish Dance Theatre. Schools represented were Banchory Academy, Banff Academy, Buckie High School, Dyce Academy, Harlaw Academy, Hazlehead Academy, Inverurie Academy, Meldrum Academy, Mintlaw Academy, Peterhead Academy and The Gordon Schools.
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT said: “Events such as these are a really important way of providing young people with high quality careers advice delivered by the business people themselves and of demonstrating to them the value of language skills in our increasingly globalised world”.
Meaningful employer engagement and providing relevant careers advice are both key recommendations of Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy, “Developing the young workforce”. This Business Brunch supported these aims by giving young people the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role of languages in the business world. The targets laid out in the Scottish Attainment Challenge are about achieving equity in educational outcomes, with a particular focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap. Through hearing from a range of business leaders and interacting with employees, the aspirations of the young people who attended were raised.
This collaboration between schools and businesses supported Scotland’s International Policy to equip young people with international communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy.
The event is one of a series of Business Brunches being held across Scotland in January and February 2017.
Read more...
9 February 2017 (ECML)
Do you feel passionate about the learning and teaching of languages? Do you believe that your learners will benefits from acquiring language skills? Would you like to improve your school environment in relation to language teaching and learning? Are you interested in working with the ECML (European Centre for Modern Languages) of the Council of Europe?
Then why not join the EOL network? The EOL project team is delighted to work with all stakeholders in education in order to develop learning environments where modern languages flourish. More than 40 schools are already involved in the EOL project.
To find out more about the project and to join, visit the ECML website.
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3 February 2017 (British Council eTwinning)
Interested in eTwinning and partnering with schools across Europe on collaborative projects? Check out the professional development opportunities in the UK and overseas for both primary and secondary sectors.
Visit the British Council eTwinning website for more information.
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1 February 2017 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection has the following summer courses in Germany, which are currently open for applications:
Both programmes combine language learning with cultural trips and excursions, as well as staying with host families.
Not sure about applying? Our mentors are happy to answer your questions. Pupils can contact us to be put in touch.
The application deadline for all programmes is 1 March 2017.
For more information about the courses in Germany and other activities undertaken by UK-German Connection, visit their website.
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26 January 2017 (UK-German Connection)
A reminder that the next deadline for grants for UK-German activities is 31 January 2017.
For an 'at a glance' overview of our grants and details about each programme, please visit the UK-German Connection website.
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Business brunches: Inspiring Scotland’s future global workforce in Dundee
24 January 2017 (SCILT)
Young people from eight schools across Tayside and Fife had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at the University of Dundee on 18 January 2017. 70 learners from S3-S6 heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company. The Business Brunch demonstrated the relevance of language skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
A teacher attending the event said: “Today’s event has given my pupils real food for thought. Before, I think most of them would have said that you would only really use languages in teaching or translating. However, having heard from the different speakers, they have realised very quickly that languages are used for much more than that.”
One of the young people added to this, and commented: “The event today showed me that, even if you haven’t specialised in language study, for example getting a degree in a modern language, there is still a high chance you will end up using language skills in a small or large part of your job and that knowing a language can open up many more opportunities.”
Dawn Hartley from Scottish Dance Theatre, one of the workshop leaders, stated: “Our dancers come from all over the world, and our choreographers too. We travel to many different countries so we’re constantly grateful for all the various language skills our staff have – we always need them!”
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages as part of a series of cross-sector partnership activities with the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland. Companies attending included Michelin, Valentine International Business Connections LLP, Scottish Dance Theatre, Tokheim Ltd, Outplay Entertainment Ltd and University of Dundee. Schools represented were Brechin High School, Bell Baxter High School, Harris Academy, Montrose Academy, Morrison’s Academy, Webster's High School, Craigie High School and Braeview Academy.
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT said: “Events such as these are a really important way of providing young people with high quality careers advice delivered by the business people themselves and of demonstrating to them the value of language skills in our increasingly globalised world”.
Marion Spöring, Chair of UCML Scotland added: “The learning of languages is not only fun, but also essential for future employment opportunities of our young people in Scotland. Languages set the foundation for varied careers, for future engineers as well as artists and in tourism, to name but a few.”
Meaningful employer engagement and providing relevant careers advice are both key recommendations of Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy, “Developing the young workforce”. This Business Brunch supported these aims by giving young people the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role of languages in the business world. The targets laid out in the Scottish Attainment Challenge are about achieving equity in educational outcomes, with a particular focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap. Through hearing from a range of business leaders and interacting with employees, the aspirations of the young people who attended were raised.
This collaboration between schools and businesses supported Scotland’s International Policy to equip young people with international communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy.
The event is one of a series of Business Brunches being held across Scotland in January and February 2017.
More information on SCILT’s 2017 Business Brunches.
23 January 2017 (SCILT)
Young people from thirteen schools across the west of Scotland had the opportunity to engage with local businesses in the first of a series of Business Brunch events, held at University of Strathclyde on 13 January 2017. 130 learners from S3-S6 heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company. The event demonstrated the relevance of language skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
A teacher attending the event said: “Today’s event was a fantastic opportunity. It has given my pupils a deeper appreciation that language learning is not just about the words but that being able to speak a language can break down so many barriers in so many different ways, including our own perceptions of people and countries.”
One of the young people added to this and commented: “I learned that cultural awareness and language skills are an important aspect of day-to-day business and also important to bigger companies. Language and cultural awareness is important in helping understand foreign business partners and in earning their trust.”
Eric Balish, Director of Trade Finance Scotland and Ireland at Bank ABC and one of the workshop leaders told the learners: “Life is a competition. Most of your competitors speak at least two and perhaps multiple languages. Speaking English is simply not enough to thrive and prosper now, far less in the future. Our business is anchored in financing international trade. We have a particular focus on trade into the Middle East and North Africa and also Brazil. However, we operate throughout Europe. As a consequence it is vital that we can communicate in a broad range of languages.”
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages in partnership with the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland. Companies attending included Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP, Radio Lingua, Keppie Design, Bank ABC and Russian Centre ‘Haven’. Schools represented were St Luke's High School, Caldervale High School, Marr College, Duncanrig Secondary School, Shawlands Academy, Holyrood RC Secondary School, Hyndland Secondary School, Largs Academy, Kirkintilloch High School, Trinity High School, St Margaret Mary’s Secondary, Williamwood High School and Clydebank High School.
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT said: “Events such as these are a really important way of providing young people with high quality careers advice delivered by the business people themselves and of demonstrating to them the value of language skills in our increasingly globalised world”.
Meaningful employer engagement and providing relevant careers advice are both key recommendations of Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy, “Developing the young workforce”. This Business Brunch supported these aims by giving young people the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role of languages in the business world. The targets laid out in the Scottish Attainment Challenge are about achieving equity in educational outcomes, with a particular focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap. Through hearing from a range of business leaders and interacting with employees, the aspirations of the young people who attended were raised.
This collaboration between schools and businesses supported Scotland’s International Policy to equip young people with international communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy.
The event is the first of a series of Business Brunches being held across Scotland in January and February 2017.
Read more...
Regional Cross-Sector Hub Meetings, Round 2
13 January 2017 (SCILT / UCMLS)
UCMLS (University Council for Modern Languages Scotland) is again holding a second round of regional cross-sector hub meetings during January and February.
Participants will have the opportunity to meet with university colleagues to discuss current and future collaborative events in support of the Scottish Government's 1+2 language policy. Comments will feed into the UCMLS cross -sector action plan in support of 1+2, due to be launched on Friday 10 March 2017 at Glasgow City Chambers.
- Central Hub: Saturday 14 January 2017, 10-11.30, University of Dundee, Dalhousie Building, Room 2G13 (Registrations for the Central Hub meeting have now closed but if you wish to attend please send an email to m.m.g.sporing@dundee.ac.uk)
- North Hub: Wednesday 1 February 2017, 4-5.30 pm, University of Aberdeen, Sir Duncan Rice Library, Top Floor, Room 1. Please register by 25 January
- West Hub: Thursday, 2 February 2017, 5-6.30 pm, City of Glasgow College, Cathedral Street, Glasgow. Meet in Cafe Zero. Please register by 27 January
- East Hub: Friday, 24 February 2017, 2-4 pm, Open University, 10 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh. Room tbc. Registration will open once room details have been confirmed so please look out for the update!
9 January 2017 (Erasmus+)
The next Erasmus+ funding deadline for Key Action 1 School Staff Mobility is 2 February. For UK schools and colleges, the UK National Agency has guidance documentation, and videos on an introduction to Schools Key Action 1 and completing the eForm.
There is also a Q&A webinar at 4-5pm on 19 January.
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News from language & education organisations
6 January 2017 (British Council)
Spark enthusiasm for international learning by getting your school community on board with the International School Award.
Managed by the British Council, the International School Award is a supportive and motivational framework that guides schools through their international work. With three certified levels, and free in the UK, the award will take you from introducing international work to the curriculum, to embedding it within your school’s culture.
Following an accessible methodology you will forge links with partner schools around the world, enhance your curriculum and prepare your students for life as global citizens.
Visit the British Council Schools Online website to find out more about how your school can grow and develop with the International School Award and read the article below from the British Council Voices blog which offers advice on 'Six ways to make your school more international.'
