Teacher Education
28 November 2024 (Argyll & Bute Council)
Suitable for P4-7 classes. French and Gaelic are now provided at two levels. Please sign up here.
Teachers learn alongside their pupils in real time and are supported to lead the learning in their own class. The lesson structure alternates between short bursts of direct teaching from the online teacher, followed by the class teachers leading their own class in a game. This format allows the learning to remain active and fully engage the learners. These courses provide on the job professional learning and help teachers make the time for languages in the curriculum.
Each lesson lasts approximately 40 minutes and will take place via GLOW Microsoft Teams. All resources will be available to download in advance of the session and will be stored in the GLOW Team.
Read more...
Multilingualism Live – Let’s work together!
19 November 2024 (SCILT)
Primary teachers, would you like the opportunity to collaborate with the Multilingualism through Art (MtA) team in the new year? Please read on for more information!
For those who don’t know us, the MtA team is made up of a small group of colleagues (4) from the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde and SCILT. Our work mainly focuses on multilingualism and multilingual approaches towards language learning, notably using art and creative methodologies. In the new year, we are planning to deliver 3 live online lessons that will explore multilingualism and language learning through an art-based lens. In order to plan these lessons, which will take place between January and March, we are looking to work alongside teachers of primary, more specifically, those working with learners from P5 – P7 to collaborate with. The idea is that the MtA team will work with the class teacher to plan and design a lesson that adopts a multilingual approach to language learning with an art focus. Following on from the planning process, the MtA team will join the class online and team-teach with the class teacher to deliver the lesson. This lesson can be drawn from the Multilingualism through Art resource pack or we can discuss any other ideas that you may have. Ultimately, we aim to co-create a lesson with the teacher to best meet the needs of their learners.
You can select one from the following dates and please note, each lesson will take place on Microsoft Teams from 1.30 pm – 2.30pm.
- Thursday 23 January
- Thursday 27 February
- Thursday 20 March
We intend to meet with all teachers taking part during the week beginning 6 January to begin the discussion and planning process.
If you would like to get involved in this exciting opportunity, consider which date works best for you and register your interest here.
Please note that places are limited, and we can only accept one class per school for each date. You will be notified if you have secured a place week beginning 9 December 2024.
French language teachers, we value your input!
15 November 2024 (Institut français)
Between September and November, the Institut français d’Ecosse has been organising free online teachers’ training workshops.
Aware that the days and times did not necessarily suit timetables from teachers across Scotland and wishing to reach out to most teachers teaching French in primary and secondary schools, we invite you to complete a short survey aiming at identifying the best day/time to conduct such trainings.
The survey will take you a few minutes to complete.
Please kindly complete the survey before the extended deadline of 1 December 2024.
The data collected will be stored and used for internal purposes only.
Thanking you in advance for your input!
12 November 2024 (The Language Show)
If you missed last weekend's virtual event don't worry, everything is now available on catch up!
- recordings of nearly 80 sessions
- nearly 90 amazing speakers
- 50 talks for teachers
- talks for professionals
- talks for learners
All this for £12. Visit the Language Show website to obtain your on-demand ticket.
Read more...
21 October 2024 (BAAL LLT SIG)
The British Association of Applied Linguistics (BAAL) Language Learning and Teaching Special Interest Group (SIG) is offering a series of free webinars during the autumn term 2024 on AI, new technologies and language learning and teaching. These will pair research on language learning technologies with classroom insights from experienced teachers. Discover how innovative tools are shaping the future of education and learn from the experts.
The first event is 'What language educators need to know about AI' (by Zoe Handley and Ana Nino) taking place on 30 October.
Visit the registration website to sign up for this event and all remaining webinars in the series.
Read more...
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
All Languages,
CPD,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Methodologies,
Teacher Education,
Technology,
News from language & education organisations
10 October 2024 (Lingobox Learning)
Our first full French course for teachers starts on Tuesday 29 October. This course is designed to empower teachers at all levels of French to develop French language skills and build confidence by working with you to create a personalised learning plan which works for you!
Throughout this 6-week course, we’ll share learning materials every Tuesday (29.10.24 – 03.12.24) so you can work through all learning videos and activities in your own time. All school subscribers to Lingobox will have full access to course materials as ongoing.
The course also includes a full 2-months individual account access to Lingobox!
The course will cover:
Teaching primary French: Learn about the key aspects of primary French language learning and create a personalised learning and teaching plan which works for you.
A guide to French phonics: Your go to guide for understanding and teaching French phonics.
Language learning topics: How to plan for, learn and teach your choice of French topic language (eg weather, dates, numbers, school subjects, opinions etc.) in a quick and effective way.
Embedding language into practice: Simple and effective strategies for embedding language into classroom practice including classroom instructions, recycling topic language and some fun French interjections.
Planning across the curriculum: Explore how to maximise French learning by including language as a part of all interdisciplinary learning.
Planning language learning: Empower yourself with a French language learning plan which is progressive, meaningful and which builds skills and confidence. This session will also look at upcoming cultural contexts and will share a range of exciting ideas which you can pick up and use in class!
Existing individual Lingobox subscribers will be contacted with a course discount code if you would like to add this course onto your subscription.
All course participants will receive a certificate on completion of the course.
Visit the Lingobox Learning website to find out more.
Any questions, please contact ann@lingoboxlearning.com
Read more...
Opportunities from Goethe-Institut
8 October 2024 (Goethe-Institut)
The Goethe-Institut offers a range of initiatives to support the teaching and learning of German in schools. Follow the relevant link below to discover more about the upcoming opportunities:
3 October 2024 (British Council)
The University of Edinburgh and Learning for Sustainability Scotland, in partnership with the British Council, have created two free short online courses on Coursera which will give you the chance to join a global professional and personal learning journey towards a sustainable future.
The five-week course with a focus on sustainability education and learning commencing 7 October aims to support those who want to bring some of the activities and issues covered into their own educational practice. The second ccourse commencing 11 November runs concurrently with COP29.
Visit the website for more information and to sign up.
Read more...
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:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
German,
CPD,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
19 September 2024 (Institut français)
Calling primary and secondary teachers teaching French across Scotland. Between September and November 2024, the Institut français d’Ecosse will be hosting free online workshops for you on 2 different themes on the following dates:
- October 11, on the theme of Halloween
- November 15, on the theme of Christmas
Objectives: Top up your French and/or boost your confidence with language, pronunciation tips and culture around the theme of Halloween.
Contents: Taylor-made practical classroom activities around listening, talking, reading and writing skills.
Visit the Institut français d'Ecosse website for additional information and registration.
Read more...
CCEd in French at the University of Strathclyde
10 September 2024 (University of Strathclyde)
Are you interested in upskilling your French to GTCS-accredited standard? Then this could be the course for you!
The Certificate of Continuing Education (CCEd) is an intensive beginners’ class that will bring you up to first-year university standard in a year, with the option of continuing your studies into second year and up to university pass degree level within three years.
Classes will be in person on campus in Glasgow during term time.
Further information and application details will be advertised via the SCILT bulletin and SCILT website and the University of Strathclyde website and communication channels.
For more information and to register your interest, the course contact is Joan-Emilie Lefever-Rhodes (joan.lefever@strath.ac.uk).
6 September 2024 (Lingobox Learning)
We are delighted to announce our first full French course for teachers, starting on Tuesday 29 October. This course is designed to empower teachers at all levels of French to develop French language skills and build confidence by working with you to create a personalised learning plan which works for you!
All sessions will be live and online every Tuesday (29.10.24 – 03.12.24) from 19.30 – 20.30 and then recorded and shared so you can access in your own time if you prefer. All school subscribers to Lingobox will have full access to course materials as ongoing.
The course also includes a full 2-months individual account access to Lingobox!
The course will cover:
- Teaching primary French: Learn about the key aspects of primary French language learning and create a personalised learning and teaching plan which works for you!
- A guide to French phonics: Your go to guide for understanding and teaching French phonics.
- Language learning topics: How to plan for, learn and teach your choice of French topic language (e.g. weather, dates, numbers, school subjects, opinions etc.) in a quick and effective way.
- Embedding language into practice: Simple and effective strategies for embedding language into classroom practice including classroom instructions, recycling topic language and some fun French interjections!
- Planning across the curriculum: Explore how to maximise French learning by including language as a part of all interdisciplinary learning.
- Planning language learning: Empower yourself with a French language learning plan which is progressive, meaningful and which builds skills and confidence. This session will also look at upcoming cultural contexts and will share a range of exciting ideas which you can pick up and use in class!
To find out more visit the Lingobox Learning website.
Please note, all school subscribers to Lingobox will have full access to course materials as ongoing (Early bird annual subscription price of just £150 for a 1-year school subscription available until the end of September 2024!).
Existing individual Lingobox subscribers will be contacted with a course discount code if you would like to add this course onto your subscription.
All course participants will receive a certificate on completion of the course.
Any questions, please contact ann@lingoboxlearning.com.
Read more...
30 August 2024 (SCILT)
The SLLP Alums Network was launched in February to mark the 10th anniversary year of Scotland’s Languages Leadership Programme (SLLP), in all its varied iterations. The programme of network meetings for 2024-25 begins in September and if you haven’t already done so, there is no better time for SLLP alums to join this online community.
Like Dr Who, the SLLP has regenerated several times over the years. Hosted throughout by partners Education Scotland and SCILT, the central aim has always been to build leadership capacity in languages education nationwide. You can be a member of the network if you have completed SLLP (or TTT or LLP) between 2014 - 2024, regardless of whether you gained GTCS Professional Recognition with us and even if you are now in a different job. Whatever the situation, all previous participants are welcome to join the SLLP Alums Network. It is the ideal opportunity to (re)connect with friends, colleagues and peers just like you who champion languages education in primary, secondary and special education settings across Scotland.
Join the network and we’ll add you to the network Team in Glow and you will be able to join us online at 16.00-17.30 on Thursday 19 September 2024 for the first network meeting of the year.
At this meeting we will hear from Ann Robertson, independent languages consultant, lead author of the TILES self-evaluation resource, former development officer for languages in several local authorities in Scotland and former Chair of the LANGS.
Drawing on her own varied leadership experiences, Ann will invite us to reflect on:
Join the SLLP Alums Network here via the Eventbrite link below, Glow login required.
Read more...
29 August 2024 (Institut français)
Calling primary and secondary teachers teaching French across Scotland. Between September and November 2024, the Institut français d’Ecosse will be hosting free online workshops for you on 3 different themes on the following dates:
- September 13, on the theme of European Day of languages
- October 11, on the theme of Halloween
- November 15, on the theme of Christmas
Objectives: Top up your French and/or boost your confidence with language, pronunciation tips and culture around the theme of Halloween.
Contents: Tailor-made practical classroom activities around listening, talking, reading and writing skills.
Visit the Institut français d'Ecosse website for additional information and registration.
Read more...
29 August 2024 (Open University)
We have extended the deadline for all interested in-service practitioners teaching at any level in a Scottish school to register on the second presentation of the Scots Language Masters-level teacher CPD programme starting on 2 September 2024. The online programme is hosted by the Open University in Scotland and designed and delivered in partnership with Education Scotland and Banff Academy.
Through Scottish Government funding we are able to offer free places for all interested teachers on this exciting professional learning opportunity bringing together practitioners from across Scotland.
Teachers on the programme will be able to gain a GTCS professional recognition award for their study.
Visit the course landing page for more information and the online registration form.
The deadline to register and be one of only the second cohort of teachers to study the course has been extended to Monday 2 September 2024. Notifications to confirm places and instructions on how to access the programme will be issued as soon as possible after teachers have signed up.
For those who either already have some CPD commitments for the start of the coming academic year, of would prefer to have more time before committing, you are able to indicate whether you’d prefer to start studying in September 2024 or January 2025 in the online form.
Read more...
29 August 2024 (Open University)
Teachers Learning to Teach languages (TELT) aims to increase and improve language provision in primary schools. Teachers simultaneously learn a new language and the skills to teach that language in the classroom. The programme carries the GTCS professional recognition award, and can count towards the University of Strathclyde’s Masters in Education as accredited prior learning.
Available languages are French, German, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.
A webinar on the programme was held in June and a recording of that information session can be found on the Open University YouTube channel.
Registration for the programme commencing October 2024 closes on 5 September.
Visit the Open University’s TELT website at the link below for more information.
Read more...
Posted in:
Primary,
Chinese,
French,
German,
Spanish,
Scotland,
CPD,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
23 August 2024 (SCILT)
Calling new and recent entrants to primary teaching in Scotland. Undergraduate and postgraduate primary education students at Scottish universities and qualified primary teachers in your first four years post-qualification – we mean you!
If you have an interest in developing your practice relating to the languages - both home and taught, signed and spoken – represented in your classroom, then you will not want to miss SCILT’s ECT Primary Languages Signpost Sessions. Tailored just for you.
Our Signpost Sessions will be chock full of:
-
ideas and advice on how to support multilingual pupils and their families
-
strategies for teaching additional languages
-
the chance to network informally with others at a similar stage in their career across the country
Join us online on MS Teams, after school on the last Wednesday of the month every second month. It’ll be a friendly, informal opportunity to connect and ask questions, to find support and solutions. Whatever you need, we will point you in the right direction.
Sign up for as many as you wish.
Please also find attached flyer which can be shared with colleagues.
We can’t wait to see you there.
Read more...
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...
16 August 2024 (Open University)
Teachers Learning to Teach languages (TELT) aims to increase and improve language provision in primary schools. Teachers simultaneously learn a new language and the skills to teach that language in the classroom. The programme carries the GTCS professional recognition award, and can count towards the University of Strathclyde’s Masters in Education as accredited prior learning.
Available languages are French, German, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.
A webinar on the programme was held in June and a recording of that information session can be found on YouTube.
Registration for the programme commencing October 2024 closes on 5 September.
Visit the Open University’s TELT website at the link below for more information.
Read more...
Posted in:
Primary,
Chinese,
French,
German,
Spanish,
Scotland,
CPD,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
Open Access workshops for primary educators - bookings now open!
16 August 2024 (SCILT )
Calling all primary teachers and primary education students across Scotland. Keep your Wednesdays free! Between September and November 2024, we will be hosting a series of free workshops just for you.
The online workshops will be hosted on MS Teams and will not be recorded.
The in-person workshop will take place at SCILT HQ in central Glasgow.
Registrations for all workshops are open now via the links above. Please also see attached flyer which can be shared with your networks.
Polish classes for teachers: An introduction to Polish language and culture
15 August 2024 (The Polish Social and Educational Society)
Teachers, how would you like to learn some basic Polish from a native Polish speaker? Would you like to give it a go? Read on and see if this language learning opportunity might just be thing for you!
The Polish Social and Educational Society in Glasgow will be running a series of online Polish language classes for teachers in the new term. The classes, led by a Polish native speaker, are designed to provide an introduction to Polish language and culture to support teachers working across all sectors. Whether it’s supporting Polish being taught as an L3 or engaging with Polish pupils and their families, our classes will provide you with some useful phrases and basic grammar to help with this.
The classes will be led by Ania Trusewicz. Ania is an experienced teacher of teaching Polish as a foreign language and is looking forward to welcoming teachers to her online classes in September. Anna has shared some information about her background and experience.
"Cześć! My name is Ania. I am Trilingual. I have completed my teaching course as a teacher of foreign language at University of Nicolaus Copernicus in Toruń (Poland) in 2006. Since moving to Glasgow in 2008 I have been teaching many students both face-to-face and online. I also hold a degree from University of Glasgow (Social Science). I teach with passion and great enthusiasm. My lessons are funny and interesting. I take care of each of my students and make sure that Polish lessons at Sikorski Polish Club are adapted to various levels and individual needs of my students. In my classes I have students who are coming from different professional backgrounds. I will be happy to see you at our online classes!”
Please note the following:
- Online classes will begin on Monday 16 September
- Classes will run on Mondays from 4 – 5pm
- 6-week block - one hour lesson per week
- All classes are online and will be hosted on Zoom
- There will be a charge of £20 for a block of 6 lessons
- Open to all teachers
We look forward to welcoming you to our online Polish classes in September. For more information and to register your place, please email secretary@sikorskipolishclub.org.uk.
15 August 2024 (Argyll & Bute Council)
This offer is open to all Scottish primary schools using Glow Teams. Teachers learn alongside their pupils in real time and are supported to lead the learning in their own class. The lesson structure alternates between short bursts of direct teaching from the online teacher, followed by the class teachers leading their own class in a game. This format allows the learning to remain active and fully engage the learners. These courses provide on the job professional learning and help teachers make the time for languages in the curriculum.
Each lesson lasts approximately 40 minutes and will take place via GLOW Teams. All resources will be available to download in advance of the session and will be stored in the GLOW Team.
Suitable for P4-7 classes. Please sign up via the Live Lessons 2024-25 link.
Read more...
13 August 2024 (Open University)
We are inviting all interested in-service practitioners teaching at any level in a Scottish school to register on the second presentation of the Scots Language Masters-level teacher CPD programme starting on 2 September 2024. The online programme is hosted by the Open University in Scotland and designed and delivered in partnership with Education Scotland and Banff Academy.
Through Scottish Government funding we are able to offer free places for all interested teachers on this exciting professional learning opportunity bringing together practitioners from across Scotland.
Teachers on the programme will be able to gain a GTCS professional recognition award for their study.
Follow this link to the course landing page for more information and the online registration form: OLCreate: Scots language teacher CPD programme (open.edu).
The deadline to register and be one of only the second cohort of teachers to study the course is Wednesday 28 August 2024. Notifications to confirm places and instructions on how to access the programme will be issued by Friday 30 August 2024.
For those who either already have some CPD commitments for the start of the coming academic year, of would prefer to have more time before committing, you are able to indicate whether you’d prefer to start studying in September 2024 or January 2025 in the above online form.
Read more...
13 August 2024 (Alliance Française)
The course from Alliance Française Glasgow is aimed at secondary school French teachers and consists of a mix of conversation and grammar. The idea is to discuss current affairs and contemporary topics of France and French speaking countries but also to offer grammar refreshers for the B2 level.
The course will start on 16 September. The classes will last for 2 hours and will take place every two weeks. Most of the classes will be online with an on-site version every 4 weeks in order for participants to meet in person.
Visit the Alliance Française website for full details and to book.
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Opportunities from Goethe-Institut
6 August 2024 (Goethe-Institut)
The Goethe-Institut offers a range of initiatives to support the teaching and learning of German in schools. The following opportunities are available during the coming term. Follow the appropriate link to find out more:
For pupils
- Debating competition - a chance for teams of four S5 learners of German to actively use the German language in an authentic setting whilst meeting other students from across the UK. Rounds take place between November and March. Apply by 19 October 2024.
- Discover Careers with German - online business lunch series of live conversations with different people from the world of work whose careers have been shaped by learning German. Aimed at secondary learners, upcoming sessions in October, November and December 2024.