Read more...
Related Links
Six ways to make your school more international (British Council Voices blog, 14 November 2016)
15 December 2016 (SCILT / UCMLS)
We are holding a second round of regional cross-sector hub meetings in January/February where we are seeking your views in preparation for the UCMLS action plan in support of the 1+2 language policy (Launch date: 10 March, in Glasgow!).
Dates for Central and North Hub are already decided, those for East and West Hub will be announced in the New Year.
First up, though is the Central Hub meeting, which will be held at the University of Dundee (Dalhousie, Room 2G13) on Saturday 14 January 2017, 10-12 (Registration from 9.30). The North Hub meeting will be at the University of Aberdeen, on Wednesday 1 February (Library, top floor).
Please check for updates on the SCILT website.
Read more...
29 November 2016 (All Media Scotland)
A facility dedicated to promoting closer cultural links between school pupils in Moray and their counterparts in China was formally opened today.
The Confucius Classroom is part of a growing network of hubs – currently standing at more than 20 – being set up across Scotland to help promote Chinese language and culture in schools.
The Moray hub is based at Elgin Academy and will be resourced for children and young people from across the area to study all aspects of Chinese life.
It will also serve as a base for two teachers from China who will work closely with a total of 14 local secondary and primary schools during the current session.
The teaching posts are funded by Scotland’s National Centre for Languages at Strathclyde University where the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s Schools is based.
Opportunities will also exist for teachers from Moray schools to undertake exchange visits to China, while pupils will also be able to take part in language immersion courses in Chinese schools.
Read more...
29 November 2016 (UK-German Connection)
Do you have a link with a German school? Have your schools engaged in any joint activities in 2016?
Keeping up connections between the UK and Germany is now more important than ever. To help you to keep your school partnership alive, UK-German Connection is offering schools special partnership bursaries of £1,000.
It's easy to apply. Just complete a short online questionnaire by 7 December 2016.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information.
Read more...
28 November 2016 (SALT)
Éducation Internationale (EI), a non-profit cooperative in education founded by Québec Local Education authorities (or school boards), would like to develop student exchanges between Québec and the UK, with a particular focus on Scotland and Wales. If you think this might be of interest to your authority, there is more detailed information, including contact details, in the document on the SALT website.
Read more...
9 November 2016 (UK-German Connection)
The latest funded opportunities from UK-German Connection can be found on their website via the appropriate links below:
For more information about UK-German Connection and their full range of activities, visit their website.
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3 November 2016 (British Council)
Shakespeare Lives in Schools Day will be marked in schools all over the world by children of all ages on Friday 2 December 2016. We are inviting you and your school to join in a global celebration of Shakespeare in this special 400th anniversary year.
Visit the British Council Schools Online website to discover how you can get involved. Many of the suggested activities could be adapted to the languages classroom or worked on with an overseas partner school.
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28 October 2016 (European Parliament)
Since 2008, the European Parliament together with the ‘Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen’ have each year been inviting young people from all EU Member States to submit projects run by and for youth showing an active participation in the development of Europe.
Young people aged between 16 and 30 from any EU Member States can submit projects for the European Charlemagne Youth Prize. Projects can be submitted individually or, preferably, in groups.
This year's competition is now open and invites projects on EU development, integration and European identity issues which must be submitted by 30 January 2017.
Visit the website for more information.
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Senior Phase,
FE,
HE,
Europe,
Awards,
Celebrating Languages,
Citizenship,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Cultural Diversity,
Europe,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
News from language & education organisations
26 October 2016 (British Council)
The British Council celebrates International Education Week every year, promoting the benefits of international learning and cultural exchange to a huge community of teachers and school leaders in the UK and all over the world. We believe that international learning, global communication and language learning is more important now than ever. That’s why this year’s IEW theme is ‘Make Time For Languages’.
We’ve got a whole raft of offers, opportunities and resources to help you celebrate International Education Week and make time for languages in your schools and classrooms.
Visit the British Council IEW website to find out how you can get involved from 14-18 November.
Read more...
21 October 2016 (Erasmus+)
All the deadlines and information on the types of activities you can apply for are contained in the 2017 Call for Proposals document and the 2017 Programme Guide both of which you can download from the Key Resources page of our website. The Call for Proposals is an overview document containing all the deadlines for 2017, while the Programme Guide contains all the detailed information on how to apply for Erasmus+ funding. You will need to read both documents when planning an application.
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Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
FE,
HE,
All Languages,
CPD,
Funding,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
12 October 2016 (SEET)
Our Europe 2016-17 is now open for registration!
The film-making competition for S3-S6 pupils is an annual competition run by the Scottish European Educational Trust. Teams of 4 design a storyboard outlining the film they propose to make based on the competition theme. This year the topic is global citizenship, specifically addressing one of the following themes:
- Travel and Leisure
- Migration and welcome
- Trade
As always, films must include the use of at least one language other than English. This year any and all languages will be accepted in entries. All teams have to do is put their ideas into a storyboard and send them to SEET by 8 December 2016.
For more information, visit SEET's Our Europe competition website.
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Posted in:
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
All Languages,
Scotland,
Celebrating Languages,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Language Learning,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
Technology,
News from language & education organisations
12 October 2016 (ECML)
The conference, held in Brussels on 26-27 September 2016, was an initiative of the European funded network LangOER, and was co-organised with the Educational Repositories Network – EdReNe. The event brought together experts in open education and digital content repositories, educational researchers and policy makers concerned with language education, pedagogical use of ICT, and social integration and inclusion.
Presentations and livestreams from the conference are now available online.
Read more...
11 October 2016 (University of Manchester)
A consortium led by The University of Manchester has launched a four-year language research project which aims to demonstrate the UK’s critical need for modern languages research and teaching. The project will collaborate with schools and universities to develop curriculum innovations, and strengthen university commitments to local community heritage.
The launch of ‘Cross-Language Dynamics: Reshaping Community’, which is funded by an AHRC Open World Research Initiative (OWRI) grant, took place at The University of Manchester. They are leading a consortium which includes 11 other universities, city councils, the Royal Opera House, Tyneside Cinema, political think tank Chatham House, and a sixth-form college known for its strengths in modern languages.
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Spanish,
Community Languages,
Cultural Diversity,
Language Teaching,
Linguistic Diversity,
Linguistics,
Minority Languages,
Partnership Working,
Research,
News from language & education organisations,
Russian,
Arabic
9 October 2016 (British Council)
The British Council are holding a series of free webinars during October and November that aim to support schools with submission of the Action plan for Accreditation/Reaccreditation level of the International School Award prior to the deadline on 13 November 2016.
Visit the Schools Online website for further details and to register.
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6 October 2016 (British Council)
The British Council is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Scottish Government to support more students from Scottish universities to undertake internships in China through the British Council’s Generation UK – China campaign. The partnership will be focused on supporting Scottish students from low-income backgrounds to gain international experience in the world’s second-largest economy.
Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Scottish students to develop highly valuable knowledge and skills working in one of the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic economies. The Scottish Government’s support for this programme underlines our commitment to investing in Scotland’s future workforce and further strengthening our growing engagement with China.”
The Generation UK – China campaign will assist the Scottish Government in delivering its International Framework and in further strengthening relations with China. It will also develop the academic achievement and employability of students and recent graduates of Scotland’s higher education institutions.
“My experience interning in Beijing was fast-paced, exciting and always engaging,” said Justine Porter, a graduate of the University of Dundee who completed a two-month internship at a law firm in Beijing through the Generation UK – China campaign last year.
Visit the British Council website for more information.
Read more...
6 October 2016 (The Conversation)
For some time, there have been many stories told of the “crisis” in modern languages in secondary schools and universities. There is hard evidence to support this. Even though there have been upsurges in modern languages provision – following the introduction of the English Baccalaureate for example – pupil numbers continue to fall.
In Wales, where modern languages are still an optional choice at GCSE, research shows that the number of pupils studying a foreign language declined by 44% between 2002 and 2015. The number of pupils taking French in 2015 was less than half those who took it in 2002.
But why are pupils put off taking a language at GCSE level, and how can we improve attitudes to the subjects? As a bilingual country, it seems counter-intuitive that Welsh pupils cannot see the benefits of studying languages. However, research from an engagement project we have recently been running suggests a range of things are influencing pupils’ decisions not to study a language.
The mentoring project saw undergraduate modern language students from four Welsh universities trained to work with year eight and nine pupils (aged 13 and 14) in 28 schools. The students helped the pupils to practice their language, build confidence and knowledge, and teach them how modern languages can aid personal and professional development.
Our work was part of a push by the Welsh government, to arrest and reverse the decline in modern languages study by 2020.
Read more...
30 September 2016 (European Parliament)
Euroscola brings together about 600 students from all over the European Union for a day in Strasbourg discussing aspects of European integration, in multilingual working groups of 100 students. It is open to students aged 16-18 and the European Parliament offers a subsidy towards the costs of the journey to Strasbourg.
As working groups consist of students from several member states it is essential that participants have a sound knowledge of at least one other European Union language. For practical purposes knowledge of French is necessary as during the "committee" meetings in the afternoon, students are expected to think and speak in a language other than their mother tongue. The debates are held mainly in French and English.