- Young Goethe Ambassadors - would you like to motivate your students to keep studying German? Invite our Young Goethe Ambassadors into your classroom. Our ambassadors are young German learners who can hold presentations about their experience with German and run small games depending on your needs.
For teachers
Posted in:
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
German,
Scotland,
Careers,
CPD,
Language Learning,
Language Learning for Work,
Language Teaching,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
1 August 2024 (Institut français)
Wishing to support French language teachers in primary schools across Scotland the Institut français d’Ecosse offers 3 free 2-hours online courses on 3 different themes on the following dates:
- September 13, on the theme of European Day of languages
- October 11, on the theme of Halloween
- November 15, on the theme of Christmas
Objectives: Top up your French and/or boost your confidence with language, pronunciation tips and culture around the themes.
Contents: Taylor-made practical classroom activities around listening, talking, reading and writing skills.
More information and registration on the Institut français website.
Read more...
20 June 2024 (Teaching Bursary in Scotland)
The Teaching Bursary Scheme is open to individuals wishing to undertake a one-year PGDE ITE course in Scotland that leads to the award of registered teacher status in Scotland's hardest-to-fill teaching subjects.
This year's eligbile teaching subjects include Modern Languages at secondary level and Gaelic at both secondary and primary.
Teaching Bursary in Scotland 2024 will be open for applications shortly. Visit the website for more information.
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Posted in:
Chinese,
French,
Gaelic,
German,
Italian,
Spanish,
Scotland,
CPD,
Funding,
Language Teaching,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations,
Russian,
Polish
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...
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
German,
CPD,
Cultural Diversity,
Funding,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
16 August 2024 (SCILT)
Box fresh and open for bookings! SCILT’s menu of CLPL group workshops for 2024-25.
Up-to-date and interactive, SCILT workshops for teachers are a great way for you and your colleagues to explore aspects of languages pedagogy with our experienced Professional Development Officers.
If you are the person in your department, school, cluster or local authority with a remit to source high quality subject specific professional learning for colleagues, then you will definitely be interested in our brand new menu of CLPL workshops.
For 2024-25, our carefully designed inputs cover a variety of topics related to the learning and teaching of languages:
Primary and Early Years
- First steps in teaching primary modern languages
- Valuing linguistic diversity in schools, with families
- Bringing the languages content to primary interdisciplinary learning
- Making assessment in primary languages active and accessible
- Give careers education a languages twist for your primary pupils
Secondary
- Teaching Sprints – Small change, big impact
- Social-Emotional learning for languages
- Talking and listening
- Reading and writing
- BYOW: Build your own workshop
We are always happy to accommodate bespoke CLP requests too. Whatever your colleagues need, just ask and we will design a workshop with tailored content, just for them.
For more detail about the menu, and to book one or more workshop for the group of teachers that you support, see the professional learning request form.
Read more...
CCEd in French at the University of Strathclyde
13 June 2024 (University of Strathclyde)
Are you interested in upskilling your French to GTCS-accredited standard? Then this could be the course for you!
The Certificate of Continuing Education (CCEd) is an intensive beginners’ class that will bring you up to first-year university standard in a year, with the option of continuing your studies into second year and up to university pass degree level within three years.
Classes will be in person on campus in Glasgow during term time.
Further information and application details will be advertised via the SCILT bulletin and SCILT website and the University of Strathclyde website and communication channels.
For more information and to register your interest, the course contact is Joan-Emilie Lefever-Rhodes (joan.lefever@strath.ac.uk).
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.
11 June 2024 (Goethe-Institut)
Are you a non-specialist German teacher already delivering German lessons in some shape or form? Would you like to find out why German is the smart choice for your school? Would you like support with getting the ball rolling? Are you interested in setting up a German club at your primary or secondary school?
The Goethe-Institut is offering an exclusive, funded trip to Berlin in November 2024 for primary and secondary school teachers and headteachers that is geared towards introducing German in schools or strengthening its status.
State school teachers and headteachers from the UK can submit their applications supported by a motivational letter (max 400 words) until 31 August 2024. Successful candidates will be informed soon thereafter.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more information and to apply.
Read more...
11 June 2024 (Goethe-Institut)
Boost target language in your classroom! Increase motivation in your young learners! Get to know Germany and the vibrant city of Berlin!
The Goethe-Institut London is offering secondary school teachers from across the UK the chance to take part in a funded pedagogical training course taking place in Berlin in November 2024.
State school secondary teachers from the UK can submit their applications supported by a motivational letter (up to 400 words) until 31 August 2024. Successful candidates will be informed soon thereafter.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more information and to apply.
Read more...
5 June 2024 (Aberdeen Business News)
Modern language teachers across Scotland will have the opportunity to hear from world renowned language specialist, Gianfranco Conti at an innovative training event which turns traditional language teaching on its head. The full-day of immersive learning will take place at St Margaret’s School for Girls in Aberdeen on June 12th from 9am and will equip primary and secondary language teachers with practical learning and teaching activities, encouraging them to use the language specialists’ techniques effectively within their classrooms.
Read more...
30 May 2024 (Institut français)
The Institut français du Royaume-uni (London) invites secondary school teachers to join a free two-part online training workshop on French culture.
During the Cultural Enrichment Workshop for Secondary Teachers you will take part in activities to be used in your classroom to help your pupils deepen their cultural knowledge and vocabulary on various aspects of French culture.
Sessions take place in June/July with limited places available.
Register interest by Friday 14 June.
Read more...
The Big Question - One step beyond!
19 April 2024 (SCILT)
Last year the SCILT Big Question series focused on the four core skills – listening, reading, writing and talking. This year we plan to go One Step Beyond!
This series of weekly workshops in May and June aimed at secondary practitioners will take each skill to another level, looking at issues in that area and practical ways to approach them. Come and join us as we examine strategies and share resources and activities!
Each session will feature the chance to hear from guest practitioners, and the opportunity to discuss and share with fellow teachers, and hopefully together to come up with some answers to these questions!
The four sessions are:
One step beyond listening – interpreting as a tool for learning and teaching
Tuesday 21 May 16.00-17.00
Interpreting is often seen as a skill that is the preserve of specialists at post-university level, but it is an essential social skill for all learners and a useful language learning tool in preparing them for real-life situations in their jobs and studies. Engaging in active learning through simple interpreting tasks can motivate learners and have huge benefits for their listening and talking skills, and in this session we will look at ways to build this into learning and teaching.
One step beyond talking – the importance of social-emotional learning in languages
Wednesday 29 May 16.00-17.00
Social-emotional learning (SEL) gives a framework for understanding the impact emotions have on learning. In the languages context, this is most visible when we need our learners to talk. This session will explore how SEL techniques can be used to improve learner confidence and self-efficacy, and help us develop an environment where learners feel empowered to use their talking skills with comfort.
One step beyond the classroom – outdoor learning and languages
Wednesday 5 June 16.00-17.00
Outdoor learning is beneficial for young people’s mental, physical and emotional health. It’s also a great way to support language learning in a fun, relevant, impactful way. In this session, we will look at the advantages of taking language learning outdoors and share ideas and practical tips to make the most of your outdoor spaces.
One step beyond reading and writing – the use of AI in languages: a blessing or a curse?
Thursday 13 June 16.00-17.00
What are the implications of AI for languages education in schools? Does it require a total rethink, as suggested in Professor Zhao’s article? In this session we will examine the benefits and issues around the growth of AI and how this can work for learners and for us in languages classes.
Seminars are free to attend and are open to all secondary languages teachers and student teachers; attend as many or as few as you wish!
The sessions will be hosted on MS Teams and will not be recorded.
Registrations for all workshops are open now via the links above. Please also see attached flyer which can be shared with colleagues.
16 April 2024 (Open University)
TEachers Learning to Teach languages (TELT) aims to increase and improve language provision in primary schools. Teachers simultaneously learn a new language and the skills to teach that language in the classroom. The programme is General Teaching Council for Scotland approved, and can count towards postgraduate qualifications.
Available languages are French, German, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.
Registration is now open for the programme commencing October 2024.
Visit the Open University website for more information.
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Chinese,
French,
German,
Spanish,
Scotland,
CPD,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
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.
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9 April 2024 (Consejería de Educación)
British/Irish teachers of Spanish can apply for a one-week immersion course for Summer 2024 in Ávila, Segovia or Santander (a good command of Spanish is required).
The grant covers the course, accommodation and meals, as well as the cultural programme. The grant does not cover the journey to Spain or the return to the UK. Travel and/or health insurance is also not included
This call is not for Spanish nationals.
Visit the Consejería de Educación website for more information and apply by 24 April 2024.
Read more...
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S1-S3,
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Spanish,
CPD,
Funding,
Immersion,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education
15 August 2024 (University of Strathclyde)
The online Certificate of Continuing Education (CCEd) in Mandarin at the University of Strathclyde is a qualification that, through live-streamed, evening classes, brings beginners to the equivalent of BA degree level (120 credits) over the course of three years. The course will, therefore, overtake the minimum 80 credits required by the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) for teaching in a secondary school. For language teachers already in possession of a language teaching qualification accepted by the GTCS, the course will allow them to add Mandarin to the suite of languages they already teach. On completion of 80 credits, the course will include a four-week summer school in China (tuition, accommodation, and food provided) that will count towards the GTCS residency requirement for full registration.
The course fees are £950 per year. For teachers who are currently employed in a local authority that hosts a Confucius Classroom hub (click this link for a list of participating local authorities), funding may be available to you from your local authority’s hub funding. Please ask your school/LA contact for details. Additional funding sources are currently being explored.
The university is currently accepting applications for the first three-year cycle of this new course, which will be delivered entirely online. Numbers permitting, the course will commence in September 2024. Further information and application details can be found on the University of Strathclyde website.
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7 March 2024 (Goethe-Institut)
Designed for teachers of German, this online training series will explore effective and motivating methods to promote your students' speaking skills.
Through the two online sessions you will expand your repertoire to support your learners in developing their language skills in German.
The sessions are:
- Reducing the teacher's speaking time - 15 April
- Promote interaction and communication through engaging speaking activities - 14 May
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more information and to register for the events.
Read more...
7 March 2024 (Alliance Française)
Are you currently teaching French in a Secondary School and looking for a way to keep your French up to date? Join the Alliance Française Glasgow for our classes dedicated to French Teachers!
This class will enable you to converse in French, discuss the latest trends and topics in French society, review grammar, and connect with other teachers from Scottish schools.
The classes take place online from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with opportunities to meet in person.
Visit the Alliance Française website for more information and to enrol for the September semester.
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5 March 2024 (University of Strathclyde)
A reminder that the University of Strathclyde is currently inviting applications for the latest three-year cycle of the GTCS-approved Certificate of Continuing Education (CCEd) in Italian, due to commence in September 2024.
Details on the course can be found on the CCEd in Italian webpage and applications can be submitted via the online portal.
Any questions/informal enquiries should be addressed to paul.hare@strath.ac.uk.
Read more...
Online workshops for teachers and Spanish courses for students under 18 in Salamanca
1 March 2024 (Consejería de Educación)
Online workshop
The next in the series of online workshops being run by Consejería de Educación during February and March 2024 takes place 12 March. Follow the link below for more information and to register:
- Upcoming workshop, Tuesday 12 March 2024 (16:30-17:30): « La gramática española a través del verso y la poesía», organised alongside Andalucia TRADE and with the collaboration of Maravillas Programas Internacionales.
More information and free registration (before 10 March).
Spanish courses for students under 18 in Salamanca
Cursos Internacionales (University of Salamanca) is offering a programme in Spanish aimed at students under 18.
The programme (ranging from 1 to 2 weeks in length) includes lessons and full board accommodation in a residence, health insurance for the duration of the program, afternoon activities and transfer to and from the airport.
For further information see the attached brochure or email internat@usal.es
1 March 2024 (SCILT / Education Scotland)
Applications for Scotland's Languages Leadership Programme (SLLP) 2024-25 are now open!.
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 online programme is delivered jointly by SCILT and Education Scotland. It 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.
Core professional learning days take place Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June 2024.
Would you like to know more? Sign up to our online information session taking place on Thursday 21 March.
Follow the link below for more information about the programme and to submit your application. Deadline for applications is Monday 29 April.
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...
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CPD,
Cultural Diversity,
Funding,
Language Learning,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
13 February 2024 (Bilingualism Matters / SCILT)
Bilingualism Matters and SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages are offering a series of free, online professional learning workshops for teachers in complementary and heritage language schools, based in the UK and beyond. The remaining workshops in the series are:
February workshop - The Language Learning Buzz: Strategies to engage and motivate learners, both online and in the classroom. This session is run by Karen Faulds and Suzanne Ritchie from SCILT.
March workshop - The Supportive Classroom: Strategies to support learning and encourage positive mindsets within a group of mixed ability learners. This session is run by Karen Faulds and Suzanne Ritchie from SCILT.
See the attached flyer for more information. You can book a place at these workshops via the Bilingualism Matters website.
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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
6 February 2024 (STV)
More than 120 teachers have signed up to a training course on embedding Scots language into the classroom.
The first-of-its-kind resource is set to be delivered by the Open University, with funding supplied by the Scottish Government.
The current cohort of teachers are from all across Scotland and specialise in different subjects.
Education secretary Jenny Gilruth is set to officially launch the course on Tuesday at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh.
Ms Gilruth said the course is an “important step” towards embedding and protecting the language in Scottish education.
Read more...
31 January 2024 (SCILT)
If you are one of the nearly 400 educators who have completed the national languages leadership professional learning programme run by SCILT and Education Scotland since 2014 then we want to hear from you!
Like Dr Who, the programme has regenerated several times, each time with the same central aim to build capacity in languages education across Scotland. You may have been at the Summer Schools in Glasgow for Train the Trainer (2014-2017) or the 1+2 Languages Leadership Programme (2017-2019). Perhaps you were online with Scotland’s Languages Leadership Programme (2020-2022). You may have achieved a GTCS Professional Recognition, then again maybe you haven’t. Whatever the case, all previous participants are welcome to join this new national alumni network.
If took part in any of those scenarios, are you interested in connecting (reconnecting?) with friends, colleagues and peers who are leading, teaching and championing languages education in primary, secondary and special education settings across Scotland?
Yes? Then sign up to the national SLLP alumni network!
We will seek ideas from network members on the type of opportunities that would be the most useful. Ways to interact, opportunities to connect and support, inspire and motivate each other, to share experiences and hear from other leaders in the field.
The first network meeting is online, 16.00-17.00 Thursday 29 February 2024. Making leap day extra special!
It doesn’t matter when you completed the programme, whether or not you gained GTCS Professional Recognition with us or even if you are now in a different job. There are lots of ways that together, we can continue to strengthen the languages education leadership community in Scotland.
To join the network and register for the first meeting at the same time, please fill in the online form via the link below.
Read more...
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
30 January 2024 (British Council)
English in the multilingual classroom is a self-study training course, which is divided into three hour modules. The course will introduce you to multilingualism and what it means. Enrol now to learn how to make your classroom and teaching multilingual so that your learners can learn to celebrate and use many languages in the real world. Access this free course from 6 February 2024.
Read more...
26 January 2024 (SCILT)
Are you a Secondary PGDE student, NQT or ECT of Languages? Would you like the chance to network informally with others in the same boat across the country to share ideas and strategies, and even to chat in other languages from time to time? Then come along to our monthly drop-in sessions! These take place online on the last Thursday of each month.
Remaining dates for this academic year are as follows:
- Thursday 29 February 4.30 – 5.30pm
- Thursday 28 March 4.30 – 5.30pm
- Thursday 25 April 4.30 – 5.30pm
- Thursday 30 May 4.30 – 5.30pm
These sessions will take place on Corporate Teams. Visit our Eventbrite page to book; see you there!
Read more...
26 January 2024 (SCILT)
Calling early years practitioners, students and in-service primary teachers doing languages!
If you have interesting nuggets of practice to share, why not sign up for a 3 or 7 minute slot at SCILT’s virtual Early Years and Primary Language Show and Tell in May 2024? Tell us your name and what you’d like to share via the expression of interest form below.
The event will take place on Tuesday 28 May 16.00-17.15. It will be hosted on MS Teams and will not be recorded.
Read more...
25 January 2024 (The Languages Gateway)
The Languages Gateway is the UK’s new portal for languages. It's a portal for, and on behalf of, everyone engaged in the sector; a collaborative venture through which we can facilitate access to information, and communicate a clear narrative to prospective and future linguists. The Gateway is designed to support all those interested in languages: learners, families, community groups, teachers, school leaders, academics, policymakers, subject associations.
The attached briefing note document provides more detail around the site's creation, mission and vision.
Visit the Languages Gateway for opportunities, resources and information about languages and how they link to an understanding and appreciation of cultures and societies.
Read more...
Upcoming training opportunities for teachers of Spanish
25 January 2024 (Consejería de Educación)
The Consejería de Educación offers a range of professional learning opportunities for UK teachers of Spanish. Follow the relevant link below to find out more about each upcoming event and to register:
- 'Artifical intelligences and tasks for the ELE classroom', Tuesday 6 February
This is the first in a series of online workshops for Spanish teachers from February to March 2024. Register for the free workshop by 4 February.
- Grants for an immersion course in Spain (Ávila, Segovia and Santander)
14 one-week immersion courses in July or August 2024 in Ávila, Segovia or Santander aimed at British/Irish teachers of Spanish.
The grant covers the course, accommodation and meals, as well as the cultural programme. The grant does not cover the journey to Spain or the return to the UK. Travel and/or health insurance is also not included.
This call is not for Spanish nationals. Application period will be announced from March.
- Immersion course in Santiago de Compostela (Spain), April 2024
Registration is now open for the Spanih teacher training course "Curso de actualización para el profesorado de ELE: lengua, cultura y didáctica" organised by the University of Santiago de Compostela.
Dates: 8 - 12 April 2024
Number of hours: 20 (face-to face)
Contents:
- Nuevas tecnologías en el aula de ELE
- Dinámicas de proyecto, actividades cooperativas y pedagogías innovadoras
- Lengua y cultura española( literatura, cine y música)
- El Camino de Santiago en el aula el ELE
- Actividades culturales incluidas en el curso:
- Visita guiada a la ciudad monumental
- Visita guiada al Patrimonio Histórico artístico de la Universidad
- More information about registration, prices and accomodation: gene.gonzalez@usc.es
Reminder: SCILT ECT Professional learning menu
18 January 2024 (SCILT)
Building on our track record of supporting student teachers and early career teachers, in the 2023-24 session we have launched a specific menu of workshops tailored to the needs of student teachers and early career teachers in primary and secondary sectors. Importantly, the development of this menu was informed by student teachers, probationer mentors and teacher educators.
Are you a probationer/ECT support manager or professional learning officer for your local authority?