Applications are now open for dates between January and May 2017.
To find out more and to apply, visit the Euroscola website.
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29 September 2016 (Xinhua)
The links between Scotland and the Chinese side are going from strength to strength in parliamentary, economic, cultural, and educational sectors, said a top Scottish legislator Wednesday evening.
Addressing the reception to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Chinese Consulate-General in Edinburgh, Scottish Parliament's Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh reviewed the exchange of visits of top-level officials from both sides, the Chinese language mania in Scotland, the Chinese students studying in Scotland, as well as people-to-people exchanges.
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28 September 2016 (UK-German Connection)
Give your primary pupils the chance to experience Germany's Christmas culture in a real-life setting! This four-day visit to Berlin will give them the chance to meet German children of the same age and get involved in seasonal intercultural activities.
Two options now available: apply for a visit run by UK-German Connection or receive funding to organise your own!
Read more...
27 September 2016 (UK-German Connection)
This special flexible funding scheme is designed to bring young people of the UK and Germany together to facilitate an exchange of ideas, joint learning and open discussions on special topics and current issues.
Funding is available for schools and youth groups in the UK and Germany for grants of between £500 and £5000. Activities must be joint and bilateral (UK-German) with a high level of interaction between the young people.
Current themes available under the flexible funding scheme:
- World War 1
- Our future in Europe - maintaining the UK-German connection
Visit the UK-German connection website for further information about the scheme and guidelines for applying.
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23 September 2016 (SCILT)
Pupils at Burgh Primary in the Scottish Borders had the opportunity to find out how languages are relevant to a career in tourism when they visited Abbotsford House, a heritage site near Galashiels. P6 pupils visited the attraction for a series of workshops supporting learning across the curriculum and demosstrating to pupils the relevance of language skills in their local community.
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21 September 2016 (UK-German Connection)
Applications for the UK-German Connection's FLA/ELA Ambassador network 2016-17 are now open.
The FLA/ELA Ambassadors are a network of language assistants who are working in schools in the UK and Germany. They run small projects, activities, events or clubs in order to inspire and motivate young people in their schools for the language and culture of the other country.
FLA/ELA Ambassadors run at least one project within their school or in conjunction with other schools in the area. The project is bilateral, run either with a partner Ambassador from the other country, or with an existing partner school. The aims are to enable young people to have direct, meaningful contact with young people in the other country and to make lessons come to life through active involvement in a UK-German partnership.
To find out more about the scheme and previous Ambassador projects which have taken place, visit the UK-German Connection website and apply by 14 October 2016.
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19 September 2016 (Erasmus+)
Erasmus+ will be holding a series of free half-day information sessions in 6 venues across the UK.
The sessions are for any organisation in the UK working in the sectors of education, training, youth or sport. These events will provide an overview of the funding opportunities available under Erasmus+ in 2017, and are primarily intended for newcomers to the programme.
There will be a session in Glasgow on Wednesday 2 November 2016.
For information on all the locations and to register your place, visit the Erasmus+ website.
Read more...
19 September 2016 (eTwinning)
Secondary school teachers and school leaders interested in embedding international practices in their classrooms are invited to apply for one of the professional development workshops taking place this November.
Each workshop aims to share good practice, meet project partners and set up high quality eTwinning projects on the themes below. The selected teachers and school leaders will have the opportunity to meet like-minded educators from Europe, learn innovative approaches and practice new skills.
- Workshop 1 - Immigration and tolerance (17-19 November, Greece)
- Workshop 2 - Storytelling (18-20 November, Iceland)
- Workshop 3 - Strategic Leadership for high quality eTwinning and Erasmus+ projects (24-26 November, UK - Cardiff)
For more information about each workshop and to apply, visit the eTwinning website.
Read more...
19 September 2016 (Chryston High School)
Chryston High School has now been named as the first Scottish school on the Goethe Institut’s Smart Choice: German network.
The network recognises the school’s commitment to German as a foreign language and the support that the school offers to our feeder primary schools.
Part of the project involves setting up a digital network which will allow us to strengthen our partnership with our feeder primary schools while promoting the benefits of learning German.
Read more...
Related Links
The Smart Choice: German - Schools' Network - Goethe-Institut website containing information about the network and how schools can get involved.
16 September 2016 (SCILT)
Please check out a new section on our website, dedicated to the cross-sector work by UCMLS, and
register for one of the all-important regional cross-sector meetings on 22 September (North and Central Hubs), 28 September (West Hub) and 30 September (East Hub). You'll find out more about the recent cross-sector conference and UCMLS plans for the next six months.
Read more...
12 September 2016 (UK-German Connection)
Give your primary pupils the chance to experience Germany's Christmas culture in a real-life setting! This four-day visit will give them the chance to meet German children of the same age and get involved in seasonal intercultural activities.
As part of this programme, a group of primary pupils from the UK travel to Germany with their teachers, as well as 'mentors' from a nearby secondary school to meet their German peers, learn some new German words and get a taste of Christmas in Germany.
To find out more and how to apply, visit the UK-German Connection website.
The organisation offers a number of funded activities for primary and secondary pupils and teachers, details of which can also be found on their website. Visit their funding webpage for all the grant options available.
Read more...
8 September 2016 (Global Education Conference)
Students, teachers, and organisations will celebrate global collaboration on 15 September 2016!
On this day (and beyond), experienced global educators and professionals will host connective projects and events and invite public participation. The primary goals of this whole day event are to demonstrate the power of global connectivity in classrooms, schools, institutions of informal learning and universities around the world, and to introduce others to the tools, resources and projects that are available to educators today.
Between now and 1 October 2016, global educators will design collaborative projects in which other students and teachers may participate during the course of the 2016-2017 school year. The objective is to create and present as many globally connective projects for students and educators as possible.
If you would like to design an activity for Global Collaboration Day (15 September) in which you promote your upcoming project, please get your project submitted by 11 September. Or you can join any of the listed events for an introduction to projects which interest you.
Visit the Global Collaboration Day website for more information and details as to how you can get involved.
Read more...
5 September 2016 (British Council)
The UK is the partner country for this year’s Oceans and Seas focussed Year of Science organised by the German Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF). Together with our UK partners the British Council Germany, the UK Science & Innovation Network and UK-German Connection, we invite you to take part in a collaborative Citizen Science Project working on the “Plastic Pirates” project together with your German partner school.
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research has agreed to bear the travel and accommodation costs incurred by British partner schools who take part in the project.
Would you and your pupils like to become Plastic Pirates? If so, get in touch with your German partner school if they are also taking part in the programme. They should then let the Editorial Office of the Science Year know who will help you organise your research trip to Germany.
Visit the British Council or UK-German Connection websites for more information.
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29 August 2016 (Carrick Today)
The drive to bring fresh investment and new jobs to South Ayrshire has been taken to an international audience from China.
South Ayrshire Council has hosted a delegation from Shanghai, in a visit which marks growing links between Scottish and Chinese cultures.
Chinese visitors currently contribute more than £100 million to the Scottish economy, with more than £530 million of goods shipped from Scotland to China in exports. China itself is the world’s largest goods exporter, reaching out to markets across the world.
[..] South Ayrshire Council has been actively working with the Confucius hub, jointly funded by the Scottish Government and Hanban Confucius Institute Headquarters, to promote Chinese language and culture in our secondary schools.
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24 August 2016 (British Council)
Secondary schools, sixth form and further education colleges that already have a partnership with a school in France can apply for funding for reciprocal student visits.
Both Charles de Gaulle and Lefèvre trust funding is available, each offering £5000 for reciprocal visits and extended project work.
Visit British Council's Schools Online website for more information and apply by 10 November 2016.
Read more...
3 July 2016 (LinkedIn Pulse)
Being a French teacher by day and an Experimental Vehicle Team moderator by night, or at least during the other hours when I am not ensconced in all things French, has given me some unique insights into the value foreign language and STEM proficiency.
Years ago when the US Department of Education began talking about the importance of STEM in the classroom it was due, in a large part, to a lack of students pursuing STEM degrees and careers after high school, as well as a serious lack of certified educators who could adequately teach them. There is still a significant shortage of American students going into the STEM fields today, despite its prevalence in everything from education journals to Pinterest. While some may see the focus on STEM as merely another educational fad, there is a real need for candidates to fill this fast growing and under employed job niche in today’s business world, especially if we want to stay competitive in the global economy.
For one week this summer I saw first-hand the importance of foreign languages in the STEM fields as I, along with my students and fellow moderator, Mark, spent our days in a paddock and race track in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London England.
Read more...
17 June 2016 (SCILT)
SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages and the School of Education, University of Strathclyde hosted an afternoon of seminars led by language practitioners, students and academics on various strands of language learning including bilingualism, motivation and translanguaging.
SCILT has used Storify to summarise the discussions from the day. Visit our Storify page for a flavour of the event.
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Posted in:
Early Years,
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
FE,
HE,
Bilingualism,
CPD,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Methodologies,
Motivation,
Partnership Working,
Teacher Education,
SCILT news
The Smart Choice: German schools' network
15 June 2016 (Goethe-Institut)
This opportunity is currently not available.