Are you a programme lead or module lead on an undergraduate or postgraduate ITE programme for primary or secondary teaching at a Scottish university?
Yes? Then workshops from the SCILT ECT Professional Learning menu 2023-24 could complement the content of your existing modules or professional learning programme for the newest entrants to our profession.
Interactive, up-to-date and relevant, these SCILT workshops give student teachers and early career teachers the opportunity to explore aspects of practice with their peers. Online or in person. No charge.
In terms of content, secondary workshops focus on developing practice to support skills development, classroom management and support for application and interview for languages posts. Meanwhile, primary workshops focus on introductory approaches and interdisciplinary contexts for teaching languages eg digital, outdoor, DYW and intercultural understanding.
See the full menu above and access the booking request form.
If there is anything particular that your student or early career teachers need, we are always happy to develop bespoke inputs too. Email scilt@strath.ac.uk with any queries.
Remember we also run sector-specific professional learning for student and early career teachers available to book by individuals. Keep an eye on the e-bulletin for further information.
18 January 2024 (Alliance Française)
Are you currently teaching French in a Secondary School in Scotland and looking for a way to keep your French up to date? The Alliance Française is running a new course commencing 19 February through to June 2024.
'French for Teachers' will enable you to converse in French, discuss the latest trends and topics in French society, review grammar, and connect with other teachers from Scottish schools. Classes will mainly be online, with two dates in-person at the Alliance Française in Glasgow.
Visit the Alliance Française website for more information and to register for the course.
Read more...
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:
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S1-S3,
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German,
CPD,
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Immersion,
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Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
11 January 2024 (SCILT)
SCILT’s CLPL workshop menu for 2023-24 is still available for your booking requests.
Are you responsible for sourcing high quality professional learning related to languages pedagogy for groups of colleagues in your setting, cluster, local authority or RIC?
You will be interested in our professional learning offer for all sectors.
The content of the eleven workshops is informed by feedback from teachers and practitioners on their professional learning needs. If your needs are different, we are more than happy to develop the bespoke inputs you and your colleagues require. Just ask.
Always interactive and up-to-date, SCILT workshops provide the opportunity for you and your colleagues to explore aspects of practice with our experienced Professional Development Officers. Our team has a finite capacity, so get in your request as soon as you can.
The focus of workshops for 2023-24 are wide ranging, covering the following issues:
Cross Sector
- Primary-Secondary Transition
Primary and Early Years
- Families on board? Developing a family friendly approach to languages in your setting
- Getting outdoors with languages and learning
- Celebrating cultural diversity through languages in EY and primary
- An introduction to multilingual approaches to primary pedagogy
- Languages in primary: assessing pupils’ learning, evaluating teaching
Secondary
- Policy, planning and practice in BGE (in partnership with Education Scotland)
- Emerging contexts for language learning
- Talking and listening
- Using language skills across the curriculum
- Social-Emotional Learning for languages
For more details, and to make a request for a group visit our Professional Learning webpage.
Note that open access online workshops take place across the year. Registration for these will be open to individuals and details will be shared in the SCILT ebulletin.
Read more...
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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All Languages,
Europe,
Bilingualism,
CPD,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Multilingualism,
Partnership Working,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
Open Access workshops – spring 2024 bookings now open!
15 December 2023 (SCILT)
Calling all primary teachers across Scotland. We are hosting three online Tuesday twilight workshops with invited guests in February, March and April 2024.
These workshops are free and open to all primary teachers and primary education students in Scotland.
The sessions will be hosted on MS Teams and will not be recorded.
Registrations for all workshops are open now via the links above. Please also see attached flyer which can be shared with your networks.
8 December 2023 (SCILT)
Calling new and recent entrants to primary teaching in Scotland. Undergraduate and postgraduate primary education students at Scottish universities and qualified primary teachers in your first 4 years post-qualification – we mean you!
If you have an interest in developing your practice relating to the languages - both home and taught – represented in your classroom, then you won’t want to miss SCILT’s ECT Primary Languages Get Together and Signpost Sessions between January and May 2024!
Looking for:
- ideas and advice on how to support multilingual pupils and their families
- strategies for teaching additional languages, or
- the chance to network informally with others at a similar stage in their career across the country?
Look no further! Join us online on MS Teams, once a month for a friendly and informal opportunity to connect, ask questions, find support and solutions. We will point you in the right direction.
- 31 January, 16.00–17.00 ECT Primary Languages Get Together, with guest Lorna Anderson, now Lecturer in ITE at Queen Margaret University, previously teacher for Glasgow City Council EAL Service
Register for the ECT Primary Languages Get Together
- 28 February, 16.00–16.45. Signpost 1: First steps in teaching languages in primary
- 27 March, 16.00–16.45. Signpost 2: Pedagogies for multilingual classrooms
- 24 April, 16.00–16.45. Signpost 3: Digital tools for primary languages
- 29 May, 16.00–16.45. Signpost 4: Outdoor language learning
Register for the Signpost Sessions - sign up for as many as you wish
Please also find attached flyer which can be shared with colleagues.
We can’t wait to see you there.
Read more...
7 December 2023 (OU / Education Scotland)
We are launching the first ever Scots Language Masters-level teacher CPD programme for in-service teachers teaching at any level in a Scottish school. Hosted by the Open University in Scotland and designed and delivered by the OU in partnership with Education Scotland, this exciting new professional learning opportunity for Scotland’s teachers is now open for registration. There are 25 free places available for this online programme. These places for the first course cohort are funded by the Scottish Government.
The deadline to register and be one of the first 25 teachers to study the course for free is Monday 21st December. Notifications to confirm places will be issued on Tuesday 22nd. For those who either weren’t in the initial 25 for this year, or who already have CPD commitments for this academic year, you will be given priority for cohort 2 which will begin in the 2024-25 academic year.
Visit the course landing page for more information and the online registration form.
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S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
Scotland,
CPD,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Qualifications,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations,
Scots
7 December 2023 (Bilingualism Matters / SCILT)
Bilingualism Matters and SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages are offering a series of free, online professional learning workshops for teachers in complementary and heritage language schools, based in the UK and beyond.
Workshop 1 - The Bigger Picture: The basics of bilingual language development and the role of teachers, parents and communities. This session is run by Prof Antonella Sorace and Katarzyna Przybycien from Bilingualism Matters and the University of Edinburgh.
Workshop 2 - The Language Learning Buzz: Strategies to engage and motivate learners, both online and in the classroom. This session is run by Karen Faulds and Suzanne Ritchie from SCILT.
Workshop 3 - The Supportive Classroom: Strategies to support learning and encourage positive mindsets within a group of mixed ability learners. This session is run by Karen Faulds and Suzanne Ritchie from SCILT.
See the attached flyer for more information. You can book a place at these workshops via the Bilingualism Matters website.
Read more...
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
All Languages,
Scotland,
Bilingual Education,
Bilingualism,
Community Languages,
CPD,
Language Teaching,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
27 November 2023 (University of Edinburgh)
This specialist pathway is designed for teachers who are currently teaching bilingual or multilingual children in contemporary classrooms.
The University of Edinburgh is the only provider in Scotland of a Postgraduate Diploma in this area. Local authorities in Scotland regard this specialist Postgraduate Diploma as a benchmark for practitioners specialising in working with learners who have English as an Additional Language (EAL).
Visit the university website for more information about the programme and to apply.
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.
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16 November 2023 (The Language Show)
Language learners, language teachers and everyone who loves languages, if you missed this year's Language Show don't worry! Expert seminars, presentations and panel sessions are all available to watch on catchup until March 2024 for just £11.
Visit the website for more information and to secure your pass.
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16 November 2023 (CIOL)
Every month the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) offers new webinars on a variety of topics, free for all to attend as part of the support offered to linguists and the languages profession. Presented by experts in their fields, they give linguists the opportunity to update and broaden their skills and pursue new areas of interest.
Visit the CIOL website to discover their selection of upcoming sessions and to register attendance.
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Summer 2024 Spanish immersion courses and online CPD opportunities
31 October 2023 (Consejería de Educación)
The following professional learning opportunities are available for UK teachers of Spanish:
Immersion courses in Salamanca (Summer 2024)
- Grants to follow a one-week Spanish language course at the University of Salamanca aimed at Spanish teachers in the UK or Ireland: language, culture and teaching resources. Various dates offered during June and July 2024.
- Visit the Consejería de Educación website for more information and registration.
Free CPD online sessions for teachers of Spanish (13 & 14 November 2023)
- Register for the free online CPD sessions organised by FEDELE on 13 and 14 November 2023. Ten hours of free training which can be followed live or recorded until 31 December 2023. Certificate of participation will be issued by FEDELE.
- Full programme and registration on the FEDELE website.
31 October 2023 (University of Cambridge)
The Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics at the University of Cambridge is hosting a series of workshops which will focus on the theme of diversity as a key point of contact between A-level German teaching, where it features both as a highlighted aspect of contemporary society and as a theme in prescribed literary works and films, and current work in German at University level, where it represents a core principle in curriculum development and broader institutional priorities.
The series will comprise five one-hour online workshops between November 2023 to March 2024 and a concluding in-person event in June/July 2023 (date tbc).
Visit the website for further information and to register. Participation is free.
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31 October 2023 (Goethe-Institut)
Join us at the 1st Digital German Teaching Conference and experience more than 30 presentations on the topic of German as a Foreign Language/German as a Second Language.
Get insights into the contributions for German teachers from our Goethe Institutes in Germany and abroad and our partners. Take part in exciting presentations, join discussions or get active in numerous workshops.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more information about the online workshops available throughout November and to register attendance.
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28 September 2023 (Instituto Cervantes)
The Instituto Cervantes is developing a professional accreditation system consisting of a series of diplomas that certify the professional training of ELE (Spanish as a Foreign Language) teachers - the Instituto Cervantes Teacher Accreditation Diplomas (DADIC): Autonomous, Expert, and Teacher Trainer. These diplomas have indefinite validity and enjoy broad national and international recognition, with the support of the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of Spain. The first level, the Autonomous DADIC, certifies that the holder possesses the basic competencies required for the professional practice of teaching ELE for general purposes.
This is an introductory course aimed at people with no experience or prior training in teaching Spanish as a foreign language, who wish to obtain the Instituto Cervantes Teaching Accreditation Diploma (autonomous level).
More information is given on the attached flyer or you can visit the Instituto Cervantes website.
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Online and face-to-face workshops for teachers of Spanish
14 September 2023 (Consejería de Educación)
The Spanish Education Office is offering the following free workshops for UK teachers of Spanish. Follow the relevant link for more information and to book:
Online workshops - Saturday 23 September, 10:00 - 12:00
Two different workshops with practical ideas and resources to bring to your Spanish classroom:
- «Dimensión social y cultural de la gastronomía en el aula de ELE», por Alfredo Pérez Berciano, Colegio Delibes
- «Vacía de información para llenar de contenido: propuestas visuales para una clase comunicativa», por Alejandro Rodríguez López, Hispano Continental
Discover Andalucía - Face-to-face workshops
The following two events have been organised in partnership with Trade Andalucía:
- London, 3 October (5pm-7pm): Instituto Cervantes, 15-19 Devereux Ct, Temple, London WC2R 3JJ
- Edinburgh, 4 October (5pm-7pm): The University of Edinburgh, School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, 50 George Square, room G.02, Edinburgh EH8 9LH
Free registration on a first come, first served basis.
5 September 2023 (University of Glasgow)
This recently published article discusses the outcomes of the Welcoming Languages project, collaboratively run by the University of Glasgow and the Arabic Center of the Islamic University of Gaza (Palestine). The project taught Arabic as a ‘refugee language’ to primary school staff so they could welcome Arabic speaking children and families.
The article can now be read open access on the publisher's website.
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31 August 2023 (SCILT)
Are you a Secondary PGDE student, NQT or ECT of Languages? Would you like the chance to network informally with others in the same boat across the country to share ideas and strategies, and even to chat in other languages from time to time? Then come along to our new monthly drop-in sessions! These will take place online on the last Thursday of each month, starting in September.
Dates are as follows:
- Thursday 28 September 4.30 – 5.30pm
- Thursday 26 October 4.30 – 5.30pm
- Thursday 30 November 4.30 – 5.30pm
- Thursday 25 January 4.30 – 5.30pm
- Thursday 29 February 4.30 – 5.30pm
- Thursday 28 March 4.30 – 5.30pm
- Thursday 25 April 4.30 – 5.30pm
- Thursday 30 May 4.30 – 5.30pm
These sessions will take place on Corporate Teams. Visit our Eventbrite page to book; see you there!
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25 August 2023 (Goethe-Institut)
Are you teaching German at a secondary school in the UK and would like to practice your conversational skills and keep yourself up-to-date with current affairs in German speaking countries?
This conversation course will be right for you. We will be discussing a wide range of topics based on current newspaper articles, radio programmes and clips from German television. You will be taking away up-to-date materials and, hopefully, inspiration and lots of good ideas for your classroom.
The course comprises seven online lessons taking place between late September 2023 and the end of January 2024.
Read more...
Open Access Workshops - bookings now open!
24 August 2023 (SCILT)
Calling all primary teachers and primary education students across Scotland. Keep your Wednesdays free! On the last Wednesday of each month between September and November 2023, SCILT’s primary professional development officers will host a series of online workshops.
These workshops are free and open to all primary teachers and primary education students in Scotland.
The sessions will be hosted on MS Teams and will not be recorded.
Registrations for all workshops are open now via the links above. Please also see attached flyer.
21 August 2023 (University of Strathclyde)
Are you interested in upskilling your French to GTCS-accredited standard? Then this could be the course for you!
The University of Strathclyde continues to offer a three-year Certificate of Continuing Education (CCEd) qualification in Italian and in Spanish and from session 2023-24 the course is now also being offered in French.
The CCEd is an intensive beginners’ class that will bring you up to first-year university standard in a year, with the option of continuing your studies into second year and up to university pass degree level within three years.
Classes will be in person on campus in Glasgow during term time on Tuesday evenings.
Further information and application details are now available on the University of Strathclyde's website.
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Workshops for student and early career teachers
18 August 2023 (SCILT)
NEW for 2023-24! Building on our track record of supporting student teachers and early career teachers, this year we have launched a specific menu of workshops tailored to the needs of student teachers and early career teachers in primary and secondary sectors. Importantly, the development of this menu was informed by student teachers, probationer mentors and teacher educators.
Are you a probationer/ECT support manager or professional learning officer for your local authority?
Are you a programme lead or module lead on an undergraduate or postgraduate ITE programme for primary or secondary teaching at a Scottish university?
Yes? Then workshops from the brand new SCILT ECT Professional Learning menu 2023-24 could complement the content of your existing modules or professional learning programme for the newest entrants to our profession.
Interactive, up-to-date and relevant, these SCILT workshops give student teachers and early career teachers the opportunity to explore aspects of practice with their peers. Online or in person. No charge.
In terms of content, secondary workshops focus on developing practice to support skills development, classroom management and support for application and interview for languages posts. Meanwhile, primary workshops focus on introductory approaches and interdisciplinary contexts for teaching languages eg digital, outdoor, DYW and intercultural understanding.
See the full menu and the booking request form.
Remember, if there is anything particular that your student or early career teachers need, we are always happy to develop bespoke inputs too. Email scilt@strath.ac.uk with any queries.
PS - Also coming soon, sector specific professional learning for student and early career teachers available to book by individuals. Schedules for our new language cafés, themed asynchronous and drop-in style get togethers will also be published very soon.
17 August 2023 (SCILT)
SCILT’s brand new CLPL workshop menu for 2023-24 is available for your booking requests.
Are you responsible for sourcing high quality professional learning related to languages pedagogy for groups of colleagues in your setting, cluster, local authority or RIC?
You will be interested in our new professional learning offer for all sectors.
The content of the eleven workshops is informed by feedback from teachers and practitioners on their professional learning needs. If your needs are different, we are more than happy to develop the bespoke inputs you and your colleagues require. Just ask.
Always interactive and up-to-date, SCILT workshops provide the opportunity for you and your colleagues to explore aspects of practice with our experienced Professional Development Officers. Our team has a finite capacity, so get in your request as soon as you can.
The focus of workshops for 2023-24 are wide ranging, covering the following issues:
Cross Sector
- Primary-Secondary Transition
Primary and Early Years
- Families on board? Developing a family friendly approach to languages in your setting
- Getting outdoors with languages and learning
- Celebrating cultural diversity through languages in EY and primary
- An introduction to multilingual approaches to primary pedagogy
- Languages in primary: assessing pupils’ learning, evaluating teaching
Secondary
- Policy, planning and practice in BGE (in partnership with Education Scotland)
- Emerging contexts for language learning
- Talking and listening
- Using language skills across the curriculum
- Social-Emotional Learning for languages
For more details, and to make a request for a group visit our Professional Learning webpage.
Note that open access online workshops will also be scheduled across the year. Registration for these will be open to individuals and details will be shared in the SCILT ebulletin in due course.
Read more...
Coming soon! CCEd in French @ University of Strathclyde
16 June 2023 (University of Strathclyde)
Are you interested in upskilling your French to GTCS-accredited standard? Then this could be the course for you! The University of Strathclyde currently offers a three-year Certificate of Continuing Education (CCEd) qualification in Italian and in Spanish and plans to offer it in French from session 2023-24.
The CCEd is an intensive beginners’ class that will bring you up to first-year university standard in a year, with the option of continuing your studies into second year and up to university pass degree level within three years.
Classes will be in person on campus in Glasgow during term time on Tuesday evenings.
Further information and application details will be advertised soon via the SCILT bulletin/website and the University of Strathclyde website and communication channels.
For more information and to register your interest, the course contact is Joan-Emilie Lefever-Rhodes (joan.lefever@strath.ac.uk).
Online team-teaching model - A sustainable approach to support language delivery in the primary
13 June 2023 (South West EIC / Northern Alliance)
This pilot delivered French, Spanish and Gaelic live lessons using Microsoft Teams in Glow and was offered to schools across Scotland between January and May 2023.
You can now find out about the far-reaching impact of this initiative by reading the case study attached below.
13 June 2023 (SALT)
The SALT annual conference will take place on Saturday 28 October 2023 (am) at the University of Strathclyde.
The event will be a hybrid event. There will be workshops for people attending in-person and workshops for those joining online.
The theme of this year’s conference is Learners without borders: empowering and inspiring Scotland’s language learners.
If you would like to offer a workshop on a topic relevant to Scotland’s Modern Languages teachers (from any sectors), fill in the form and we will be in touch with you! We are keen to hear from all over Scotland and highlight the excellent practice that is happening across the country. Your session will last a maximum of 45 minutes and can be on any topic that you think will be interesting to ML teachers.
Submit SALT 2023 proposals here.
If you are planning on attending the event but not presenting, please save the date and sign up will open in September.
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Immersion courses and professional learning for teachers of Spanish
8 June 2023 (Consejería de Educación)
The Consejería de Educación in the United Kingdom has several upcoming professional learning opportunities for UK teachers of Spanish. Follow the relevant links below for more information and to book your place:
IMMERSION COURSES IN SPAIN
Spanish language course in Salamanca
- Grants to follow a 1 week Spanish language course in Salamanca aimed at Primary or Secondary teachers during summer. 3 different levels: beginners, intermediate and advanced Spanish. Information and registration on the Consejería de Educación website.
Course on Didactics in Castilla y León
- Grants for a course on didactics aimed at teachers of Spanish in the UK and Ireland. 1 week course during summer in Salamanca, Valladolid, Burgos or Palencia. A high command of Spanish is required. Information and registration on the Consejería de Educación website.
MORE CPD OPPORTUNITIES
Spanish Day in Edinburgh – Saturday 17 June
- Face-to-face training day for teachers of Spanish in primary, secondary, university and further education. Free registration.
Spanish Workshops in London – Saturday 24 June
- Big Spanish Day at the Vicente Cañada Blanch Spanish Institute in London. Aimed at teachers of Spanish, it includes a wide offer of practical workshops on different aspects complemented by other attractive aspects related to culture in Spanish: the gastronomic proposal for lunch and the cultural workshops that close the day: theatre and «sevillanas» dance. Full programme and registration on the Consejería de Educación website.
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Free online courses from British Council
30 May 2023 (British Council / FutureLearn)
The following British Council online courses are due to commence shortly. Click on the relevant link for more information and to enrol:
- Teaching English to refugees and displaced learners - find out about our free 4-week online course 'Teaching English to refugees and displaced learners' starting on 6 June 2023. Enrolment ends on 26 June 2023 and the course closes on 3 July.
- Exploring Inclusive Pedagogies - ensure you’re meeting every learner’s needs, including those most at risk of exclusion, by developing inclusive teaching skills in this free online 3-week course commencing 12 June 2023.
Workshops for UK teachers of Spanish
16 May 2023 (Consejería de Educación)
The Consejería de Educación has the following professional learning opportunities for UK teachers of Spanish taking place in June 2023. Click on the relevant link below for more information:
3 June, 10:00 - 11:30 (Online):
10 June, 09:30 - 12:30 (Online):
17 June (face-to-face training day):
All the above sessions are free to attend.
Summer course in Spain:
Apply for an immersion course in Spain (Ávila, Segovia and Santander).
Application deadline: 27 May.
8 one-week immersion courses in June, July or August 2023 in Ávila, Segovia or Santander aimed at British/Irish teachers of Spanish (a B2 command of Spanish is required).
The grant covers the course, accommodation and meals, as well as the cultural programme. The grant does not cover the journey to Spain or the return to the UK. Travel and/or health insurance is also not included.
This call is not for Spanish nationals.
Visit the Consejería de Educación website for further information and to apply.
The Big Question: SCILT secondary seminar series
21 April 2023 (SCILT)
Wrestling with writing? Run out of steam with reading? Tearing your hair out with talking? Looking for inspiration with listening?
This year’s Big Question series might just help! This series of weekly workshops in May and June aimed at secondary practitioners will focus on the four core skills: listening, reading, writing and talking. Each week we will look at practical ideas of why and how to approach a different skill. Come and join us as we examine strategies and share resources and activities!
Each session will feature the chance to hear from guest practitioners, and the opportunity to discuss and share with fellow teachers, and hopefully together to come up with some answers to these questions!
The four seminar dates are:
- Wednesday 17 May: Reading, with guest practitioner Robbie Kirk, PT Modern Languages, Chryston High
- Thursday 25 May: Listening, with guest practitioners Liegha Laing & and the team from Meldrum Academy
- Tuesday 6 June: Writing, with guest practitioner Scott Jordan, Musselburgh Grammar School
- Wednesday 14 June: Talking, with guest practitioner Joanne Curran, PT Languages (BGE) Larbert High
Seminars are free to attend and are open to all secondary languages teachers and student teachers; attend as many or as few as you wish!
The sessions will be hosted on MS Teams and will not be recorded.
Registrations for all workshops are open now via the links above. Please also see attached flyer which can be shared with colleagues.
20 April 2023 (Open University)
TeLT is the Teachers Learning to Teach Languages programme offered by the Open University, and developed in partnership with SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages. Now in its 7th year, this professional learning opportunity is aimed at educators working in the primary sector and carries GTCS Professional Recognition.
Students learn a language – French, German, Mandarin or Spanish - and in parallel, get to put primary language pedagogies into practice with their own pupils. The programme is offered at two levels – beginners and post-beginners.
Registration for 2023-24 intake is now open. Enrolment closes 7 September 2023. Modules begin in October.
Visit the TeLT website for full details about how the course works and how to register. For further information please contact: Scotland-languages@open.ac.uk.
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Professional learning for teachers of Spanish
28 March 2023 (Consejería de Educación)
The Spanish Embassy Education Office has several professional learning opportunities available for UK teachers of Spanish. Follow the relevant link below for further information.
Online workshop – Tuesday 25 April (16:30)
- Aprender a cuestionar: textos y contextos Geniales para desarrollar la competencia crítica en el aula de ELE, by Álvaro Espada Benito (editorial editorial enclave-ELE).. More information and registration via the website link above.
Immersion courses in Salamanca - Dates available June to September 2023
- One-week Spanish language course - The University of Salamanca, its International Courses and the Junta de Castilla y León, offer scholarships for active Spanish teachers outside of Spain to take a week-long course on Spanish language and culture and didactic updating in Salamanca. Several dates are offered between June and September. Register via the above website link.
Spanish workshop in London - 24 June 2023
- Save the date! More information and registration coming soon.
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21 March 2023 (Institut français)
The Institut français du Royaume-Uni and France Éducation international are organising a one-week training course in London where participants will be able to take part in multiple workshops intended to continue to develop their professional practices.
The aim is to support their dynamic career projects to guarantee the success of all students in French. Side events and cultural activities will also be offered to allow participants to meet and share good practices.
Training will take place at our premises in London from 24 to 28 July 2023.
Visit the Institut français website for full details, including fees. Registration deadline: 31 March.
Read more...
9 March 2023 (Education Scotland)
Have you ever considered how languages could be the key to unlocking leadership potential? Well, this might be the ideal moment to give it some thought as we investigate Scotland’s Languages Leadership Programme as a route worthy of exploration towards leadership opportunities.
Karen Faulds, a primary school teacher prior to joining Scotland's National Centre for Languages (SCILT) in 2019, tells us about her participation in LLP which formed part of her own leadership journey. She describes the programme as a pivotal moment in that journey and confirms it remains the best professional learning experience for her to date.
Visit the Education Scotland website to read more about Karen's experience. Registration for the 2023-24 is now open. You'll find a link to apply within the article.
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CPD opportunities for teachers of Spanish
2 March 2023 (Consejería de Educación)
The Spanish Embassy Education Office has several professional learning opportunities available for UK teachers of Spanish. Follow the relevant link below for further information.
Next online workshop – Tuesday 7 March (16:30)
Immersion courses in Salamanca - April 2023
- One-week Spanish language course - Grants to follow a one-week Spanish language course in Salamanca aimed at primary or secondary teachers at Easter. Four different levels: absolute beginners, beginners, intermediate and advanced Spanish. Register via the website link.
- Course on Didactics in Salamanca - Grants for a course on didactics aimed at secondary and university teachers of Spanish in the UK and Ireland. One-week course in Salamanca at Easter. Register via the website link.
March 2023: Spanish teacher training UK tour
Edinumen Publishing House and the Consejería de Educación are co- organising a series of face-to-face training sessions for teachers of Spanish to take place throughout March 2023 in five British cities:
- Manchester, Saturday 11/03/23
- Oxford, Tuesday 14/03/23
- London, Wednesday 15/03/23
- Cambridge, Thursday 16/03/23
- Glasgow, Saturday 18/03/23
Registration is free and already open. The workshops will be held in Spanish. Visit the website for the programme and registration links.
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News from language & education organisations
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.
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16 February 2023 (LFEE)
LFEE Europe is again offering their online GTCS-accredited course for Secondary teachers.
Participants to this course will meet the GTCS requirements for residency.
The course will run from March to May 2023.
Visit the LFEE website for further information about the course and fees.
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:
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Cultural Diversity,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
3 February 2023 (Goethe-Institut)
Are you teaching German at a secondary school and would like to practise your conversational skills and keep yourself up-to-date with current affairs in German speaking countries?
This conversation course will be right for you. We will be discussing a wide range of topics based on current newspaper articles, radio programmes and clips from German television. You will be taking away up-to-date materials and, hopefully, inspiration and lots of good ideas for your classroom.
The course consists of six online sessions February-May 2023 held over Zoom.
Read more...
1 February 2023 (Institut français)
The Institut français du Royaume-Uni and l’Alliance française de Rouen are organising a one-week training course for non-specialist primary school teachers of French who would like to build up their confidence in the language. There are two places available for teachers in Scotland.
Training fees and accommodation will be covered by the Institut français du Royaume-Uni. Participants will have to organise and pay for their journey to and from Rouen, France.
Visit the Institut français website for more information and apply by 28 February 2023.
Read more...
26 January 2023 (SWEIC)
South West Educational Improvement Collaborative (SWEIC) is excited to launch our programme of professional learning opportunities in celebration of languages week. This year we have a wide selection of inputs, including French, Spanish, Ukrainian, Scots, Gaelic and BSL.
Our Keynote delivered by Education Scotland colleagues is A decade of 1+2 and Scotland’s changing languages landscape.
Visit the SWEIC blog to find out what's planned for the week and how to take part.
Read more...
20 January 2023 (SCILT)
SCILT’s CLPL menu for the 2022-23 session is available for bookings.
If you are looking for high quality professional learning related to languages pedagogy for groups of experienced colleagues, newly qualified or student teachers in your school, cluster, local authority or RIC, then look no further.
Always interactive, SCILT menu workshops give you the opportunity to explore practice through exemplification and discussion with colleagues.
Primary
- Engaging parents with languages in the primary and early years
- Cultural contexts: an engaging approach to primary language learning
- Get multilingual with DYW in your primary classroom
- Active assessment in primary languages
- Multilingual approaches to primary pedagogy
Secondary
- Policy, planning and practice in BGE (in partnership with Education Scotland)
- Emerging contexts for language learning
- Tackling controversial issues in challenging times
- Talking and listening
- Using language skills across the curriculum
For more detail about the menu workshops and to book for a group follow the link below.
Open access workshops for individuals in primary and secondary will be available through the year, sign up to the SCILT e-bulletin for more information.
Read more...
Bookings now open! Open access Wednesdays: Creative spring series
18 January 2023 (SCILT)
Paging primary teachers and primary education students across Scotland. Keep your Wednesdays free! On the last Wednesday of each month between January and May 2023, SCILT’s primary professional development officers will host a series of online workshops with a creative twist.
These workshops are free and open to all primary teachers and primary education students in Scotland.
The sessions will be hosted on MS Teams unless otherwise stated and will not be recorded.
Registrations for all workshops are open now via the links above. Please also see attached flyer with further details of each workshop.
12 January 2023 (Institut français)
The Institut français du Royaume-Uni and France Éducation international are organising a one-week training course in London where participants will be able to take part in multiple workshops intended to continue to develop their professional practices.
The aim is to support their dynamic career projects to guarantee the success of all students in French. Side events and cultural activities will also be offered to allow participants to meet and share good practices.
Training will take place at our premises in London from 24/07 to 28/07.
Visit the Institut français website for full details, including fees.
Read more...
New issue of TECLA magazine and upcoming training opportunities
12 December 2022 (Consejería de Educación)
Please find below the information about a new issue of TECLA magazine (December 2022) and upcoming training opportunities for teachers of Spanish:
- Publications. New issue of the magazine TECLA with lots of ideas and resources for Spanish classes. FREE DOWNLOAD!!!
- Training opportunities. Have a look at the CPD opportunities we have prepared for the first half of 2023: online sessions, face-to-face training in different locations in the UK, and immersion breaks in Spain during the school holidays of February, April, and July. SAVE THE DATE!!!!:
- Next online workshop – Saturday 21 January (10:00): Jornada monográfica en línea sobre aspectos culturales en la enseñanza del español. Free registration.
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Resources,
News from language & education organisations
Open access Wednesdays: Creative spring series
9 December 2022 (SCILT)
Paging primary teachers and primary education students across Scotland. Keep your Wednesdays free! On the last Wednesday of each month between January and May 2023, SCILT’s primary professional development officers will host a series of online workshops with a creative twist.
These workshops are free and open to all primary teachers and primary education students in Scotland.
The sessions will be hosted on MS Teams unless otherwise stated and will not be recorded.
Registration for the first session on 25 January is open now via the link above. Registration for the remaining workshops will open in January 2023, keep an eye on the SCILT e-bulletin for details.
Please also see attached flyer with further details of each workshop.
28 November 2022 (ECML)
The latest issue of the European Language Gazette has just been published.
The ECML's e-newsletter provides up-to-date news about the ECML (events, projects, resources) and other relevant sectors of the Council of Europe as well as of our partners. It focuses on national developments in the field of language education in the member states and beyond.
Read more...
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News from language & education organisations
4 November 2022 (University of Strathclyde)
The School of Education in the University of Strathclyde have developed two new modules as part of the MEd Education Studies course that may be of particular interest to languages practitioners (EYs, primary, secondary MFL, FE, EAL/ESOL, Gaelic).
- Multilingual and Multicultural Education: Policy, Theory and Practice (commencing Jan 2023)
This module is designed to develop your knowledge of multilingual and multicultural contexts within education and wider society. This module will equip you with core skills for language learning and teaching and consider the role of intercultural education. You will extend your confidence in language teaching approaches within and across the curriculum. This class will encourage you to be reflective and adaptive in your practice.
- Enacting Social Justice in Language Learning and Teaching (commencing April 2023)
As languages educators, how can we achieve the goal of prioritising equity, diversity, and inclusion in the languages classroom? Using theory, research and examples of innovative approaches for promoting social justice, this module is aimed at language educators in all sectors and is designed to develop your knowledge of a range of contemporary issues in language education. This module aims to develop critical thinking and reflection and consider how these impact on social justice pedagogy and agency for social change.
More information can be found in the attached flyer or visit the University of Strathclyde website.
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11 October 2022 (ICC)
The ICC, the international language association, provides foreign languages teaching and learning with exchange of ideas and know-how and sets standards for a transnational network of language learners. The organisation is pleased to announce their next series of webinars from October to January.
- 19 October 2022 - Negotiating across borders and cultures
- 24 November 2022 - After COVID: How online language teaching has changed the profession
- 7 December 2022 - Intercultural encounters in translingual picture books: Literary and pedagogical perspectives
- 26 January 2023 - “Engaging presentations – Check!“
Visit the website for more information and to register for the online events.
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Immersion courses in Spain for teachers
22 September 2022 (Consejería de Educación)
Any plans for the Autumn half-term break? Sign up and get a grant for one of the immersion courses in Spain. Full details regarding dates, course content, the grant and application form can be found by following the relevant course header link below:
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News from language & education organisations
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.
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News from language & education organisations
1 September 2022 (Goethe-Institut)
Are you a secondary school teacher of German and would like to practice your conversational skills and keep yourself up-to-date with current affairs in German speaking countries?
This conversation course will be right for you. We will be discussing a wide range of topics based on current newspaper articles, radio programmes and clips from German television. You will be taking away up-to-date materials and, hopefully, inspiration and lots of good ideas for your classroom.
Visit the website for more information and to sign-up for the online course by 1 October.
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University of Dundee Graduate Diplomas in French, German and Spanish by Distance Learning
23 August 2022 (University of Dundee)
Registration for the 2022-24 cohort of the Graduate Diplomas in French, German and Spanish by Distance Learning of the University of Dundee is now open until 23 September 2022.
These 2-year online Graduate Diplomas by Distance Learning for part-time study are accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland. They are ideally suited for Secondary MFL teachers seeking an additional qualification in French, German, or Spanish.
They aim to provide the challenge of an undergraduate curriculum in the relevant applied language. They carry a rating of 120 SCOTCAT points (SCQF Levels 9-10). The qualification outcome is bench-marked at C1 in the Council of Europe Reference Framework for Languages. Applicants will normally have a pass in Higher the relevant language (or equivalent, such as the French, German, Spanish Intensive/Revision courses by distance-learning).
At the University of Dundee, we have a long-established tradition of language teaching, both with students at the University and via distance learning. We use a combination of online tools to give students a range of experiences in the language. Experienced staff are responsible for the course design, delivery and student support.
I will certainly recommend the Graduate Diploma to others (Diploma student)
For more information visit the Dundee University website: French GradDip, German GradDip, Spanish GradDip or to discuss any aspects of the course or your application, please contact Claire Nicoll c.z.nicoll@dundee.ac.uk or humanities@dundee.ac.uk
19 August 2022 (SCILT/Bilingualism Matters)
Bilingualism Matters and SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages, are opening up opportunities for professional learning and networking for teachers in complementary and Saturday schools throughout Scotland.
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16 August 2022 (SCILT)
SCILT’s CLPL menu for the new session is available for bookings.
If you are looking for high quality professional learning related to languages pedagogy for groups of experienced colleagues, newly qualified or student teachers in your school, cluster, local authority or RIC, then look no further.
Note that open access workshops will be scheduled across the year for individual bookings. Find out more information about the first online and open access series of 2022-23.
Always interactive, SCILT menu workshops give you the opportunity to explore practice through exemplification and discussion with colleagues.
Primary
- Engaging parents with languages in the primary and early years
- Cultural contexts: an engaging approach to primary language learning
- Get multilingual with DYW in your primary classroom
- Active assessment in primary languages
- Multilingual approaches to primary pedagogy
Secondary
- Policy, planning and practice in BGE (in partnership with Education Scotland)
- Emerging contexts for language learning
- Tackling controversial issues in challenging times
- Talking and listening
- Using language skills across the curriculum
For more detail about the menu workshops and to book for a group follow the link below.
Read more...
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Open access Wednesdays
16 August 2022 (SCILT)
Paging primary teachers and primary education students across Scotland. Keep your Wednesdays free! On the last Wednesday of each month between August and November 2022, SCILT’s primary professional development officers will host a series of online workshops.
These workshops are free and open to all primary teachers and primary education students in Scotland.
Karen and Lynne look forward to welcoming you to explore one or more of these areas of primary languages pedagogy.
The sessions will be hosted on MS Teams and will not be recorded. Register for each event separately via the links above.
Plus, there are even more open access workshops to come:
- Five primary workshops with a creativity twist between January and May 2023
- A series of online, open access secondary workshops in May and June 2023
Keep an eye out in the ebulletin for further details.