13 June 2016 (UK-German Connection)
Add an international dimension to your classroom by hosting a teacher from Germany. Schools can now apply to host a teacher from Germany for two or three weeks. Application deadline: 21 September 2016*
* Please note: If you're planning to host a teacher in the autumn term, please make sure that your application reaches UK-German Connection before the end of the summer term.
For more information about the scheme and to apply, visit the UK-German Connection website.
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8 June 2016 (Education Scotland)
The European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education has forwarded on this invite from the Italian Ministry for a Scottish secondary school to participate in a learning experience focused on global interdependence, rights, migration, asylum seekers and refugees.
The successful school would engage pupils in preparatory learning experiences in their own school during September to prepare for a conference in Lampedusa, Italy, in October.
Visit Education Scotland's Learning Blog for more information about the opportunity. Schools should apply by 16 June 2016.
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8 June 2016 (SCILT)
Pupils at Trinity High School in Edinburgh had the opportunity to find out how languages are relevant to a career in retail recently when they visited Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh.
S2 pupils met with a range of employees at the department store and found out how important languages can be to make the shopping experience more personal for customers from other countries. They also found out about the range of employability skills that can be developed through the study of languages.
The teacher leading on this project stated, “We as staff were able to see that our learners were fully connecting the fact that learning languages can be of huge practical benefit in a professional context.”
An S3 pupils at Trinity Academy who took part in the project said: “I learnt what a key role languages play in the working world. I didn’t realise how important languages were.”
The Learning and Development Partner at Harvey Nichols said of the visit: “The team really enjoyed getting involved and it was a great development opportunity for them to come and speak to the students about what they do and how languages help them in their daily work.”
The visit to Harvey Nichols was part of the wider Business Language Champions project running in the school. Business Language Champions is run by SCILT and helps schools and businesses to build exciting and sustainable partnerships to equip young people with international communication and employability skills for their future careers.
Following the visit, pupils worked to develop phrase books in different languages, aimed at shop floor staff in order to support them when serving customers from different countries.
Read more...
02 June 2016 (SCILT)
Business Language Champions helps schools and businesses to build exciting and sustainable partnerships to equip young people with international communication and employability skills for their future careers. A partnership between Walkers Shortbread and Elgin Academy demonstrated to S3 pupils the importance of languages in the food and drink industry, and the importance of this industry to the Scottish economy. The project demonstrated how the learning of a language can enhance their career prospects as well as developing their skills for learning, life and work.
Pupils were tasked with creating cue cards for the Walkers Shortbread International Sales Team to use on future trips to China. The cue cards had to be in Chinese. They then worked with the Chinese teacher to create the content for these cue cards, carrying out research in their own time. To conclude the project, the young people delivered presentations to support the work they had done on their cue cards directly to the International Sales Team, an impressive achievement and one which was positively acknowledged by staff at Walkers Shortbread.
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31 May 2016 (British Council)
Connecting Classrooms is a global education programme brought to you by the British Council in partnership with the Department for International Development (DFID).
It offers a free learning journey which helps you to improve your classroom practice and develop your ideas with like-minded teachers internationally.
By developing and networking with thousands of teachers across the world, the British Council aims to help young people develop the knowledge, skills and values to live and work in a globalised economy.
To find out more about the programme and how to take part, visit the British Council Schools Online website, where you can also hear a participating teacher reflect on her time visiting Nigeria with Connecting Classrooms.
Read more...
16 May 2016 (British Council)
After the success of the first window of applications, the second is now open for professional partnerships funding. By applying for a £3,000 grant, you can gain the experience to work with your partner face-to-face, allowing you to further support and guide each other on the Connecting Classrooms learning journey. Visit now to learn more about the grant funding and eligibility criteria.
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3 May 2016 (eTwinning)
Want to get started on your eTwinning journey? The following two webinar sessions will help you find out all you need to know.
- Step 1 - Finding your eTwinning partner (17 May, 4.30-5.30pm)
- Step 2 - Starting your eTwinning project (19 May, 4.30-5.30pm)
Visit the webinar website to find out more and sign up for one or both of the sessions.
For more information about eTwinning generally and see example projects, visit the British Council's eTwinning website.
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Posted in:
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Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
FE,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Europe,
Language Teaching,
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Teacher Education,
Twinning,
News from language & education organisations
29 March 2016 (eTwinning)
Thinking about linking your class with another through an eTwinning project? Read the latest publication from the British Council eTwinning team which contains an inspiring collection of testimonials from former participants in eTwinning projects.
Many of the interviewed young people consider eTwinning to be the most motivating
and enjoyable way to learn. Their experiences with eTwinning have helped them to
develop their language and ICT skills, as well as an understanding of different cultures,
in line with the goals set out at the launch of the platform back in 2005. But there is
much more to it.
See the book 'eTwinning Generation - Celebrating Ten Years of eTwinning' and visit the website to find out how to start your own eTwinning journey.
Read more...
Posted in:
Citizenship,
CPD,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Cross-Sector Working,
Cultural Diversity,
Funding,
Language Learning,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
Twinning,
News from language & education organisations
Volunteering opportunity for French speaking students
21 March 2016 (Xchange Scotland)
Xchange Scotland, a Glasgow-based youth-led charity, has a brand-new unique volunteering opportunity for French-speaking students.
Due to our strong partnership with French organisation, Solidarites Jeunesses, we will be running a 4-week long Glasgow-based volunteering project for 6 young French volunteers which aims to develop their skills and intercultural understanding and also benefit local communities of Glasgow.
We are looking for
local French-speaking volunteers/students who would like to join the group of French volunteers and practise their language skills/help us with project organisation. The level of French language of local volunteers should be preferably between A2-C2 level. We will also be looking for a translator for the project.
We believe this is a great opportunity to practise French language with native speakers here in Glasgow and also to develop organisation and communication skills of young people.
Please see the attached PDF for more details about the project and to register interest by 11 April.
8 March 2016 (TES)
There are still a few days left to get your nomination in for the International Award category of this year's TES School Awards.
This award is for the school with the most innovative international strategy, ranging from initiatives to improve pupils’ and teachers’ understanding of other countries, languages and cultures to full-scale international partnerships.
You will need to demonstrate the impact this strategy has had across the school and the wider community. The judges will be keen to see clear achievements and quantifiable evidence of the success of any initiatives.
Visit the TES School Awards 2016 website for full details and to submit your nomination by 13 March 2016.
Read more...
Language Linking Global Thinking - promoting languages and global citizenship!
1 March 2016 (SCILT)
SCILT is inviting schools interested in taking part in the Language Linking Global Thinking initiative in session 2016/17 to register now.
The project links students on their year abroad with primary and secondary schools. Students communicate with a designated class in their partner school during the course of the year to illustrate how enriching it is to spend a year abroad using a language other than English.
While the student is abroad, the partner school keeps in regular contact with the student by emailing, sending postcards and other resources. The two-way correspondence between student and class brings the language alive for pupils and shows them the real relevance of learning a language.
If you would like to take part in this project for session 2016-17, please email SCILT. Places are limited.
More information on Language Linking Global Thinking, including the blogs students have used to facilitate their contact with the schools.
22 February 2016 (TES)
Teachers are, in the majority, internationalists and understand the benefits of collaboration across different countries, writes a leading educationist.
Read more...
11 February 2016 (British Council)
There are three entry points to the International School Award: Foundation, Intermediate and Accreditation. The level your school is at will depend on how much international work you have already done.
Hosting a language assistant automatically qualifies you for the Foundation Level of the International School Award.
Visit the British Council Schools Online website for more information.
Read more...
Developing the Young Workforce: Information and resources
9 February 2016 (Education Scotland)
Information and resources to support Developing the Young Workforce. From Education Scotland.
Business brunches: Inspiring Scotland’s future global workforce in Edinburgh
9 February 2016 (SCILT)
Young people from 15 schools across Scotland had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at the Surgeons’ Hall Quincentenary Conference Centre on 2 February 2016. 140 learners from S3-S6 heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company. The Business Brunch demonstrated the relevance of language skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
A teacher attending said: “This was really engaging for the pupils. One of the speakers said he had no interest in learning another language but now he couldn't have secured his job without it – this is what pupils need to hear.”
One of the young people added to this and commented: “I enjoyed seeing all the different companies and finding out about the opportunities that are out there with languages. It was interesting and inspiring learning about the jobs and the different cultures.”
Callam Fletcher, Interim CEO of Asia Scotland Institute, stated in his keynote speech: “I went to Valencia with Erasmus during my IT degree and loved it! I knew French, and Spanish and French are quite similar. Later, I founded an IT company in the Czech Republic. At the beginning I had no Czech, but I knew from my experience of French and Spanish that I would learn it. Companies all over the world are becoming more international and language is one of those resources that unlocks opportunities.”
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages in partnership with the University Council for Modern Languages (UCML) Scotland. Companies attending included Asia Scotland Institute, National Galleries Scotland and Scotsman Hotel. Schools represented were Armadale Academy, Bathgate Academy, Blairgowrie High School, Dunfermline High School, Newbattle Community High School, Penicuik High School, Preston Lodge High School, St Kentigern’s Academy, The James Young High School, Trinity Academy, The Royal High School, Stirling High School, St Margaret’s Academy, Larbert High School and Alva Academy.