12 August 2022 (Goethe-Institut)
Deutsch Lehren Lernen (DLL) is the Goethe-Institut's innovative professional development programme: teachers working in primary, secondary or in adult education can refresh their didactic knowledge and skills. Reflecting on one's own teaching experiences as well as trying out new impulses are central aspects of the DLL courses.
Several online workshops are available throughout the autumn term. Register for all, or select those of interest in the registration form.
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16 June 2022 (Stephen Spender Trust)
Following the successful launch of our brand new series of creative translation webinars for teachers at primary and secondary schools in 2022, and the extremely positive feedback received from participants, we are planning a new series of webinars in the coming school year 2022-23.
Visit the Stephen Spender Trust website to find out more about the webinars and to register interest in this professional development opportunity. The website also has resources designed to help teachers to integrate creative translation into their teaching.
Read more...
University of Strathclyde MEd Education Studies - New languages modules
7 June 2022 (University of Strathclyde)
The School of Education in the University of Strathclyde has developed two new modules as part of the MEd Education Studies course that may be of particular interest to languages practitioners (EYs, primary, secondary MFL, FE, EAL/ESOL, Gaelic).
- Multilingual and Multicultural Education: Policy, Theory and Practice (commencing Jan 2023)
- Enacting Social Justice and Change in Language Learning and Teaching (commencing April 2023)
Practitioners who have already completed the SCILT professional learning courses (TELT and/or LLP) and have been awarded GTCS professional recognition, are eligible for accreditation of prior learning (20 Masters level credits for each course) towards gaining a full Masters degree. Likewise, teachers who have recently completed an ITE course at the University of Strathclyde may be eligible for further accreditation.
Further information about these modules and the course generally can be found in the attached information document. Details of the full suite of modules are in the attached MEd Education Studies Module Catalogue 2022-23.
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News from language & education organisations
Information webinar for primary teachers in Scotland keen to learn a new language and how to teach it in their classrooms
7 June 2022 (SCILT)
Teachers Learning to Teach Languages, or TeLT for short, is a blended professional learning programme lasting 9 months that is aimed at practitioners who want to develop their practice in teaching languages to primary aged pupils.
Two information webinars for prospective students on the OU/SCILT TeLT programme are scheduled for:
- Thursday 16 June, 7pm - 8pm
- Tuesday 21 June, 7pm - 8pm
These webinars are open to teachers that teach languages primary schools in Scotland. Register here for your preferred webinar date.
Each 60-minute online event will introduce interested primary teachers to the primary languages programme delivered in collaboration by the Open University and SCILT from October 2022 to June 2023, where teachers can study one of four languages from scratch, learn how to teach it and apply their new skills directly as part of the course.
Participants will learn what the programme has to offer, what is required to succeed in becoming a primary languages teacher and gain professional recognition from the GTCS for the study.
Participants will hear about the impact of the study on attitudes and practice of teachers, pupils and the entire school community from OU and SCILT colleagues and find out how the course enables teachers to collaborate with primary schools across Scotland and Wales through in-programme eTwinning.
In addition, they will learn first-hand about experiences studying the course from former students, in-service primary teachers, who are now working as guest tutors on the programme. The guest tutors will also share how studying this programme has boosted their professional opportunities and employability skills.
Teachers working in other parts of the UK can find the information for the programme in their area on the Open University website.
31 May 2022 (Consejería de Educación)
The University of León and Mester Academy have organised a Spanish course aimed at British and Irish teachers interested in learning or improving their Spanish language skills.
The blended learning programme consists of 33 hours of self-study online from mid-June plus one week Spanish language course in León (Spain) in August 2022.
- ONLINE + ONSITE COURSE
- 3 DIFFERENT LEVELS: absolute beginners, beginners and intermediate
- A GRANT to cover most of the costs will be offered
- APPLICATION DEADLINE: 13 June
All information regarding dates, course content, the grant and the application form can be found on the Spanish Embassy Education Office website.
Read more...
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News from language & education organisations
26 May 2022 (SCILT)
This term we are hosting a series of interactive seminars for secondary languages teachers, based on some of the main themes from our workshops this year, and covering some of the big questions that you might be asking about teaching languages today.
We now have just a few places remaining on Seminar 3: Teaching controversial issues. This session will feature the chance to hear from a guest speaker, and the opportunity to discuss and share with fellow teachers, and hopefully together to come up with some answers to the big questions!
- Seminar 3: Teaching controversial issues
4-5pm, Thursday 9 June
In this seminar we will look at how can we approach controversial issues such as gender, race, politics and climate in the context of language learning. We will explore strategies for tackling controversial issues safely and effectively in the languages classroom. Our guest in this session will be Lynne Jones of SCILT who will be sharing particularly around areas of gender and immigration.
Seminars are free to attend and are open to all secondary languages teachers and student teachers. The session will be hosted on MS Teams and will not be recorded.
Read more...
19 May 2022 (SCILT / Polish Social and Educational Society in Glasgow)
Following the successful launch of the Ten Steps to Polish online resource and introductory Polish classes for teachers last session, in collaboration with the Polish Social and Educational Society in Glasgow, we are delighted to announce that the Polish classes for teachers will run again in session 2022/23. The interactive Ten Steps to Polish handbook is designed for teachers to introduce Polish as an L3 and the online classes provide teachers with the opportunity to learn basic Polish in order to support the implementation of the resource in their classroom.
Chris Sagan, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Polish Social and Educational Society in Glasgow, who has led the programme from its infancy states:
“We are delighted with the response we have had to our Ten Steps to L3 Polish course. In our introductory year we have taught, via Zoom, basic Polish to teachers across Scotland enabling them to provide L3 Polish to their classes. We look forward with enthusiasm to another year of helping teachers teach Polish in classrooms across Scotland.”
Primary teachers who are interested can register by 20 June 2022 for a block of free online Polish language lessons, led by a native Polish speaker and an experienced primary practitioner. These online classes:
- begin on Tuesday 30th August
- will take place 4-5pm on MS Teams
- will be an hour in length, once a week, for 6 weeks
- support Ten Steps to L3 Polish and aim to give the class teacher the confidence to lead exciting Polish lessons in school
These classes are aimed at teachers planning to introduce Polish as an L3. Places are limited and offered on a first-come first-served basis.
For more information about Ten Steps to L3 Polish and/or language classes, please contact SCILT.
Wszystkiego najlepszego.
Read more...
17 May 2022 (Consejería de Educación)
Any plans for this summer? Sign up for the Teaching and Culture course in León for Spanish Secondary School and University teachers.
We are offering grants for Secondary School and University teachers of Spanish to enrol in our course in León in collaboration with the University of León and Mester Academy during August 2022.
The course content includes a number of areas in relation to teaching Spanish as a foreign language along with cultural activities. There are three starting dates to choose from 31 July-6 August, from 7-13 August, or from 14-20 August 2022. This course will be delivered fully in Spanish therefore we recommend that teachers should have at least a B2 level.
Visit the Spanish Education office website for more information and to apply by 31 May 2022.
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The Big Question: SCILT secondary seminar series
29 April 2022 (SCILT)
This term we are hosting a series of interactive seminars for secondary languages teachers, based on some of the main themes from our workshops this year, and covering some of the big questions that you might be asking about teaching languages today.
Each session will feature the chance to hear from a guest practitioner, and the opportunity to discuss and share with fellow teachers, and hopefully together to come up with some answers to these questions!
Seminars are free to attend and are open to all secondary languages teachers and student teachers; attend as many or as few as you wish. Register for each seminar separately via the links below.
- Seminar 1: Employability and languages
4-5pm, Tuesday 17 May
In this seminar we will consider why and how to make meaningful connections between language learning and the Developing the Young Workforce agenda. Sarah Coats from Musselburgh Grammar School will be our guest in this session, sharing some of the work that she has been involved with in this area, which led to the school achieving the Scottish Languages Employability Award this year.
- Seminar 2: Encouraging uptake
4-5pm, Wednesday 25 May
Across Scotland, we are all facing the challenge of how to encourage learners to continue studying languages when faced with the choice. In this seminar we will have the chance to share ideas and strategies that we have tried or would like to try. France Reid from Dunblane High School will be our guest in this session, sharing the issues that they have faced and how they are seeking to address them.
- Seminar 3: Teaching controversial issues
4-5pm, Thursday 9 June
In this seminar we will look at how can we approach controversial issues such as gender, race, politics and climate in the context of language learning. We will explore strategies for tackling controversial issues safely and effectively in the languages classroom. Our guest in this session will be Lynne Jones of SCILT who will be sharing particularly around areas of gender and immigration.
- Seminar 4: Building confidence in talking
4-5pm, Wednesday 15 June
Talking is often the area of our subject that learners find most challenging and stressful. In this seminar we will discuss and share practical ideas and activities which help build learner confidence in talking in the target language. Lisa Hanna from SCILT, who is a Visiting Assessor for talking with SQA, will be our guest in this session.
The sessions will be hosted on MS Teams and will not be recorded.
We look forward to seeing you there!
29 April 2022 (SCILT)
We are pleased to announce that event materials are now available to view on our website, including video recordings from Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Keynote speaker, Bernardette Holmes MBE, Independent Languages Policy and Pedagogy Consultant and Plenary speaker, Louise Glen, Senior Education Officer at Education Scotland.
Video presentations taken from breakout discussions, including testimonials and speaker biographies are also available to view and will be of interest to the language teaching community and community-based organisations.
The event welcomed language leads, teachers and the wider languages community to share, celebrate and highlight the importance of valuing language skills and ensuring the rights of all children and young people to a language rich curriculum.
Read more...
25 April 2022 (Consejería de Educación)
There are 4 one-week immersion courses taking place in July 2022 in Ávila or Segovia, aimed at British teachers of Spanish (a B2 command of Spanish is required).
The grant covers the course, accommodation (6 nights) and meals, as well as the optional cultural programme. The grant does not cover the journey to Spain or the return to the UK.
This call is not for Spanish nationals.
Application deadline: 7 May 2022.
Visit the website for more information and to apply.
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25 April 2022 (SCDE Languages Group)
The Scottish Council of Deans of Education Languages Group is very excited to launch their “Plurilingual Classrooms in Action” MOOC on Monday 25 April 2022.
This free four-week course, which is hosted through FutureLearn at the University of Glasgow, is aligned with the core principles and contexts of the National Framework for Languages: Plurilingualism, diversity, policy and legislation, and transformative practices, and aims to support the teaching and learning of languages in primary classrooms.
The course consists of a series of short readings, videos, tasks, and opportunities to reflect on the role of languages in and for education. Each of the activities will take no longer than 5 or 10 minutes to complete and aim to provide an overview of language teaching and learning in the 21st century and foster and enhance the creation of effective and engaging learning approaches which support inclusive practices in the classroom.
More information about the MOOC can be found on the SCDE Languages Group blog along with the National Framework for Languages.
Visit the FutureLearn website to register for the online course.
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29 March 2022 (Consejería de Educación)
Any plans for this summer? Sign up for the Teaching and Culture course in Burgos for Spanish Secondary School and University teachers.
We are offering 100 grants for Secondary School and University teachers of Spanish to enrol in our course in Burgos in collaboration with the University of Burgos and Mester Academy during July 2022.
The course content includes a number of areas in relation to teaching Spanish as a foreign language along with cultural activities. There are three starting dates to choose from 3-9 July, from 10-16 July, or from 24-30 July 2022. This course will be delivered fully in Spanish therefore we recommend that teachers should have at least a B2 level.
For all information regarding the course and how to sign up can be found on the Consejería de Educación website.
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Join Scotland’s National Languages Leadership Programme Team 2022-23!
25 March 2022 (SCILT/Education Scotland)
Applications are now open for critical friends to support and challenge participants as they progress through the 2022-23 programme.
Description
Scotland's National Languages Leadership Programme supports local authorities by building capacity to achieve a sustainable model for leading language learning and teaching for all.
The critical friend role is suitable for people who:
- have experience of the national languages leadership programme i.e. 1+2 Languages Leadership Programme (2017-2022) or the Train the Trainer Programme (2014-2016), or
- are experienced in supporting teacher professional learning either online or face-to-face, preferably at Masters level, and
- wish to help build the languages leadership capacity in all sectors of Scottish education
As an online programme, Scotland’s National Languages Leadership Programme 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. The programme provides participants with professional learning and networking opportunities as well as flexible and personalised pathways through Masters level professional learning.
Objectives of the programme are for participants to develop:
- an appreciation of leadership skills
- critical and strategic reflection on their own leadership development
- an understanding of a range of key issues related to Scotland’s Languages policy
Professional learning and support will be offered to critical friends throughout the year.
For more information, visit the registration page to find out how you can apply to join the LLP team as a critical friend by Tuesday 17 May. A Glow account is required to take part.
If you have any questions about applying for this role, please email scilt@strath.ac.uk and include ‘LLP Critical Friend’ in the subject line.
24 March 2022 (SCILT/Education Scotland)
Scotland's National Languages Leadership Programme supports local authorities by building capacity to achieve a sustainable model for leading language learning and teaching for all. Open to colleagues with 5 years' experience post probation 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.
SCILT hosted an online information session on Tuesday 22 March. A recording of the session is now available to find out more about the programme and hear experiences of current participants.
Participants can visit the website for more information and to submit their application. Deadline date to submit applications is Monday 25 April.
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18 March 2022 (SCILT/OU)
TeLT is the Teachers Learning to Teach Languages programme offered by the Open University in partnership with SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages. This professional learning opportunity is aimed at educators working in the primary sector and carries GTCS Professional Recognition.
Students learn a language – French, German, Mandarin or Spanish - and in parallel, get to put primary language pedagogies into practice with their own pupils. The programme is offered at two levels – beginners and post-beginners. More information here about how the course works.
Registration for 2022-23 intake is now open. Enrolment closes 8 September. Modules begin in October. More details here on how to register.
Information sessions for local authority officers and prospective applicants will take place in May and June. Dates are to be confirmed.
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SCILT news
17 March 2022 (SCILT)
SCILT monthly drop-ins are free, themed virtual events that are open to teachers and student teachers working in Scotland.
In March, the Bitesize session focuses on the primary school and explores how language learning can be in incorporated into a Learning for Sustainability (LfS) context. We will hear how schools have been exploring the Global Goals in addition to key environmental issues such as plastic pollution and the place of languages within this.
Come and join us for a drop-in session to listen and discuss on Wednesday 30 March 2022, 4:00 - 4:45pm on Zoom.
Visit our Bitesize webpage for more information and to register.
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7 March 2022 (ECML)
The latest edition of the ECML's Language Gazette is now available online.
Visit the ECML website to access.
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1 March 2022 (TES)
Co-teachers, a Chinese curriculum, different pedagogies – teaching in a bilingual school in China can be a steep learning curve but very rewarding, too, as these teachers explain.
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22 February 2022 (Consejería de Educación)
Any plans for the Easter holidays? Sign up for the Teaching and Culture course in Palencia for Spanish Secondary School and University teachers.
We are offering 30 grants for Secondary School and University teachers of Spanish to enrol in our course in Palencia in collaboration with the University of Valladolid, INTI and Mester Academy during the Easter holidays.
The course content includes a number of areas in relation to teaching Spanish as a foreign language along with cultural activities. There are two starting dates to choose from 3-8 or 10-15 April. This course will be delivered fully in Spanish therefore we recommend that teachers should have at least a B2 level.
For all information regarding the course and how to sign up, visit the Consejería de Educación website and apply by 4 March 2022.
Please note that this course is separate to the Spanish Language Course we will be running in Palencia with all places now filled.
Read more...
14 February 2022 (SQA)
Advanced Higher Modern Languages performance-talking visiting assessment guidance for centres has just been published.
Visit the SQA Advanced Higher Modern Languages page, Visiting Examining section for more information.
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8 February 2022 (The Herald)
At this time of year, we often think about changing careers so you may find Bòrd na Gàidhlig's new resource useful if you are considering a new career in teaching through the medium of Gaelic.
Following on from the commitments in the National Gaelic Language Plan 2018-23 to recruit, retain and educate Gaelic teachers and to advertise Gaelic teaching as a career, Bòrd na Gàidhlig has created a new resource called a padlet. The padlet complements the existing General Teaching Council for Scotland's leaflet ‘So you want to teach in Gaelic?’.
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3 February 2022 (SCILT)
SCILT monthly drop-ins are free, themed virtual events that are open to teachers and student teachers working in Scotland. Drop-ins are an opportunity to share your thoughts on that month’s bitesize resource and/or share your own experience on the theme.
In February 2022, we’re looking at how we can gather evidence to support our judgments about learner progress. We will be joined by Lisa Waygood, Faculty Head of Ancient and Modern Languages at St Columba’s School in Kilmacolm. Come along on 23 February and share your experiences of evidence gathering in your context. What works well? Or not?
Visit our Bitesize webpage to find out more and to register for the event.
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31 January 2022 (ECML)
The colloquium “The future of language education in the light of Covid – lessons learned and ways forward” (14 December 2021), which attracted over 1 000 viewers, is part of an ongoing initiative, led by the ECML’s Professional Network Forum and co-funded as part of the ECML-EC Cooperation Agreement, which focuses on the impact of the pandemic on language education.
Through presentations and group discussions, the following questions were addressed:
- What insights have been gained from using radically different modes of language education during the Covid pandemic – remote, hybrid, socially distanced?
- How can the challenges of examinations and assessment be overcome?
- What innovative kinds of support for learners and teachers have been developed?
- What specific challenges have arisen in relation to ensuring inclusive language education for all?
- Do we need a new kind of “educational literacy”?
The video presentations from the event are now available online.
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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14 January 2022 (SCILT)
Are you looking for high quality professional learning for colleagues in your school, department, cluster, local authority or regional improvement collaborative?
SCILT's programme of professional learning workshops are now available to book for the rest of this session. Choose from our range of primary or secondary workshops, and request a date and time that suits you and your colleagues.
Whatever your professional learning needs, we will endeavour to meet them. If you have specific requirements we are happy to collaborate with you to develop bespoke input and support. In addition to practical suggestions, SCILT workshops are designed to explore the pedagogy that underpins practice through discussion and reflection with local colleagues.
Please visit the professional learning page of our website for further information and details of each of the workshops available. Please note, these workshops are intended for group bookings only.
During 2021-22, we are running webinars and drop-in sessions which are open to everyone. Registration for those will be on an event–by–event basis and will be publicised via the SCILT e-bulletin.
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13 January 2022 (LFEE)
In consultation with GTCS, LFEE Europe will be offering the 3-week Immersion Course Programme for Secondary Teachers of French and Spanish as an online course. This online course meets GTC Scotland’s policy requirements for language residency.
Visit the LFEE Europe website for full details of the programme and register by 11 February 2022.
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13 January 2022 (Consejería de Educación)
The Spanish Embassy Education office is launching a blended learning programme aimed at teachers working in British or Irish schools: 33 hours of self-study online from February to March + 1 week Spanish language course in Palencia (Spain) in April 2022.
- ONLINE + ONSITE COURSE.
- 3 DIFFERENT LEVELS: absolute beginners, beginners and intermediate.
- A GRANT to cover most of the costs will be offered.
- APPLICATION DEADLINE: 3 February 2022.
All information regarding dates, course contents, the grant and the application form can be found on the Spanish Embassy Education Office website.
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11 January 2022 (Learning through Languages UK)
Learning through Languages UK and the Centre for Language Research at Aston are running "CLIL Mondays" on the second Monday of each month from 4.30 to 5.30. This series of online talks is aimed at teachers at primary, secondary and tertiary levels who have an interest in Content and Language Integrated Learning. CLIL Mondays combine short 30-minute talks on aspects of CLIL with Q&A time. One session per term will be open to practitioners for sharing of good practice, you are warmly invited to come and present your CLIL work.
Full programme details and registration links can be found on the CLIL Mondays webpage.
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Mind Games: Cracking Code in Maths and Languages
20 January 2022 (SCILT)
Two mind-bending workshops are scheduled for in-service and student teachers during Languages Week Scotland 2022.
We are aware that Mathematics underpins all STEM subjects, but have you ever thought there are connections between learning mathematics and learning a language?
Join mathematicians and linguists from the University of Edinburgh to explore the topic further.
During the interactive workshops you will have a go at some puzzles and activities at the interface between Mathematics and Linguistics. Together we will explore how language works and where Maths comes into play.
You will have a chance to discuss with Mathematicians and Linguists about similarities between their subjects. You will takeaway practical ideas for your classroom to show how these different disciplines can be interconnected.
The activities we are going to use are mainly aimed at children older than 10 years. However, the approach can be applied to all year groups.
Attendance is free of charge and the event will be hosted online on Zoom.
More information and registration for the appropriate workshop via the links below:
Posted in:
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SCILT news,
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LWS
9 December 2021 (Consejería de Educación)
La Consejería de Educación en el Reino Unido e Irlanda and Extenda will be organising a new series of online training workshops for teachers of Spanish in the United Kingdom and Ireland during the months of January to March 2022.
Each online session will include a workshop on different methodological aspects related to the teaching of Spanish. Teachers can sign up to attend one or more of the workshops as the themes, the registration and the certification of each session will be independent. In this way teachers can choose to follow the workshops that interest them the most.
The two first of the workshops will take place on Saturday 15 January 2022 (from 10:00 to 12:00). Registration is free and can be done through this link: https://forma.administracionelectronica.gob.es/form/open/corp/7695/qlvi
For more information about the workshop series, visit the La Consejería de Educación website.
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9 December 2021 (British Council)
In this practical four-week course, you will learn to recognise the different kinds of gender bias and stereotypes which exist in language education, some of the barriers people face in terms of gender equality and equity, and how these can be overcome.
Learn more about:
- Representation in teaching materials
- Equality in teaching practice
- Working with gender equality in education
Visit the British Council website for more information and to enrol on the free course commencing 14 December 2021.
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29 November 2021 (Stephen Spender Trust)
The Stephen Spender Trust is delighted to be offering a series of webinars for UK teachers for the first time in early 2022, funded by the Foyle Foundation. There are dedicated webinars for Secondary MFL teachers, Secondary English teachers, and Primary teachers.
The 3-webinar course will follow SST's Decode-Translate-Create model, which makes creative translation accessible and easy to adapt to different ages and levels. The first session is scheduled for 12 January 2022.
Visit the website for more information and to register. Sessions are free, but in signing up please note you are committing to attend all three.
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Primary languages workshop series: spring 2022
26 November 2021 (SCILT)
The SCILT Professional Development Team is thrilled to announce that in spring 2022, we will host a series of four free online workshops, each on a different aspect of primary languages pedagogy.
The workshops are open to any primary teacher or student primary teacher in Scotland. You can attend as many of the workshops in the series as you like. You must register for each workshop separately by clicking on the links below.
- Workshop 1: Assessing progress in primary languages
4-5pm, Wednesday 26 January 2022
We will explore some assessment approaches and tools. We will look at examples of listening, talking, reading and writing in L2 by primary learners. We will refer to Education Scotland’s Modern Languages early – second level benchmarks and first – second level progression framework.
- Workshop 2: Engaging cultural contexts for primary language learning
4-5pm, Wednesday 23 February 2022
We will look at interdisciplinary approaches to support language learning. We will explore a range of activities and resources to develop children’s intercultural understanding, awareness of cultural diversity and multilingualism both globally and locally. We will share examples of current practice in Scottish schools.
- Workshop 3: Parental engagement for family learning in languages at primary
4-5pm, Wednesday 27th April 2022
We will consider the positive impact that parental engagement and family learning with languages can have on pupils and their families. We will consider the importance of parental engagement in relation to other initiatives within Scottish Education, mainly raising attainment and will share examples of current practice on how schools are engaging with parents/families through languages.
- Workshop 4: Making languages work for your primary pupils: DYW and 1+2
4-5pm Wednesday 25th May 2022
We will look at how your school can make meaningful connections between the language learning and the Developing the Young Workforce agenda, and maybe pick up a Scottish Languages Employability Award along the way! Be inspired by examples from primary schools across the country.
All workshops will take place on Microsoft Teams and will not be recorded.
See attached workshop series flyer which can be distributed to colleagues.
12 November 2021 (SCILT)
SCILT monthly drop-ins are free, themed virtual events that are open to teachers and student teachers working in Scotland. Drop-ins are an opportunity to share your thoughts on that month’s bitesize resource and/or share your own experience on the theme.
In November 2021, we are looking at how we can combine employability and language skills in the primary classroom. Come along on 24 November to share your ideas and hear what others do too!
Our special guests will be Leanne Duncan, PT at Danestone Primary School, Aberdeen City and Christina MacGregor, P4-7 GME Teacher at Goodlyburn Primary School, Perth & Kinross. Leanne and Christina will tell us about the last year’s achievements by their pupils with activities that integrated languages and employability skills. The languages taught across the two schools are Gaelic, English, French and Chinese.
Find out more, along with the registration link, on our Bitesize webpage.
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5 November 2021 (SCILT)
If you missed any part of this event, then we have good news for you! Materials are now available on our website to view at your own leisure, including video presentations from Keynote speaker, Joanna McPake, Reader in Education at the University of Strathclyde and Plenary speakers, Dr Łukasz Lutostański, Consul General and Sylwia Spooner, Head of Cultural Affairs at the Polish Consulate in Edinburgh. The event welcomed language leaders and practitioners to share thoughts, ideas, good practice and discuss the challenges we face in embedding L3 into our curricula, including information on the newly launched 10 Steps to Polish Programme, run in conjunction with SCILT.
PowerPoint presentations used from facilitated discussions, including testimonials and speaker biographies are also available to view and will be of interest to the language teaching community.
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1+2,
Curriculum for Excellence,
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Language Teaching,
Teacher Education,
SCILT news
7 October 2021 (Learning for Sustainability Scotland)
Understanding the big issues that shape our world has never been more important. Issues like climate change, health, gender equality, poverty and how to live sustainably affect – and connect – us all: wherever we are in the world.
This is a supported online Professional Learning course for educators. Engagement in this fully funded course will:
- Support you to create an enabling environment for Learning for Equity and Sustainability in your teaching and setting, and significantly enhance young people's educational experience
- Inform your own professional development
- Enhance your participation in the Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning programme, supporting whole setting and cluster approaches
- Give access to an international network of like-minded teachers
Aligned with current education priorities across UK and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this fully online professional learning will support you to think about, plan for, and implement, Learning for Equity and Sustainability in your own practice and in your teaching context.
You will be invited to participate in online discussions and activities in five course modules. Modules will be released fortnightly, starting on 29 October 2021.
More information and registration for the course on Eventbrite.
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Courses: Learning for a sustainable future
7 October 2021 (British Council)
British Council is supporting two courses being delivered by the University of Edinburgh and Sustainability Scotland via FutureLearn on learning for sustainability.
Learning for a Sustainable Future: Live at COP26 - a free short online course
The 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) is being held in Glasgow between 31st October and 12th November 2021. It will bring together heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to agree and accelerate coordinated global action on climate change.
This two-week course, which runs in parallel with the COP26 conference, offers you an opportunity to examine what COP26 is, why it’s important and reflect on how you can add your voice to the call for collective action for a sustainable future.
You’ll explore the broader context of COP26 and consider other key frameworks such as COP15 (The UN Convention on Biological Diversity) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Explore the issues being discussed at the conference and see and hear responses to the conference themes from children and young people, community groups and ministerial bodies, both nationally and internationally.
There has never been a more urgent need for the world to work together and take collaborative action to secure a sustainable future for people and planet. Do your part and enrol now!:
Learning for a Sustainable Future - 5 week course
There is also still time to sign up for the 5 week course on Learning for a Sustainable Future. Join a personal and professional global learning journey towards a sustainable future. What on Earth could be more important?
On this 5-week course, you’ll explore a range of global, community and school-based contexts and develop an informed personal response to major contemporary challenges faced today. The course is open to everyone and would be suitable for senior learners, or anyone with an interest in sustainability and a willingness to learn and share with others around the world! Join the course for free today. Don’t worry if you can’t start on the dates specified – you can enrol once the courses have started.
1 October 2021 (HoLLT)
We are delighted to announce that our five teacher training packages are now live.
The materials use the History of Language Learning and Teaching (HoLLT) to help language teachers reflect on language teaching practice and policy today. Five units each take a key theme, with a short introductory video (8-12 minutes), a handbook of activities, and a facilitator’s handbook with further information and guidance. Each handbook also includes a short historical overview and some reading suggestions.
Our themes are:
- Differentiation and diversity
- What does it mean to teach culture?
- Grammar: “The art of speaking well”?
- Target language and (m)other tongue use
- Making the case for languages – Policy and advocacy
The project is an AHRC-funded collaboration between the University of Nottingham and King’s College London. Many thanks to our Postdoctoral Fellow on the project, Dr Lina Fisher.
Visit the University of Nottingham website to access the materials, which we hope teachers will find useful.
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28 September 2021 (British Council)
If you weren't able to join the British Council's webinar on Climate Change and Language Learning, which took place on Wednesday 22 September 2021, the recording is now available.
In the webinar, the global teacher panel explored ways to bring environmental issues and the fight against the climate crisis into the language classroom. This was followed by audience questions.
Visit the British Council website for more information and to view the recording.
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28 September 2021 (Goethe-Institut)
The Goethe-Institut UK awards scholarships for participation in language courses and professional development seminars (e.g. cultural studies; German as a foreign language theory and practice) in Germany.
You can apply for a scholarship from the Goethe-Institut if you are a teacher of German as a foreign language or are involved in the teacher training of such teachers; this also applies if you work at a PASCH school.
The courses take place at various Goethe-Institut locations around Germany and in Austria. Different options are available depending on your professional requirements.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more information about the course choices and submit your funding application by 1 November 2021.
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28 September 2021 (Goethe-Institut)
Are you a secondary school teacher of German teaching at a school in Scotland? Would you like to practice your conversational skills and keep yourself up-to-date with current affairs in German speaking countries?
This conversation course will be right for you. We will be discussing a wide range of topics based on current newspaper articles, radio programmes and clips from German television. You will be taking away up-to-date materials and, hopefully, inspiration and lots of good ideas for your classroom.
The free online course will be held over Zoom between October 2021 and February 2022.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more details and to register by 4 October 2021.
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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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Primary,
S1-S3,
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FE,
German,
Cultural Diversity,
Funding,
Immersion,
Language Learning,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
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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17 September 2021 (Consejería de Educación)
Teacher training courses for Spanish teachers based in UK and Ireland (Segovia, October/November 2021).
The deadline for signing up for 1 of the 25 grants of a week’s teacher training programme in Segovia is 26th September. There will be three starting date options to choose from.
Who are the scholarships for?
Teachers (all nationalities can apply) who are at present teaching Spanish in Secondary schools or in Universities in the UK or Ireland.
What is the course about?
The course combines a teacher training programme based on different aspects of teaching Spanish as a foreign language (history, cinema, theatre, games, development of different linguistic skills, gamification, social media…) along with a number of fun and interesting tourist activities. The course is organised by the University of Valladolid, Mester Academy and the Governing Council of Castilla y León.
What is included in the grant?
The course (classes and cultural activities), accommodation and most meals. Those who are selected will only pay 120 euros for administrative fees and their return flight to Madrid. Transfers from Madrid to Segovia are included in the grant.
All information with regards to dates, the course programme, the grant and the application form can be found on the Spanish Embassy Education Office website.
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16 September 2021 (SCILT)
SCILT monthly drop-ins are free, themed virtual events that are open to teachers and student primary teachers working in Scotland. Drop-ins are an opportunity to share your thoughts on that month’s Bitesize resource and/or share your own experience on the theme.
In September 2021, we’re looking at language learning in the Early Years and exploring the use of creative puppetry to support this. So join the drop-in on 29 September, share your ideas and experiences and hear what others do too!
Find out more, along with the registration link, on our Bitesize webpage.
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Masters study opportunity for LLP/TTT and TeLT alumni
10 September 2021 (SCILT/University of Strathclyde)
Four questions for Scottish primary and secondary teachers:
- Are you interested in developing yourself professionally and academically through Masters study?
- Have you been a participant on the Education Scotland/SCILT course called Languages Leadership Programme (LLP, previously known as Train the Trainer) within the last five years?
- Have you been a student on the Open University/SCILT programme called Teachers Learning to Teach Languages in Primary School (TeLT) within the last five years?
- Were you awarded GTCS Professional Recognition from either of these programmes?
If the answer is yes, then you are eligible to accredited prior learning (APL) to the tune of 20 Masters credits, enabling you to transfer onto Masters in Education (MEd) pathways at the School of Education at the University of Strathclyde.
The award of GTCS Professional Recognition from these programmes gives access to the following pathways:
Interested?
For the MEd Education Studies route contact Angela De Britos angela.de-britos@strath.ac.uk
For the MEd Educational Leadership route contact Joanna Holmes joanna.holmes@strath.ac.uk
27 August 2021 (SCILT)
Are you a local authority officer with responsibility for languages?
Are you a Head of Faculty, Head of Department or Principal Teacher of languages in your secondary school?
Are you a lead language practitioner or primary school leader?
Are you looking for high quality professional learning for your colleagues?
If so, you can request a SCILT workshop for colleagues in your school, department, cluster, local authority or regional improvement collaborative via the link below.
Whatever your professional learning needs, we will endeavour to meet them. If you have specific requirements we are happy to collaborate with you to develop bespoke input and support. In addition to practical suggestions, SCILT workshops are designed to explore the pedagogy that underpins practice through discussion and reflection with local colleagues.
Please visit the professional learning page of our website for further information and details of each of the workshops available. Please note, these workshops are intended for group bookings only.
During 2021-22, we will run webinars and drop-in sessions which will be open to everyone. Registration for those will be on an event–by–event basis and will be publicised via the SCILT e-bulletin.
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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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Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
German,
CPD,
Cultural Diversity,
Funding,
Immersion,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
6 August 2021 (ALL)
In this e-bulletin Special from the Association for Language Learning, find out all about the activities and opportunities for teachers and schools from their partner organisation, the Goethe-Institut.
In addition to professional development for teachers of German, and German language resources, there are also initiatives for pupils with no prior knowledge of the language, such as Gaming in German and the Green Sauce Cookery Show.
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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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Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
FE,
German,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Cultural Diversity,
Funding,
Language Learning,
Partnership Working,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
Save the Date! L3 knowledge exchange event coming soon….
17 June 2021 (SCILT)
We are delighted to announce that our knowledge event Moving Forward with L3: Challenge and Opportunity will take place online on Friday 10 September from 1.30 – 4pm. The event will explore the ways in which primary and secondary schools are incorporating L3 into the curriculum and will consider some of the challenges it poses. Themed parallel sessions will run throughout the afternoon where participants will have the opportunity to consider key points from presentations delivered and engage in professional dialogue with colleagues. This cross sector event is open to primary and secondary practitioners, language leads, PTs, Faculty heads, local authority development officers and relevant members of the school’s leadership team. We are looking forward to welcoming you to this event and further details on how to register will be available soon.
16 June 2021 (Education Scotland)
The Scottish Learning Festival (SLF) is taking place online on Tuesday 21 September until Thursday 23 September 2021 and the theme for this year’s event has been confirmed: ‘Renew, Refresh, Re-imagine: Learning from our experiences and looking to the future.’
SLF is free to attend and the conference programme is developed to support career long professional learning, helping to keep professional practice fresh, up-to-date and relevant.
Further details will follow soon. Register for updates on the Education Scotland website.
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15 June 2021 (Consejería de Educación)
The Spanish Ministry of Education through the Consejería de Educación offers places to Spanish teachers in British and Irish schools for 30-hour online courses that will take place between October and November 2021 and will be given by the Spanish National Distance Education University (UNED).
Application deadline is on 27 June 2021. These are free of charge training sessions on grammar, language skills, methodology and resources for teaching Spanish in Primary, etc.
Visit the Spanish Ministry of Education website for full details.
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SCILT will soon be recruiting a new Professional Development Officer to expand its existing secondary team
11 June 2021 (SCILT)
- Are you a committed and dynamic secondary teacher of Modern Languages looking for a new challenge?
- Do you have the leadership skills to support colleagues with inspiring and research-informed professional learning?
- Do you have the creativity to design and lead projects that shape and improve learning for Scotland’s young people?
If so, then this may be the opportunity for you to develop your skills and support learning at a national level.
More details on the post and application process coming soon!
Enquiries and notes of interest to SCILT scilt@strath.ac.uk
11 June 2021 (SCILT)
Are you a local authority officer with responsibility for languages?
Are you a Head of Faculty, Head of Department or Principal Teacher of languages in your secondary school?
Are you a lead language practitioner or primary school leader?
Are you looking for high quality professional learning for your colleagues?
If so, you can request a SCILT workshop for colleagues in your school, department, cluster, local authority or regional improvement collaborative via the link below.
Whatever your professional learning needs, we will endeavour to meet them. If you have specific requirements we are happy to collaborate with you to develop bespoke input and support. In addition to practical suggestions, SCILT workshops are designed to explore the pedagogy that underpins practice through discussion and reflection with local colleagues.
Please visit the professional learning page of our website for further information and details of each of the workshops available. Please note, these workshops are intended for group bookings only.
During 2021-22, we will run webinars and drop-in sessions which will be open to everyone. Registration for those will be on an event–by–event basis and will be publicised via the SCILT e-bulletin.
Read more...