Fhiona Fisher, Director of SCILT said: “Events such as these are a really important way of providing young people with high quality careers advice delivered by the business people themselves and of demonstrating to them the value of language skills in our increasingly globalised world”.
Meaningful employer engagement and providing relevant careers advice are both key recommendations of Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy, “Developing the young workforce”. This Business Brunch supported these aims by giving young people the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role of languages in the business world.
This collaboration between schools and businesses supported Scotland’s International Policy to equip young people with international communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy.
The event is one of a series of Business Brunches being held across Scotland in January and February 2016 which build on the successful series of Business Breakfasts in January 2015.
More information on SCILT’s 2016 Business Brunches.
Business brunches: Inspiring Scotland’s future global workforce in Renfrewshire
8 February 2016 (SCILT)
Young people from ten schools across west of Scotland had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at the University of West of Scotland Paisley Campus on 28 January 2016. 140 learners from S3-S6 heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company. The Business Brunch demonstrated the relevance of language skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
A teacher attending said: “The event was very interesting and demonstrated to pupils how languages are used in the workplace. Pupils hadn't made the connection between having a language with the sort of companies represented at the event.”
One of the young people added to this and commented: “I learned lot about how languages are valuable in the world and that learning a second language is of increasing importance.”
Gillian Black, Regional Sales Manager at the Macdonald Crutherland House Hotel, stated in the plenary: “How you interact, how you hold yourself and get to know the culture along with the language is very important in the world of hospitality. We will soon be hosting a group from China and are busy learning phrases in Chinese. I have a range of languages I tap into – it's about building a relationship.”
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages in partnership with the University Council for Modern Languages (UCML) Scotland. Companies attending included Rolls Royce, Clansman Dynamics and Holiday Inn. Schools represented were Gryffe High School, Renfrew High School, Johnstone High School, Linwood High School, Lourdes Secondary, Bannerman High School, Holyrood Secondary, Balfron High School, Bearsden Academy, Barrhead High School.
Fhiona Fisher, Director of SCILT said: “Events such as these are a really important way of providing young people with high quality careers advice delivered by the business people themselves and of demonstrating to them the value of language skills in our increasingly globalised world”.
Meaningful employer engagement and providing relevant careers advice are both key recommendations of Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy, “Developing the young workforce”. This Business Brunch supported these aims by giving young people the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role of languages in the business world.
This collaboration between schools and businesses supported Scotland’s International Policy to equip young people with international communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy.
The event is one of a series of Business Brunches being held across Scotland in January and February 2016 which build on the successful series of Business Breakfasts in January 2015.
More information on SCILT’s 2016 Business Brunches.
The lowdown on applying for an Erasmus partnership project
4 February 2016 (Erasmus+)
You can apply for funding for one or two types of Strategic Partnership project in 2016, depending on the sector: supporting exchanges of practices, or supporting innovation. This year’s application deadline is
31 March, except youth with two remaining deadlines: 26 April and 4 October. The support available from the UK National Agency includes
guidance notes and
webinars tailored for each sector.
You can now download the new factsheet on working with partners in your Erasmus+ project with information, advice and top tips from the National Agency. It contains best practice from those currently running Strategic Partnership projects as well as hints from our programme teams. From monitoring to arranging partner meetings, why not take a look to see how it could benefit your partnership?
29 January 2016 (SCILT/UCMLS)
Back in September 2015 the University Council for Modern Languages in Scotland (UCMLS) in collaboration with SCILT held a series of regional cross-sector hub meetings in the universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Strathclyde. The second round of meetings will take place in late February and early March.
As before, we want to offer teachers, 1+2 Development Officers and university languages and education staff the opportunity to network and plan joint initiatives that will support and promote language learning, including building on the Business Brunches that are currently running in January and early February.
The new meeting dates and venues are as follows:
- Saturday, 20 February, 10.00-12.00: University of St. Andrews
- Wednesday 24 February, 16.30-18.00: University of the West of Scotland, Paisley Campus
- Friday, 26 February, 14.00-16.00, Heriot Watt University, Riccarton Campus
- Wednesday, 9 March, 17.00-18.30: Inverness College (UHI)
To register your intention to attend, please complete the registration details at this link:
https://hass.eu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_5nF2qbiyTDaFkMZ
Please note there will be a limited number of places which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. We aim to confirm your attendance either way by Friday 12 February 2016. Further details, including agenda and room numbers at each venue, will be emailed to attendees about a week before the actual event.
Read more...
Partnership opportunity with a school in Germany
29 January 2016 (Berufliche Oberschule)
Berufliche Oberschule in Schwandorf, Germany, would like to establish a partnership with a school or college in Scotland.
The German college is located between the cities of Nuremberg and Regensburg, in a culturally and historically rich area in the heart of the European continent. Since all students have to do English as an A-level subject, the vast majority of them have achieved a very pleasing command of
the English language, enabling them to communicate with native speakers of English at ease.
A 'Berufliche Oberschule' is very similar to a British sixth form college and it also shares some features with a college of further education. Most students are aged between 16 and 19 years.
The German college has already gained some fruitful experience from cooperating with the sixth form of a high school and a college of further education in England, doing projects about science and health education, whereby the working language was English. Fortunately, the projects, which
were based on an exchange of the students, were supported financially by "UK-German Connection", an intergovernmental organisation.
Berufliche Oberschule Schwandorf has already prepared an application for funding a project about immigration and integration, but the German college is open to all fields of studies and to other forms of cooperation as well.
All Scottish teachers interested are very welcome to contact their Schwandorf colleagues Natalie Burkardt and Christian Eiblmeier via email natalie.burkardt@gmx.net<mailto:natalie.burkardt@gmx.net or c.eiblmeier@arcor.de<mailto:chris.eiblmeier@arcor.de or phone (0049 941 29
01 13 26 or 0049 941 38 38 76 0).
26 January 2016 (European Commission)
In its first year, Erasmus+, the bigger and more fit-for-purpose programme for education, training, youth and sport, is already living up to expectations.
With a budget of over €2 billion in its initial year, Erasmus+ has already offered more than one million people the opportunity to take part in 18.000 funded projects. More flexible opportunities for collaboration across sectors are also helping Europe's education, training, youth and sport systems to try out innovative practices and contribute to reform and modernisation.
Reports published today offer the first results one year after the start of the Erasmus+ programme and can be accessed on the European Commission's website.
Read more...
Inspiring Scotland’s future global workforce in Glasgow
18 January 2016 (SCILT)
Young people from fourteen schools across the west of Scotland had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at the University of Strathclyde on 13 January 2016. 140 learners from S3-S6 heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company. The Business Brunch demonstrated the relevance of language skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
A teacher attending the event said: “The speaker demonstrated the value of languages to learners and it was powerful for them to see this in a commercial context. The event gave learners lots to think about in terms of their future careers.” One of the young people added to this, and commented: “When one of the speakers spoke to us in seven languages, this is what influenced me the most to consider languages in the future. His languages seemed to have been very beneficial to his career.”
David Ross from Keppie Design, one of the workshop leaders, stated: “People are what make business work. If you can speak languages it makes life much easier. It's a fallacy that the world speaks English.”
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages in partnership with the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland. Companies attending included Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP, Barclays Bank and IBM. Schools represented were Bellshill Academy, Belmont House School, Bishopbriggs Academy, Cathkin High School, Dumbarton Academy, Hillhead High School, Irvine Royal Academy, John Ogilvie High, Kilmarnock Academy, Lenzie Academy, Moffat Academy, Our Lady and St Patrick's High, Our Lady's High Cumbernauld and Uddingston Grammar.
Fhiona Fisher, Director of SCILT said: “Events such as these are a really important way of providing young people with high quality careers advice delivered by the business people themselves and of demonstrating to them the value of language skills in our increasingly globalised world”.
Meaningful employer engagement and providing relevant careers advice are both key recommendations of Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy, “Developing the young workforce”. This Business Brunch supported these aims by giving young people the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role of languages in the business world.
This collaboration between schools and businesses supported Scotland’s International Policy to equip young people with international communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy.
The event is one of a series of Business Brunches being held across Scotland in January and February 2016 which build on the successful series of Business Breakfasts in January 2015.
More information on SCILT’s 2016 Business Brunches.
14 January 2016 (CISS)
Plans are once again in action for the SCEN Learning of Chinese Project in East Lothian primary schools. A wide range of schools will be participating in the programme which started in 2012 and which is growing in momentum as the years progress. The programme is supported by Chinese student volunteers from Edinburgh University via EUSA and the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s Schools along with research led by Bilingualism matters and evaluative evidence collected, analysed and presented by an Educational Consultant in languages.
You can read more about this project on the CISS website.
Read more...
13 January 2016 (Erasmus+)
This is a selection of project stories from 2015 demonstrating how UK organisations are making an impact as a result of the Erasmus+ and predecessor EU programmes. Take a look at the achievements of projects across all the sectors for both the organisation and project participants, including Brae High School from the Shetland Isles who exhibited and shared their experience at the 2015 Erasmus+ Annual Conference.
Read more...