31 May 2021 (Goethe-Institut)
The International Conference of German Teachers (IDT) is the largest forum in the field of German as a foreign language worldwide. It not only provides training and mediation between theory and practice, but is also an excellent opportunity for networking. The next IDT will take place 15 - 20 August 2022 in Vienna, Austria.
If you work at a Scottish school or other DaF educational organisation in Scotland and are interested in a scholarship from the Goethe-Institut Glasgow to attend, email to register your interest by 15 June 2021. Visit the Goethe-Institut Glasgow website for more information.
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18 May 2021 (The Language Show)
Would you like be a speaker at the 2021 virtual Language Show? The show is being delivered online via Zoom between 12-14 November 2021 so you can be based anywhere! Speakers for up to 100 talks in the following areas are being sought:
- Seminars for language teachers – especially those working in secondary and primary
- Seminars for learners and language professionals – ways to learn and improve
- Cultural talks – performances, demonstrations, presentations and experiences that can be delivered on Zoom
Visit the website for more information and submit your suggestion by 6 June 2021.
Read more...
11 May 2021 (SCILT)
SCILT monthly drop-ins are free, themed virtual events that are open to teachers and student primary teachers working in Scotland. Drop-ins are an opportunity to share your thoughts on that month’s Bitesize resource and/or share your own experience on the theme.
In May 2021, we’re looking at parental engagement and how schools approach this in a languages context. So join the drop-in on 26 May, share your ideas and experiences and hear what others do too!
Find out more, along with the registration link, on our Bitesize webpage.
Read more...
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
All Languages,
Scotland,
CPD,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Teacher Education,
SCILT news,
Parental engagement,
Family learning
11 May 2021 (Education Scotland)
Es & Os and Benchmarks for modern languages for a Primary 1 start to language learning were published on the NIH on Monday, 10th May and represent an important piece of national curricular support for the 1+2 policy. The original Es & Os published in 2009 for modern languages were for curriculum levels 2, 3 & 4 only, as language learning in primary schools at that time traditionally began in P6. When the 1+2 policy was introduced in 2012/13 in schools, Education Scotland provided First Level Es and Os to support practitioners with planning to introduce language teaching from an earlier stage in primary schools; these represented a sufficient resource for a number of years, however, a measure of success of the implementation of the policy has meant that many more schools have language learning fully in place from Primary 1, hence the need for a partial suite of Es & Os and Benchmarks to support teachers with a P1 start to language learning (as the 1+2 policy begins in P1 and is not funded for pre-P1 learning) and comprise eight Es, Os and benchmark statements.
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4 May 2021 (Consejería de Educación)
Course for Spanish language teachers on language, culture, and gastronomy (University of Valladolid, July 2021)
Open until May 10th the deadline to apply for one of the 50 scholarships to take a week-long course in Valladolid in the month of July 2021.
For whom? For teachers of Spanish in British secondary schools or universities (regardless of nationality (British, Spanish or other).
What? The course combines a varied didactic program (history, cinema, culture, games, language skill development, gamification…) with recreational and tourist activities. It is organized by the University of Valladolid, the Academia Mester, and the Junta de Castilla y León.
What does the scholarship include? The course (classes and cultural program), accommodation, and most of the meals. The selected participants only pay 100€ for management and the plane ticket to Madrid (round trip). Transfers from Madrid airport to Valladolid are also covered by the scholarship.
All the information about the dates, details of the course and the scholarship, and the online application form is available on the Consejería de Educación website.
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24 April 2021 (Institut français)
This year, the Cultural Service of the French Embassy in London / Institut français in the United Kingdom are supporting 15 grants for online training in partnership with "CAVILAM-Alliance française". Aimed at primary and secondary school teachers from all over the UK, the training consists of a face-to-face course on issues that are essential for the teachers of the 21st-century, such as holding face-to-face and virtual classes.⠀⠀
Visit the Institut français website for more information and apply by 9 May 2021.
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22 April 2021 (British Council)
Today is Earth Day and British Council is bringing people together around the world through The Climate Connection to meet the challenges of climate change.
Amongst their resources on climate for schools there is a collection to help you integrate environmental issues into language teaching, learning and assessment, including a 3-module professional learning course for language teachers. The first module starts on 28 April 2021.
Visit the British Council website for more information and to register for the course.
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1 April 2021 (Open University/SCILT)
Registration for the Open University (OU) and SCILT online CPD programme in primary languages, known as TELT, is now open for the 2021 intake. The modules begin on 2 October with induction activities starting on 20 September, and finish in July 2022. The fee in Scotland is £264.00 per module place. Please request registration packs by 30 June 2021.
You can find important information about the programme at our dedicated TELT programme website. There you can see which languages and levels we offer, FAQs and what our past students say.
To register, please contact the OU corporate registrations team by writing to corporate-enquiries@open.ac.uk. NB please also copy scotland-languages@open.ac.uk into your email.
Please note it is important for prospective TELT students to plan ahead and ensure that they will be able to dedicate sufficient time to their study, because, once the module start date has passed, deferral is not possible. The fee will still be payable and cannot be refunded if students decide to defer or withdraw from studying the module.
Should you have any questions about this programme please contact scotland-languages@open.ac.uk.
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Posted in:
Primary,
Chinese,
French,
German,
Spanish,
Scotland,
CPD,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Teacher Education,
SCILT news,
News from language & education organisations
25 March 2021 (SCILT)
Did you attend Education Scotland and SCILT’s Summer School for the 1+2 Languages Leadership Programme 2017-2019, or Train the Trainer 2014-2016? If so, then this role might be for you!
Scotland’s new Languages Leadership Programme launches in June of this year. To begin with, participants will attend 2 days of online professional learning led by Education Scotland on 18-19 June through a vibrant online LLP learning community using Teams in Glow.
During 2021-22, participants will then take part in the LLP affiliated professional learning of their choice from a menu of LLP affiliated opportunities from Education Scotland, SCILT and LANGS partners. During this time they will complete a number of critical reflection tasks in relation to their leadership activity and LLP affiliated professional learning. Over the course of the year, Critical Friends will each support a small number of participants, providing regular feedback on their critical reflection tasks.
Wondering whether you could be a critical friend?
- Have you benefitted from taking part in the 1+2 LLP/TTT programme yourself?
- Have you previously undertaken or would you like to undertake a coaching, mentoring or critical friend role to support colleagues with their professional development?
If so, then you will bring a wealth of commitment, understanding and skills to the new Critical Friend role on this innovative pilot. You will be involved in the evaluation process at different stages during the year and professional learning and support will be provided to you. In addition, Critical Friends will also be supported to submit an individual application for GTCS Professional Recognition.
Visit the registration page to find out how you can apply to join the LLP team as a Critical Friend by Monday 17 May.
If you have any questions about applying for this role, please email scilt@strath.ac.uk and include ‘LLP’ in the subject line.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Read more...
15 March 2021 (Goethe-Institut)
Are you a secondary school teacher of German teaching at a school in Scotland? Would you like to practice your conversational skills and keep yourself up-to-date with current affairs in German speaking countries?
This conversation course will be right for you. We will be discussing a wide range of topics based on current newspaper articles, radio programmes and clips from German television. You will be taking away up-to-date materials and, hopefully, inspiration and lots of good ideas for your classroom.
The course will also provide an opportunity for networking and sharing best practice examples amongst German language teachers.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more information and to register by 29 March 2021. Please note, places are limited.
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11 February 2021 (ECML)
Teachers, teacher educators, curriculum developers, and professionals involved in sign language teaching and assessment will find this new open-access resource website a useful tool.
The resources have been developed in a bottom-up process involving deaf experts and experienced sign language teachers.
Find out more on the ECML website.
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Online course for secondary teachers of French & Spanish
28 January 2021 (LFEE)
In light of the continuing COVID crisis, LFEE in consultation with the GTS has decided to offer their three week immersion course as an online alternative from 26 April to 18 June 2021.
More information can be found on the attached document. Applicants should register by 19 February 2021.
21 January 2021 (British Council)
Has lockdown affected the way you teach languages?
We heard from teachers in a range of different contexts on how they’ve worked to make sure that young people can still increase their knowledge and skills, whether they are learning, in class, at home or online. Recording of the webinar held on 20 January 2021 is available on the British Council website.
Read more...
21 January 2021 (SCILT)
SCILT offers a wide range of professional learning opportunities for pre- and in-service teachers. Primary, secondary. Synchronous, asynchronous. One off, ongoing. Check out our updated CLPL flyer for all the details you need. Download and share with colleagues in your next virtual staff meeting.
Like you, our friendly primary and secondary Professional Development Officers are working online from home at the moment. Make a booking or send a query to scilt@strath.ac.uk with CLPL in the subject line. Alternatively, go direct to the Professional Learning area of the website to browse some more.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Read more...
17 November 2020 (Language Show Live)
If you weren't able to join this year's online Language Show which took place 13-15 November, all the brilliant speakers can now be watched on-demand and entirely free of charge.
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12 November 2020 (ECML)
The European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) of the Council of Europe is pleased to announce the completion in both English and French of its resource website “A guide to teacher competences for languages in education”, an output of the ECML programme “Languages at the heart of learning” (2016-2019).
This comprehensive resource platform has been developed for teacher educators and those responsible for teacher education programmes. It provides an overview of frameworks and descriptions of language teacher competences in various contexts, as well as national and regional standards or guidelines for all teachers working in public education. Having considered the overview, users can then examine more closely those frameworks that are potentially useful to them in their specific roles.
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11 November 2020 (SCILT)
SCILT's monthly Bitesize drop-ins are free, themed virtual events that are open to teachers and student teachers working in Scotland. Drop-ins are an opportunity to share your thoughts on that month’s Bitesize resource and/or share your own experience on the theme.
The November Bitesize event looks at examples of using an IDL approach to support language teaching and learning in the primary classroom.
Visit our Bitesize webpage to find out more about the session taking place on Wednesday 25 November and to register.
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2 November 2020 (Japan Foundation)
The Japan Foundation's annual grant programmes are now open for applications. There are various grants available in the fields of Arts and Culture, Japanese Language and Japanese Studies.
Important Information:
Government guidelines on work and travel may affect the application process. Please make sure you contact the relevant department before you begin your application.
The deadline for most of our programmes is 1 December 2020 (except Support Program for Translation and Publication on Japan: deadline is 20 November).
Visit the website for more information about all the programmes funding is available for.
Read more...
Online professional learning workshops from SCILT
23 October 2020 (SCILT)
SCILT is hosting two free online workshops in November and December, open to any primary teacher or student primary teacher. Bookings are now open, find out more about each workshop and register via the links below:
International Education Week 2020
8 October 2020 (British Council)
To celebrate International Education Week 2020 (16-20 November), British Council is offering three opportunities for pupils and language teachers:
- 'Welcome to the Arab World' webinar - Friday 20 November from 13:30-14:30
In collaboration with the Qatar Foundation International’s (QFI) Arabic Language and Culture programme a second ‘Welcome to the Arab World’ webinar event for upper secondary pupils (Year 9 and above) from any school.
This event will include sessions ‘An Introduction to Arabic language and cultures’, a session with Zaina Erhaim, a Syrian journalist who was reporting on the Syrian war from within Syria. She is currently a refugee in the UK and the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR)'s Communications Manager. Zaina will speak about her life in Syria before and during the war and as a refugee and a live performance and conversation by Syrian American hip-hop artist Omar Offendum. Now living in Los Angeles, California, Omar is also a designer, poet and peace activist whose work blends Arabic and English words and rhythms.
This event will be a Teams Live broadcast to schools. There will be time for questions from pupils to all the speakers. NB this session is designed for those with no previous knowledge of Arabic
To attend this event, please register by completing our online form
- To celebrate International Education Week, British Council and Qatar Foundation International’s (QFI) Arabic Language and Culture programme is delighted to offer two opportunities for primary and lower secondary pupils;
- An online, traditional, Arabic story-telling workshop for a maximum of 30 participants on Monday 16 November (three slots will be available at 9.00, 10.30 & 13.30).
- An opportunity to connect your class with a native Arabic speaker through the NaTakallam project on Tuesday 17 November at 11.00, Wednesday 18 November at 12.00 and Thursday 19 November at 13.00. The speaker will be able to discuss Arabic language and culture with your class, as well as share their own experiences as a refugee.
If you would like to express interest for either of these opportunities please contact TeachingArabic@britishcouncil.org by Monday 19 October and include your school details. Successful applicants will be chosen at random.
For more information on the Arabic Language and Culture programme at the British Council please visit our website or email the team .
- Languages for all: how do we get there? A solutions-focussed look at practical steps schools can take to transform MFL uptake and success.
The British Council and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages are proud to present this webinar hosted by the British Council on Monday 16 November 2020 from 16.30–17.30 GMT on Microsoft Teams.
This event will include the following presentations:
1. Pedagogy in MFL at KS3 and KS4: ways forward for schools.
Presented by Ian Bauckham, CEO of the Tenax Schools Trust and Chair of the Teaching Schools Council’s Modern Foreign Languages Pedagogy Review.
2. Successful primary-secondary transition: ways to give students the best possible start in Year 7.
Presented by Suzanne O'Farrell, MFL Consultant, ASCL.
3. Fresh approaches to bringing languages alive through cultural knowledge and international connections.
Presented by Oliver Hopwood, Languages teacher.
Followed by Q&A and discussion.
Register for the webinar on the British Council website.
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
All Languages,
CPD,
International Education,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations,
Arabic
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.
Read more...
28 September 2020 (ECML)
The 'Action research communities for language teachers' website offers resources to support language teachers use action research as a tool for the development of reflective classroom practice, taking them step-by-step through the process of engaging in action research in their respective contexts. It also provides materials for teacher educators in initial teacher education.
Given the challenges teachers and learners have faced during lockdown and the challenges ahead as schools across Europe attempt to return to some kind of normality, the need for teachers to reflect on their practice and to benefit from professional learning communities is greater than ever. These new resources can strengthen teacher development and the provision of quality inclusive language education.
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Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
FE,
HE,
All Languages,
CPD,
Language Teaching,
Teacher Education,
Resources,
News from language & education organisations
25 September 2020 (TELLConsult)
The latest developments in the EU Project 'CATAPULT' - Computer-Assisted Training And Platforms to Upskill Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) Teachers include the realisation of the beta version of the project's Teachers' Community of Practice (CoP) ‘LinguaCoP’. This platform supports LSP teachers to find and share resources and tips and with its matching tool ‘LinguaClick’ facilitates professionals to offer their services, also internationally.
View this short presentation video to see what this online CoP has in store for you and become a member for free.
Furthermore we gladly announce the start of the second (revised) edition of the free online course (MOOC) based on the LSP competence framework on October 10, 2020. Watch this video to get a sneak peek at what course participants can expect. Those interested can already register here
More information about these and other project developments can be found on the website or by following @ProjectCatapult on Twitter.
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18 September 2020 (SCILT)
SCILT monthly drop-ins are free, themed virtual events that are open to teachers and student teachers working in Scotland. Drop-ins are an opportunity to share your thoughts on that month’s bitesize resource and/or share your own experience on the theme.
In September 2020, we’re looking at how learning and teaching of languages has evolved through the experience of lockdown. Share your experiences of delivering language education in innovative ways during an unprecedented situation.
Find out more about the sessions on our Bitesize webpage where you can register for the event relevant to your sector. Both primary and secondary sessions take place 4:00-4:45 on Wednesday 30 September.
Read more...
16 September 2020 (Goethe-Institut)
The Goethe-Institut is offering teachers of German grants for courses in Germany in 2021. The courses are aimed at teachers of all levels and offer a variety of topics related to teaching German as a foreign language. So if you would like to improve your lessons and get to know Germany first hand apply now.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more information.
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15 September 2020 (FutureLearn)
Teaching Languages in Primary Schools: Putting Research into Practice is a short online course offered for free by the University of Southampton and University of Essex on the Futurelearn platform. Open to everyone, the next course begins on 5 October and runs for 3 weeks with approximately 3 hours work per week.
Discover engaging, age-appropriate teaching methods and ideas to enhance your language teaching skills. On this course, you’ll learn practical teaching methods for teaching language and discover engaging tasks and projects for primary school students. Using the latest young language learning research, you’ll be encouraged to reflect and experiment with new resources and improve your current language teaching practice.
Visit the FutureLearn website for more information and to register.
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10 September 2020 (Consejería de Educación)
The Consejería de Educación in collaboration with Junta de Castilla y León is offering online training sessions for teachers of Spanish during the months of September, October and November 2020.
The first of the workshops will be on Tuesday 22 September (4:30 pm): “The creative process of the student in the Spanish classroom”. Registration for this first workshop ―which is free of charge― is open until 20 September.
Visit the Consejería de Educación website for programme dates and content of the workshops.
Read more...
9 September 2020 (TES)
The Department for Education has made a bold pledge as to the percentage of children it wants to be taking the 16+ EBacc, including a foreign language GCSE, within the next five years: 75 per cent by 2022, and 90 per cent by 2025.
However, achieving this will only be possible if there are teachers available to deliver high-quality language lessons.
Indeed, around a third of state schools and a quarter of independent schools report recruitment difficulties, and a proportion says that retention is also a problem.
These difficulties are only likely to be exacerbated by the announcement earlier this month that EU nationals will no longer be eligible for home fee status and student loans from 2021.
This will impact further on teacher supply in languages given that teachers from the EU constitute over a third of MFL teachers in UK secondary schools – and some of them are considering leaving Britain in the wake of Brexit.
However, there is a ray of hope for those concerned about the decline of languages in schools. The government-sponsored National Modern Languages School Centred Initial Teacher Training (NML SCITT) scheme which, as Tes reports today, is having the positive impact that was hoped when it was first envisioned.
Read more...
CLPL on a theme: bitesize and drop-in professional learning each month
4 September 2020 (SCILT)
From September 2020 to March 2021 the SCILT Professional Development Officers are scheduling a series of themed on-demand and live professional learning that will be open to all in-service and student teachers in Scotland.
Some months, the theme will be applicable to both primary and secondary teachers, in other months the theme will be sector specific.
Around the middle of the month, we will post a film or a piece of reading (c.15 minutes) on the SCILT website. Registration will open for the live drop-in on the same theme.
At the end of the month, the PDO team will host a live drop-in to discuss the bitesize stimulus and the theme in general. The session will last 45 minutes and will feature examples of current practice. Registration is free and open to all teachers and student teachers in Scotland.
Interested?
In September we’re kicking off with a theme that’s relevant to both secondary and primary teachers.
Lessons from lockdown: A look at how our learning and teaching of languages has evolved through the experiences of lockdown. Let’s share our experiences of delivering language education in innovative ways during an unprecedented situation. What works well? What doesn’t? What can we continue to use in post-lockdown practice? Are there methods that actually work better for the “new normal”?