11 January 2016 (Erasmus+)
Schools planning to apply for Erasmus+ funding in 2016 can benefit from tailored information and support to increase your chances of making a successful application. This includes live Q&A webinars taking place between January and March and pre-recorded webinars giving overviews and advice on completing applications.
Further links and details can be found in the Erasmus+ January bulletin which can be accessed online.
Read more...
7 January 2016 (UK-German Connection)
The next deadline for grants to fund projects and partnerships between UK and German schools is 31 January 2016.
See the full programme of opportunities available and deadline dates for each.
Some programmes have rolling dates, such as the UK-German Bears Project, a free three-week bilateral programme, which puts pupils not only in touch with Alex, the teddy bear from Germany, but also with a German school class. The German class hosts Ben, the British teddy bear, at the same time as the UK school hosts Alex, making this a fun, interactive way for primary children to learn about each other’s language and culture! The bears come with a wide range of downloadable resources with ideas for short-term bilateral activities, which tie in with primary curriculum topics wherever possible. There are still some hosting dates available for February 2016. If you're interested in taking part, find out more on the Bears Project webpage.
For more information about all the programmes offered by the UK-German Connection, visit their website.
Read more...
15 December 2015 (The Guardian)
More than 341,000 teachers from across Europe have registered on www.eTwinning.net, a programme which enables schools to collaborate internationally using a safe, virtual environment.
Managed in the UK by the British Council, the initiative has grown in size and impact since it launched 10 years ago, with benefits including improved academic achievement for students – especially around communication, language and ICT skills – and increased motivation for staff and students alike.
But timetables are under pressure and accountability is intense, so proving the benefits of the approach in the classroom is of the utmost importance.
As international education co-ordinator, Andrée Jordan, says: “We know that international collaboration leads to improvement of motivation, learning and inspiration, but it’s so hard to prove – and people need proof.”
Here’s how some of the UK’s most successful “eTwinners” have evaluated and communicated the impact of their projects.
Read more...
10 December 2015 (Erasmus+)
Support for applying for Erasmus+ funding can be found in this most recent newsletter from Erasmus+. This support includes a series of webinars, advice on opening the eforms and links to some new and improved resources.
Read more...
3 December2015 (Erasmus+)
Apply for school staff mobility funding through Erasmus+. Whether you are a teacher or support staff in a school, Key Action 1 is the funding strand that applies to you and your organisation.
Key Action 1 is about mobility which would usually mean you spend time abroad. Mobility projects are transnational, and so all project activity except structured courses or training events must involve at least two schools – your own school and the partner school(s) abroad.
To find out more and to apply for funding, visit the Erasmus+ website. Application deadline is 2 February 2016.
Read more...
British Council news
30 November 2015 (British Council Schools Online)
The British Council has a number of resources and partnership working opportunities they offer to schools in the UK. Below are some of their forthcoming developments with a language or international element which may be of interest to teachers:
- Shakespeare lives - Designed as a cross-curricular activity pack which could also be part of project with a partner school overseas, this resource will be available mid-December and will be available in Welsh, Chinese and Arabic.
- Teaching the core skills - In today’s globalised world children not only need to be able to communicate and collaborate; they also need to be prepared to do so interculturally, in diverse and often multilingual settings. More information about teaching the communication and collaboration module can be accessed on page 14 of the brochure: Unlocking a world of potential. Sign up to Schools Online to access the training package.
- Employ a language assistant in Scottish schools - Employing a British Council Language Assistant is a unique way to broaden your pupils' understanding of the world, improve their language skills and increase their cultural awareness. See the online video. Applications open 4 January 2016.
- International School Award (ISA) - Read about Portlethen Academy's cross-curricular project which took them to France and earned them an ISA in recognition of the global dimension of their work.
Posted in:
Awards,
Celebrating Languages,
Citizenship,
CPD,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Cultural Diversity,
Curriculum for Excellence,
Foreign Language Assistants,
International Education,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
27 November 2015 (British Council)
Do you want to add an international dimension to your school? Would you like to know more about eTwinning and collaborating with partner schools overseas? Then sign up for the British Council's mini-series of webinars. The first 'Finding your eTwinning partner' takes place on Monday 30 November.
Visit the British Council eTwinning website to find out more and to register for the webinars.
Read more...
26 November 2015 (British Council)
1 July 2016 will mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme. Representatives of governments from around the world, veterans, military and community representatives will gather as a memorial to one of the bloodiest battles in history as a sign of hope and commitment to not suffer such loss again.
As a symbol for the future, 600 young people from schools in France and in the UK will participate in the ceremony. As living memory of the battle dies, engagement with young people is essential to sustain awareness of the significance of World War I, and the importance of UK-France relations in continuing peace and stability in Europe.
This is an opportunity for your school to take part in this historic moment. Your school must teach French as part of the curriculum and be committed to building a sustainable partnership with a French school.
Full details can be found on the British Council website. The closing date for expressions of interest: 11 December 2015.
Read more...
23 November 2015 (Global Education Conference)
The 6th annual Global Education Conference, a free week-long online event, brought together educators and innovators from around the world from 16-19 November 2015.
The conference seeks to present ideas, examples, and projects related to connecting educators and classrooms with a strong emphasis on promoting global awareness, fostering global competency, and inspiring action towards solving real–world problems.
Recordings of the presentations at this year's event are now available online. In addition to a host of sessions on the theme of connecting classrooms worldwide for cultural understanding and collaborative projects, language teachers may also be particularly interested in the sessions 'Technology as a possibility to value language teaching profession' and 'Global collaborations: world language and STEM '
Visit the website to access the full list of recorded sessions.
Read more...
2 November 2015 (Mr P's ICT blog)
As a follow-up to the successful project last year, we will once again be looking to connect classrooms across the world. In the lead up to Christmas, you can deepen your understanding of different Christmas traditions by asking other children from around the world about how they celebrate Christmas in their community.
This is a great IDL opportunity combining global connections with ICT.
Visit the website to register your class for this free project!
Read more...
20 October 2015 (Erasmus+)
The European Commission has released the 2016 application deadlines for Erasmus+. All the deadlines and information on the types of activities you can apply for are contained in the 2016 Call for Proposals document and the 2016 Programme Guide, both of which you can download from our Key Resources page. The Call for Proposals is an overview document containing all the deadlines for 2016, while the Programme Guide contains all the detailed information on how to apply for Erasmus+ funding. You will need to read both documents when planning an application.
Read more...
15 October 2015 (British Council)
What's the UK-China programme all about?
The programme promotes learning and exchange between UK and Chinese teachers and students.
Both you and your Chinese partner school will work together on a joint project, either Shakespeare Lives or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) between 1 January and 31 December 2016.
Grants of £1500 per school are available to be used during the project for teacher visits, professional development courses or project expenses.
Visit the UK-China School Partnerships Programme website to download the application form. The deadline for applications is 15 November 2015.
Read more...
8 October 2015 (Erasmus+)
Learning Networks are discussion groups for organisations involved in projects funded either through the Erasmus+ programme or through its predecessor programmes – the Lifelong Learning Programme (including Erasmus, Comenius, Leonardo, Grundtvig and Transversal programmes) and Youth in Action.
The date for the next Learning Networks event as 3 December 2015. Book your place online here. The event will take place at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.
Read more...
8 October 2015 (Erasmus+)
Starting on 20 October, Erasmus+ are holding half-day information sessions across the UK aimed at organisations new to Erasmus+. The sessions will give an overview of the funding opportunities available under Erasmus+. If you have previously applied for funding, support will be available through webinars and our helplines.
Information sessions will be held in six venues across the UK, including Glasgow on 10 November.
Read more...
Language learning for international gaming
6 October 2015 (SCILT)
Woodmill High School links with Outplay Entertainment
The value of language skills for employment was made clear to Woodmill High School pupils at a recent visit from a gaming industry expert. On 30 September 2015, Thomas Hulvershorn, Operation and Analytics Manager at Outplay Entertainment, addressed S3 pupils at an event marking the start of a partnership between Outplay Entertainment and the school.
Mr Hulvershorn explained to pupils how language skills play an important role in the gaming industry, particularly in terms of international marketing and in making games accessible globally to players in their own language.
Janet Monaghan, Principal Teacher of Modern Languages, said: “We are delighted to have made this link with Outplay Entertainment. It will make the Media unit pupils are about to study so much more relevant and meaningful.”
Thomas Cameron, S3 pupil said: “I thought that it was good to learn about how languages could help you get a job and it gave me a new perspective on looking at languages.”
The partnership is facilitated by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages, as part of their Business Language Champions scheme. The partnership is facilitated by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages, as part of their Business Language Champions scheme. Fhiona Fisher, Director of SCILT said: “It is important that our young people are aware of the benefits that learning a language can bring them. It’s important for them to understand that language qualifications are not just for those who wish to be interpreters or teachers! Language skills enhance any candidate’s CV and the enhanced communication skills and cultural sensitivity they foster is a tremendous attribute to any working environment.”
During his visit, Mr Hulvershorn shared his own experience of learning languages and how he did not appreciate the significant role languages would play in his later professional life. He talked to the pupils about the gaming industry, particularly the process of designing and making games. He set pupils the task of creating a poster promoting one of the company’s games in French or German.
The visit marked the launch of Business Language Champions at Woodmill High School. This scheme helps schools and businesses to build partnerships through languages to equip young people with the international communication and employability skills that they will need for their future careers. Business Language Champions is facilitated by SCILT and runs in schools across Scotland.
More information on SCILT’s Business Language Champions.
If you would like to organise a BLC in your own school or local authority, SCILT would be delighted to support you. Contact us.
1 October 2015 (eTwinning)
Want to start your eTwinning journey? "Follow me" is the theme for the 2015 eTwinning Weeks, which run until 9 October.
During this time you will have the chance to get all the information you need to embark on your eTwinning journey by exploring sample projects and reading testimonials from ambassadors who'll provide valuable tips to help you on your way.
Visit the eTwinning website to find out more.
Read more...
25 September 2015 (British Council)
School's Online is the British Council's international learning programme for schools and teachers.
The programme helps to develop international education in your school by creating meaningful connections with educational institutions on a global scale.
Embedding international learning into your classroom also deepens students' understanding and respect for the world around them.
By registering with Schools Online you will gain access to classroom resources, professional development courses and form relationships with schools across the world.
Visit the British Council's Schools Online website for more information.
Read more...
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
Celebrating Languages,
Citizenship,
CPD,
Cross-Sector Working,
Cultural Diversity,
International Education,
Partnership Working,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
21 September 2015 (UK-German Connection)
Do you want to inspire your pupils by providing authentic contact to young people in the other country, whilst also improving your own intercultural skills? Then apply for the FLA/ELA Ambassadors Network 2015-16.
The FLA/ELA Ambassadors are a network of language assistants who are working in schools in the UK and Germany. They run small projects, activities, events or clubs in order to inspire and motivate young people in their schools for the language and culture of the other country. Projects should address themes that are of educational value as well as interesting and relevant for the target group.
Visit the UK-German Connection website to find out more about the Ambassador Network and to apply by 19 October 2015.
Read more...
20 August 2015 (British Council)
Develop your pupils' French language skills. Grants of £5000 are available from the Lefèvre trust for UK secondary schools to plan reciprocal visits with their partner schools in France.
Visit the British Council website for more information and to apply by 30 November 2015.
Read more...
14 July 2015 (UK-German Connection)
Would your primary school like to take part in UK-German Connection’s Bears project for three weeks in the next academic year?
Two travelling bears Alex and Ben visit primary schools in the UK and Germany at the same time for three weeks. The bears come with downloadable resources, lesson plans and activities, which allow the children to learn German and about Germany in a fun way.
It's a free programme which puts pupils not only in touch with Alex, the teddy bear from Germany, but also with a German school class. Each participating teacher receives access to a special online Bears area, with songs, interactive games and quizzes. In addition, pupils can record Alex's adventures in the Bears blog and online photo album.
If you don't have a partner school for the project, don't worry! UK-German Connection can help you find a partner, also on a short-term project basis.
For more information about the programme visit the UK-German Connection website and if you're interested in hosting, please contact UK-German Connection by using the Bears project
sign-up form:.
Read more...
25 June 2015 (eTwinning)
The British Council celebrated the 10th Annual eTwinning UK conference at the National
College for Teaching and Leadership in Nottingham from 5-7 June. The main event of the conference was the 2015 UK eTwinning National Award ceremony, celebrating those who have produced outstanding collaborative work as part of the eTwinning programme.
There were 13 awards presented in various categories, as well as one award for the overall
winning project. Congratulations to Balfron High School who won an award in the student engagement category.
See the press release for more information and a full listing of the awards presented.
Read more...
28 May 2015 (British Council/Education Scotland)
British Council in partnership with Education Scotland has today launched a new online resource to help schools and pre-school centres improve outcomes for pupils and staff through international engagement.
The resource is designed to support schools in their journey of continuous improvement in learning through partnerships with educational establishments in other countries. Working in partnership the aim is to develop learners' skills and attitudes that are necessary to participate effectively in a globalised world.
International engagement involves learning about other countries:
- their cultures
- education systems
- languages
- the global themes of interest to us all
- and by forming a partnership with educational establishments abroad and/or being involved in global learning programmes
The aim of the partnerships are:
- to improve knowledge and skills across curriculum areas
- to challenge stereotypes and prejudices
- and to make learners aware of the possibilities that exist for learning and work outside Scotland
This, by extension, allows learners to understand Scotland and its place in the world. Partnerships allow those involved the opportunity to share ideas in pedagogy and the space to reflect on their own practice; and in so doing, improve the quality of learning and teaching. Partnerships can be developed digitally or can also involve face to face meetings between staff and/or learners.
Find out more about Learners International on the Education Scotland website.
Read more...
12 May 2015 (UK-German Connection)
With a set of resources, a range of interactive online features and a focus on joint Bears activities with a project partner school in Germany, Alex and Ben bring a fun and accessible international dimension to the primary school classroom!
There are new dates now available from Autumn 2015 through to the Summer term 2016 where your school can host Alex the bear.
Visit the UK-German Connection website to find out more and to apply to join the project. There are also links to Alex’s blog and his adventures and discoveries presented on the Voyage Kids website.
Read more...
12 May 2015 (UK-German Connection)
Updated funding guidelines and application forms are now on the UK-German Connection website.
The following funds are available for schools:
- Challenge Fund - for joint thematic projects in all curriculum areas
- Challenge Fund - World of Work - for 'world of work' projects, with or without pupils' work experience
- Partnerships in Learning - for peer-learning activities to strengthen school partnerships
- Partnership Visit Fund - for partnership visits for teachers to plan or revive joint activities for pupils
Next funding deadline is 31 May 2015.
Read more...
6 May 2015 (UK-German Connection)
Would you like to have authentic German cultural input in your school? Schools can now apply to host a qualified teacher from Germany for 2 or 3 weeks at no cost.
Why host a teacher from Germany?
- It’s a free, flexible programme that can be adapted to mutual interest
- It’s a great way to exchange resources and share best practice
- Pupils gain a unique perspective into the German culture
- It’s an excellent professional development opportunity
- Pupils and teachers benefit from linguistic support
- It can stimulate ideas for future projects
Schools do not need to be teaching German in order to participate in the programme and visits can take place at any time between September 2015 and July 2016.
Teachers receive comprehensive support throughout with ideas of how to maximise the benefit of the programme for all teachers and pupils.
You can find more information and how to apply on the UK-German Connection website.
Application deadline: 18 September 2015(*)
(*)Please note that forms can be submitted at any time up to the deadline, and schools wishing to host in the autumn term should submit their hosting form before the end of the summer term 2015.
If you have any questions or would like any further information, please contact Carla Johnson by email on carla.johnson@ukgermanconnection.org or 020 7824 1572.
Read more...
29 April 2015 (British Council)
Over recent years there have been a large number of studies conducted on the impact of international education work in UK schools. We have analysed these findings and drawn together the key benefits of implementing international education in primary, secondary and special educational needs schools in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download today and see how international programmes have been proven to improve literacy and learning, help teachers’ professional development and meet inspection requirements.
Read more...
23 April 2015 (British Council)
Develop the speaking confidence of your pupils in advance of oral examinations with a trip to France. The Lefèvre Trust is offering grants of up to £5000 to UK schools to facilitate reciprocal visits to their partner schools in France. Application deadline is 19 May 2015.
Visit the British Council website for more information about the funding programme and how to apply.
Read more...
1 April 2015 (Edinburgh Council - Bright Futures)
For the past two years, schools in the James Gillespie’s cluster have been involved in a partnership with schools in the Comunidad de Madrid in Spain. The partnership has offered the teachers the chance to share good practice and enrich their lessons through the exciting cultural experiences gained when visiting the partners’ country.
Read more...
9 March 2015 (TES)
Looking for an interdisciplinary project for your pupils? Martin Crabbe, geography teacher at Glebe School, Bromley and Chair of London Sustainable Schools Network is a champion of encouraging students to show citizenship and collaborate with one another to improve the local environment. Here he tells us why he’s signed up to Global Action Plan’s water education project for 8-14 year olds, to teach his pupils about their use of water and why it matters.
There are many benefits for schools and pupils taking part in the Global Action Water Explorer project, including:
- collaboratng with and learning from other students across the world
- improving wider skills, including ICT, presentation, communication, team working and language skills
- a way to reduce your school's water impact and work towards Eco-School certification
These are just a few of the advantages to be gained. Read on to find out about Glebe School's experiences and follow the link below to access all the information you need to get your school involved in the Water Explorer project.
Read more...
9 March 2015 (Erasmus+ blog)
We recently published the first lists of projects across the UK funded under the Erasmus+ programme in 2014. Just over one in two of the almost 2,000 applications received in 2014 were successful. What's more, every UK country had at least one successful application in each field of education, including schools, higher education, VET, adult education and youth. You can read all the latest programme statistics on our statistics web page which will be updated throughout the year.
At the UK National Agency we are very interested in hearing how your project is progressing, and want to help share your experiences along the way!
Read more...
27 February 2015 (UK-German Connection)
Our new Partnership Visit Fund provides financial support for teachers who wish to visit their (prospective) partner school in order to gain an insight into the school and/or plan activities between their young people.
Funding is available to help set up, revive or develop partnership activities or to support teachers who have taken on a new role in an existing partnership.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for full details.
Read more...
Language linking, global thinking! - register interest
20 February 2015 (SCILT)
SCILT is inviting schools interested in taking part in the Language Linking Global Thinking initiative in session 2015/16 to register now.
The project links students on their year abroad with primary and secondary schools. Students communicate with a designated class in their partner school during the course of the year to illustrate how enriching it is to spend a year abroad using a language other than English.
While the student is abroad, the partner school keeps in regular contact with the student by emailing, sending postcards and other resources. The two-way correspondence between student and class brings the language alive for pupils and shows them the real relevance of learning a language.
This initiative has been piloted this year in three local authorities, and SCILT is now extending it to schools across Scotland.
If you would like to take part in this project for session 2015-16, please email SCILT. Places are strictly limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Schools who took part in the pilot are invited to register interest in the same way if they wish to continue the project into a second year.
More information on Language Linking Global Thinking 2014-15.
Some of the students have used blogs to facilitate their contact with the schools. Read the student blogs.
17 February 2015 (UK-German Connection)
Applications for Discover Germany! 2015 are now open.
The Discover Germany! programme is a 3-4 day taster trip, which gives UK lower secondary pupils (S1) the opportunity to discover some of Germany's most interesting areas, meet German peers and engage in intercultural learning.
The 2015 Discover Germany! trip will take place in Berlin, from 2 to 5 July 2015, and the theme of the trip will be 'accessible travel and culture'. Pupils will have the chance to visit famous and historical places, interact with German peers at a local school and take part in educational activities at cultural heritage sites. Pupils will also spend time on project work related to this year's theme.
See the UK-German Connection website for more details. Apply by 26 March 2015.
Read more...
17 February 2015 (Erasmus+)
A technical error has been identified in Key Action 1 application eForms for schools, VET and adult education. The error occurs in the calculation of Special Needs and Exceptional Costs budget sections of the eForms. The European Commission have provided information on the error for potential applicants which we advise you to read before submitting your application eForm.
Follow the link below for further details and to access the link to an online pdf describing the error.
Guidance for Key Action 2 applications for Strategic Partnerships in the fields of higher education (HE), vocational education and training (VET), schools, and adult education is also available online.
Read more...
13 February 2015 (Erasmus+)
School Education Gateway is a new European Commission (EC) portal, launched in February 2015, to support schools in planning Erasmus+ projects, including help with partner-finding. You can also find news and events, policy updates and information on good practice.
Read more...
Related Links
School Education Gateway (eTwinning, 29 January 2015) - the new School Education Gateway website offers a collection of good practices from educational projects in Europe.
9 February 2015 (British Council)
Neil Redman from Chichester College tells us about how eTwinning enhanced his vocational students’ work experience project and gave them a great opportunity to team up with a school in France.
See this and other case studies on the British Council website.
Read more...
5 February 2015 (Erasmus+)
Guides for UK applicants are now available to download for mobility (Key Action 1) in higher education in programme countries, vocational education and training (VET), schools, and adult education. The guide for higher education international credit mobility will follow soon.
These guides contain detailed information on completing the eForm and submitting your application for funding.
The deadline for submitting your Key Action 1 application for HE, VET, schools, or adult education is 4 March 2015 at 11am (UK time).
We are also running application support webinars, which are free to attend and can be joined from the comfort of your home or office. Register now via the support webinar link to secure your place on a session.
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25 January 2015 (British Council)
Thinking about developing an international school partnership? This video highlights the benefits a school in Mexico and one in the UK have found from their collaboration. This film is in a combination of English and Spanish from Mexico.
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Related Links
For further information about forming a school partnership through Connecting Classrooms, visit the
British Council Schools Online website.
21 January 2014 (UK-German Connection)
Do you need funding for activities with your German partner school? UK-German Connection has grants available for UK-German projects, activities and anniversary celebrations. The next deadline for grants for UK-German activities is 31 January 2015 (the next deadline after this will be 31 May 2015).
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13 January 2015 (British Council)
This year we are re-launching the Schools Online forums, with the goal of encouraging greater sharing and conversation between schools around the world. The first forum of 2015 will focus on New Year festivities and how students and teachers around the world mark the passing of the year.
We would like you to share stories and pictures about the festivities and celebrations that you and your students took part in over the Christmas break. In return, schools in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia will share their stories, with those in China telling us about how they are preparing for Chinese New Year on 19 February and the traditions that they will be continuing.
This forum will be an exciting and unique opportunity to talk to other schools around the world about celebration and tradition. Topics within the forum will focus on food, culture, family and friendship, with everyone encouraged to talk about what makes their festivities special. Schools currently with international partners will find the forum a valuable addition to their work, while those without will gain a level of sharing and discussion that was previously not available unless in a formal partnership.
As the forum begins why not ask your class how they celebrated New Year? Or think about the photos you might want to share that tell a story about how the New Year is celebrated in the UK? We would love to see written and visual contributions, including links to Google Images search results that might give an international student an insight to UK festivities.
The forum begins on Tuesday 13 January on Schools Online and runs until 31 January. You can view the forum on the Schools Online website (look for New Year Festivities).
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7 January 2015 (British Council)
Apply for funding for your school partnership now! This is the last grant application round for the current Connecting Classrooms funding offer.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get funding to collaborate directly with international peers. Connecting Classrooms brings challenging global issues to life through meaningful cross-cultural relationships.
The grant supports visits from at least one teacher from each of the schools in your partnership. Make sure you submit your application for funding in 2015 by the deadline of 30 January 2015.
For more information and to apply, visit the British Council Schools Online website.
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16 December 2014 (Institut français)
There are many advantages for establishing links between a Scottish and a French local authority. These links are a natural element of your local 1+2 strategy, with school twinning, expertise sharing and training opportunities.
Check out the blog of the Académie de Lyon primary teachers about their visit to partner schools in Renfrewshire.
If you need help to identify a partner, or if you want to make more out of your current link, email Thomas Chaurin at the Institut français - education@ifecosse.org.uk.
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Links and exchanges with Spanish schools
9 December 2014 (Consejería de Educación)
As every year, a number of Spanish schools want to exchange or link with British ones. If you are interested in finding a partner school in Spain, please send the attached application form to
francisco.garcia@mecd.es.
2 December 2014 (British Council)
British Council Connecting Classrooms programme offers funding for partnership activities between schools in China and the UK.
Funding applications must demonstrate how planned activities will increase global citizenship, enrich education practice, and develop an equitable and sustainable partnership between all schools involved.
Grant applications can be accepted from UK and China schools, sixth-form colleges and comparable institutions providing full-time general, vocational, technical and special-needs education for pupils aged 3-18 years old.
Further information regarding eligibility and how to apply is available on the British Council Connecting Classrooms website.
Deadline for applications is 31 January 2015.
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24 November 2014 (Daily Record)
A West Lothian school has won a prestigious accolade for its work in bringing the world into the classroom.
Williamston Primary School in Livingston has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award.
It’s a badge of honour for schools that do outstanding work in international education, such as through links with partner schools overseas. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need to live and work as global citizens.
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24 November 2014 (British Council)
Do you want some inspiration for activities or trips to run in your school? Read our case studies written by teachers about their international activities, including advice and experience from their own school exchanges. Included is the feedback from Saint Roch’s school in Glasgow about their trip to Sarajevo.
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24 November 2014 (Gathered Together/BEMIS)
See the YouTube interview with a parent involved in a bilingual storytelling group at St Albert’s Primary School.
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12 November 2014 (eTwinning)
Angela Chapman, International and Global Education Co-ordinator at Woodfield School in Hertfordshire, walks us through her international school linking journey.
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11 November 2014 (British Council)
For this year's International Education Week (17 - 21 November) the British Council is running a series of webinars aimed at UK teachers on 'Make the most of your partner school'.
There are a variety of sessions during November and December for both primary and secondary levels partnering with French, German and Spanish schools.
For dates and times of all the sessions on offer and to register for your chosen webinar, visit the registration webpage.
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Related Links
For other suggestions as to how schools can get involved in this year's IEW, visit the British Council's
International Eduction Week 2014 website or see the
IEW toolkit for schools.
10 November 2014 (eTwinning)
Congratulations to the Scottish schools awarded a European Quality Label this October!
- Annanhill Primary, Kilmarnock
- Balfron High School, Balfron
- Mid Yell Junior High School, Shetland
For a list of all the UK winners and their projects, see the eTwinning website.
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6 November 2014 (eTwinning)
To join the competition, projects must have been awarded the European Quality Label in any year of the project’s lifespan. Only the partners of a project who have received the European Quality Label can apply for and win a European Prize. All projects must demonstrate that they have been active in the 2013-2014 school year.
Prizes are available for primary through to secondary ages with special category prizes also being awarded in the 2015 competition.
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28 October 2014 (eTwinning UK)
If you’ve already been involved in eTwinning, enter the competition by 3 November 2014 to tell us how eTwinning has influenced your teaching.
For those yet to experience eTwinning, the site contains information on funding available, professional workshops and resources to help