Watch out for the release of our Lessons from lockdown bitesize film. You’ll be able to watch on demand on the SCILT website from Friday 18 September.
At the same time, you will be able to register to join the drop-in session at 4pm on Wednesday 30 September. There will be separate drop-ins on the same theme for primary and for secondary teachers or ITE students.
What’s next? Themes will be revealed in the first e-bulletin of the month, so you’ll get all the latest details straight to your inbox.
If you do join in either live or on-demand, you can keep the professional learning conversation going on social media by following and using the hashtags #SCILT_CLPL #SCILT_bitesize #SCILT_dropin. We are looking forward to connecting with lots of you through this new (to us) approach to professional learning in the coming months.
CLPL on a theme: bitesize and drop-in professional learning each month
28 August 2020 (SCILT)
From September 2020 to March 2021 the SCILT Professional Development Officers are scheduling a series of themed on-demand and live professional learning that will be open to all in-service and student teachers in Scotland.
Some months, the theme will be applicable to both primary and secondary teachers, in other months the theme will be sector specific.
Around the middle of the month, we will post a film or a piece of reading (c.15 minutes) on the SCILT website. Registration will open for the live drop-in on the same theme.
At the end of the month, the PDO team will host a live drop-in to discuss the bitesize stimulus and the theme in general. The session will last 45 minutes and will feature examples of current practice. Registration is free and open to all teachers and student teachers in Scotland.
Sound interesting? Themes will be revealed in the first e-bulletin of the month, so you’ll get all the latest details straight to your inbox. We will be revealing our first theme for September in next week’s e-bulletin.
We are looking forward to connecting with lots of you through this new (to us) approach to professional learning in the coming months.
26 August 2020 (Consejería de Educación)
The Spanish Ministry of Education offers places for online courses to Spanish language teachers in the UK and Ireland. Online courses will take place between October and November 2020 and will be delivered by the Menéndez Pelayo International University.
Application deadline: from 25 August to 9 September 2020. These are free training courses on different aspects related to methodology and didactics of Spanish: good practices in virtual environments, creation and use of materials, gamification, creativity, cultural aspects.
For more information visit the Ministry of Education website.
Read more...
20 August 2020 (Open University/SCILT)
Teachers Learning to Teach Languages (TELT) is an innovative, distance learning professional learning programme offered by the Open University in partnership with SCILT. The course begins in October and lasts nine months. TELT is open to all primary teachers, and secondary teachers with a secondment in primary, across Scotland. The course materials and tutorials are all delivered online, and we hope to be able to have an optional face to face day school in May 2021 dependent on pandemic safety advice at that time.
Typically Scottish local authorities sponsor their teachers, however a small number of previous participants have financed themselves. If you are interested in finding out if sponsorship is available for you please contact the Languages Development Officer in your local authority.
For more information about self-funding please contact Scotland-languages@open.ac.uk
The aim of the programme is to increase and improve language provision in primary schools. Teachers simultaneously learn a new language and the skills to teach that language in the classroom. The languages strand is offered in four languages – French, German, Mandarin and Spanish – and at two levels – beginners and post-beginners. The pedagogy strand covers a diverse range of pedagogical approaches i.e. embedding an additional language, exploring target language cultures, play and games, interdisciplinary contexts.
What’s the course really like though? Hear what Mel and Gwen, two previous participants have to say.
The modules all begin on 3 October, with some induction activities ahead of that, and the fee per module place in Scotland is £258.00
Details of the commitment in terms of time and effort on these modules at the TELT website’s FAQs.
Potential sponsors can use an online Expression of Interest form to let us know about any teachers who are interested in the programme and would have their fees paid by sponsorship from their local authority or individual school. The deadline to submit Expressions of Interest for sponsored places is 31 August. Submitting the Expression of Interest form doesn't commit organisations to going ahead with sponsorship at this stage, or to a particular number of places. Formal registration paperwork would be issued after submission this online form, and the number of places can be increased or decreased following that.
Teachers who are interested but would be paying their own fees (self-funding), should contact scotland-languages@open.ac.uk The registration deadline for self-funding students is 10 September.
Visit the Open University TELT webpage for more information on the programme.
Similarly, for any other questions you have please don’t hesitate to contact scotland-languages@open.ac.uk
Read more...
20 August 2020 (SCILT)
Are you a local authority officer with responsibility for languages in your region?
Are you a Head of Faculty, Head of Department or Principal Teacher in your secondary school?
Are you a lead language practitioner or primary school leader?
Are you looking for high quality online professional learning for your colleagues?
If so, check out the menu of online workshops that the Professional Development Officers at SCILT can provide for colleagues in your school or department, your cluster, local authority or regional improvement collaborative.
Please note, these online workshops are intended for group bookings only.
As always, we are happy to tailor professional learning sessions to meet your specific needs. Please use the same booking form to request bespoke input and/or online workshops from the menu.
Keep your eye on the e-bulletin for news of other professional learning opportunities we will be offering this session.
Read more...
18 June 2020 (SCILT)
Are you a local authority officer with responsibility for languages in your region?
Are you a Head of Faculty, Head of Department or Principal Teacher in your secondary school?
Are you a lead language practitioner or primary school leader?
Are you looking for high quality online professional learning for your colleagues?
If so, check out the newly published menu of online workshops that the Professional Development Officers at SCILT can provide for colleagues in your school or department, your cluster, local authority or regional improvement collaborative.
Please note, these online workshops are intended for group bookings only.
As always, we are happy to tailor professional learning sessions to meet your specific needs. Please use the same booking form to request bespoke input and/or online workshops from the menu.
We also have lots of other CLPL options ready to launch after the summer holidays too. There will be a mix of anytime and live virtual sessions on a range of interesting themes across the year. All will be open to pre- and in-service primary and secondary teachers.
Keep your eye on the e-bulletin in the new session for news of other professional learning opportunities. In the meantime, the Professional Development team wish you a restful break.
Read more...
17 June 2020 (University of Dundee)
Registration for the 2020-22 cohort of the Graduate Diplomas in French, German and Spanish by Distance Learning of the University of Dundee is now open until 11 September 2020.
These 2 years online Graduate Diplomas by Distance Learning for part-time study are accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland. They are ideally suited for Secondary MFL teachers seeking an additional qualification in French, German or Spanish.
'A must for any modern languages teacher.' (Diploma student)
They aim to provide the challenge of an undergraduate curriculum in the relevant practical language. They carry a rating of 120 SCOTCAT points (SCQF Levels 9-10). The qualification outcome is bench-marked at C1 in the Council of Europe Reference Framework for Languages. Applicants will normally have a pass in Higher the relevant language (or equivalent, such as the Dundee Intensive/Revision languages courses by distance-learning).
At the University of Dundee, we have a long-established tradition of language teaching, both with students at the University and via distance learning. We use a combination of online tools to give students a range of experiences in the language. Experienced staff are responsible for the course design, delivery and student support.
'I myself am a language teacher. I have been teaching English in Japan for the last 9 years, so it is with a teacher’s perspective in mind that I tell you that the preparation, delivery and assessment of this diploma was excellent.' (French Diploma student)
'The materials were totally relevant as I need the course for teaching and the topics match that very well. I really enjoyed doing the course and would think about doing it for French (down the road)!' (German Diploma student)
'The course is very interesting with its amazing variety of tasks from different domains in different forms and it has opened my eyes to a brand new world so rich with talented people, their literature and arts. Thank you so much for working so hard in making the whole experience so fulfilling and enriching.' (Spanish Diploma student)
For more information visit the Dundee University website or to discuss any aspects of the course or your application, please contact Claire Nicoll c.z.nicoll@dundee.ac.uk
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16 June 2020 (Lyfta)
A high quality CPD course that empowers teachers to weave global citizenship into their curriculum with Lyfta.
Free for teachers, SLT and support staff from state funded schools in England and Scotland.
Includes free access to Lyfta’s online platform, content and resources (inc. over 100 lesson & assembly plans).
Course comprised of a 2-hour webinar + support for lesson/assembly planning + 1-hour online review session.
Visit the webite for more information and to register for one of the upcoming sessions:
- Monday 22 June 2020
- Tuesday 30 June 2020
Read more...
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.
Read more...
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.
Read more...
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
Scotland,
Citizenship,
CPD,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Cultural Diversity,
Funding,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Teacher Education,
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.
Read more...
Issue to action – an online course for secondary teachers across Scotland with an interest in Global Citizenship
12 May 2020 (Scotdec)
This 6 week online course will start on 19 May 2020 and focuses on Modern Languages, English, Science, Maths and Social Subjects.
See the course leaflet for more information.
Register for the course on the Eventbrite webpage.
7 May 2020 (Sabhal Mòr Ostaig)
If you already have a degree and are interested in teaching through the medium of Gaelic, this a post-graduate diploma in teaching could be the ideal opportunity for you.
Offered by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands network, the one year distance learning course is available in pathways for primary and secondary education.
Visit the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig website for more information.
Read more...
6 May 2020 (Consejería de Educación)
The Education Office of the Spanish Embassies to the United Kingdom and Ireland together with Extenda, the Andalusian Agency for Foreign Promotion, are organising eight on-line training workshops aimed at teachers of Spanish, which will take place during the months of May and June 2020.
The training sessions include a number of independent workshops based on different methodological aspects related to the teaching of Spanish which can be followed as chosen: each teacher can register for only one of the workshops, for several or for all of them, depending on their interest.
Dates and time: every Tuesday from 16:00 to 17:00 during the months of May and June (from May 12th to June 30th).
A certificate of participation will be delivered by the Spanish Education Office.
Visit the website for more information and to register.
Read more...
22 April 2020 (Goethe-Institut)
The Goethe-Institut is running a series of online webinars for trainers and teachers of German as a foreign language. Recordings are also available for those unable to attend the live events.
Visit the website for more information.
Read more...
16 April 2020 (Various)
The following resources have just been added to our Professional Learning for Teachers during the school closures web section:
Pedagogy Professional Learning
- On Education Scotland’s Digital Learning Community blog you will find collections of online resources to support teaching and learning in a wide range of languages. Click on the Gaelic Education Wakelet and the Modern Languages Wakelet. Resources will be updated over the period of the school closures.
- Language teachers adapting pedagogy to online delivery may be interested in two new resources created by the languages education experts at the European Centre for Modern Languages. The Treasure Chest and the Wakelet are packed with resources for engaging activities in multiple languages. Activities are differentiated for multilingual pupils and language learners from pre-school to secondary age and will be updated during the period of school closures.
Supporting Bilingual Learners
Further resources are available on our Professional Learning pages.
Read more...
2 April 2020 (SecEd)
The latest edition of the newsletter aimed at secondary educators has just been published and is available online. This issue includes advice on remote teaching and learning.
Read more...
2 April 2020 (SCILT)
Are you a teacher, a student teacher or aspiring student teacher? Are you looking for some professional learning to do online, at your own time and at your own pace?
Visit our professional learning pages to view our collated list of courses, webinars and materials that are free to access. Scroll down to the 'Professional learning for teachers during the school closures' section.
Read more...
28 March 2020 (TES)
The huge amount of 'free' apps and online learning offers can feel overwhelming. Here are seven simple steps to follow.
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26 March 2020 (SCILT/Education Scotland)
Unfortunately, due to the current uncertainty relating to COVID-19, it has been decided with careful consideration to cancel the Summer School this year.
SCILT and Education Scotland will continue to work closely and plan for next summer 2021. Further updates will be communicated in due course.
SCILT and Education Scotland's flagship national leadership programme has been running since 2014 and was recognised at GTCS Excellence in Professional Learning Awards in 2017 and 2018.
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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.
Read more...
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
All Languages,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Cultural Diversity,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
3 March 2020 (SCILT/CISS)
Scotland’s National Centre for Languages (SCILT) requires a Professional Development Officer to support the network of Scotland’s Confucius classrooms and the learning and teaching of languages across Scotland. This is an exciting opportunity to work at national level and drive forward the strategic languages agenda in Scotland. The successful candidate will be part of the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s Schools team based within SCILT as the Ramshorn building in Glasgow’s city centre. The centre leads 44 Confucius classrooms across Scotland, including secondary, primary and specialist classrooms.
The Professional Development Officer will be responsible for developing and delivering a broad range of support measures to develop the learning and teaching of Mandarin in Scottish schools and communities. This would include, for example, leading professional learning workshops and managing projects such as national awards/competitions and other promotional events.
The post holder will support practitioners to turn policy into practice in order to create a positive impact on learners. This will be based on identification of practitioners’ needs, with particular reference to the place of Mandarin and languages in general, within the National Improvement Framework and the Scottish curriculum. The post holder would, therefore, need extensive experience of leading recent initiatives that promote and support language learning.
Please note, the successful candidate need not be a fluent Mandarin speaker.
Visit the University of Strathclyde's vacancy portal for full details about the post and to apply by 22 March 2020.
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21 February 2020 (Education Scotland)
The latest edition of Education Scotland's newsletter for Modern Languages is now available to view online. This issue includes links to the second suite of resources to support progression from Second to Third level.
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19 February 2020 (Goethe-Institut)
There are different opinions on what good media-based foreign language teaching should look like in the 21st century. In 2020, seven Goethe-Institutes in Northwest Europe will be carrying out a project that deals with this problem and wants to address the following questions:
Does digitalisation enable customized learning opportunities? Do digital learning opportunities motivate German learners? Should modern foreign language teaching be project-oriented and multidisciplinary? Does the use of technical devices such as tablets automatically make teaching modern? Does internal differentiation work better with digital media? Does foreign language teaching contribute to the development of media literacy?
The aim of our project is the development of digitally supported, task- and action-oriented teaching scenarios for German lessons.
The highlight of the project is a multi-day Makeathon (from 13 to 15 May 2020) in Germany. During the Makeathon, you will work with German teachers from the Netherlands, Ireland, Sweden, Finland and Norway to develop scenarios for your German lessons with the support of experts. After the Makeathon, you will try out the teaching scenario you have co-developed in your German lessons.
Would you like to be part of the Makeathon and develop teaching scenarios together with other German teachers? There are four places available for teachers in Scotland. Apply until February 28, 2020!
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News from language & education organisations
11 February 2020 (Scotdec)
An online course for secondary school teachers across Scotland with an interest in Global Citizenship Education.
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.
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 Citizenship lens. You’ll come away having undertaken a minimum of 12 hours of CLPL and a subject-specific toolkit of classroom activities, along with inspiration, ideas, a network of like-minded practitioners and practical activities that will empower you to teach through a global citizenship lens.
The course kicks off with a face-to-face meet up of all teachers involved across Scotland on 21 March 2020 in Edinburgh. The remainder of the course is delivered digitally.
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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
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News from language & education organisations
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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17 January 2020 (LFEE)
LFEE Europe has been an international course provider since 2002. Our team of experienced and fully qualified native teachers are committed to promoting French and Spanish language and culture throughout Europe.
Teachers wishing to apply for courses in France and Spain for 2020-2021 can also benefit from Erasmus+ funding to cover the tuition fee, accommodation, subsistence and travel costs. The next funding application deadline is 5 February 2020.
Please contact LFEE Europe as soon as possible to pre-register and receive guidelines to help your application.
For more information, see the course brochure.
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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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7 January 2020 (JACT Summer Schools)
The UK’s largest classical summer school now offers teachers’ Greek courses at Beginner, Intermediate and GCSE levels.
Students cover a large amount of Greek within a scholarly and academically-intensive environment. The courses represent an ideal CPD opportunity for those wishing to acquire new expertise.
Teacher courses in 2020 will last for one week (Sunday to Saturday), with options as follows:
- Week 1 (26 July - 1 Aug): Beginner - A course for those with little or no Greek at present - no prior knowledge is assumed.
- Week 2 (2 - 8 Aug): Intermediate - This course assumes some knowledge.
It will be possible for teachers to attend the Beginner course in Week 1 and stay on for the Intermediate course in Week 2 if they wish.
Applications will open in January. For the best chance of gaining a course place and/or bursary apply by 31 March 2020.
Visit the JACT Summer Schools Trust website for more information.
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16 December 2019 (University of Edinburgh)
The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Secondary - is a one year (36 week) programme which begins mid-August. Places are available for 2020.
Visit the University of Edinburgh website for more information and to apply.
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10 December 2019 (Japan Foundation)
Why don’t you teach your pupils Japanese language and culture at your school? We think your pupils will love it!
The Marugoto A1-1 (Katsudoo & Rikai) Tutor Support Course gives a comprehensive introduction to Japanese language and culture. This course will combine online self-study with submission of assignments to a real-life tutor, in addition to live lessons (1 live lesson covers 1 Topic) with the tutor. The course commences 15 January 2020.
Visit the Japan Foundation website for more information and to register for the course by 18 December 2019.
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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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News from language & education organisations
3 December 2019 (Education Scotland)
Education Scotland's latest Modern Languages newsletter is now available online. This edition includes updates and support resources for 1+2.
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29 November 2019 (SCILT)
The SCILT professional learning menu for 2019-20 is available for booking. Authorities, clusters or schools may be interested in booking one or more from our range of workshops for primary, secondary and BGE.
Remember all of our professional learning sessions are free to book by teachers and local authorities. You find a date and a venue and get in touch with us.
Details of the workshops available and how to submit a request are on the professional learning pages of our website.
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29 October 2019 (The Scotsman)
A new Gaelic 'immersion' course is being set up at Glasgow University to help create a new generation of Gaelic-speaking professionals in Scotland.
The one-year course at Glasgow University will offer an intensive language learning experience for students and adult learners.
Students will undertake eight-months of tuition at the university followed by a three-week residential school at Ceòlas Uibhist, the Gaelic education and cultural centre in South Uist.
The course has been set up with a grant of £455,000 from the Scottish Funding Council.
It comes as Glasgow City Council considers a £16m commitment to build a fourth Gaelic Medium Education (GME) school.
The new course will help meet demand for Gaelic-speaking teachers as pupil numbers rise.
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3 October 2019 (Goethe-Institut)
The Goethe-Institut is again able to offer a number of grants to teachers for training in Germany. The offer is aiming at German teachers just embarking on their career, as well as at teachers expanding their commitments to GCSE and A-level. Those who train German language teachers are also able to benefit from the variety of courses.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more information and to apply.
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24 September 2019 (Education Scotland)
Education Scotland has published their latest Gaelic education newsletter. This edition includes information on the following:
- New educational resources
- Leadership programmes
- Sharing effective practice - workshops and resources
- Professional learning opportunities
- Links to information and resources from partners supporting Gaelic in the curriculum
Access the newsletter online.
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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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News from language & education organisations
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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22 August 2019 (SCILT)
SCILT requires a Professional Development Officer to advise and support primary schools across Scotland with language learning and teaching. This is an exciting opportunity to work at national level and drive forward Scotland’s agenda for languages at a strategic level.
The Professional Development Officer will be responsible for developing and delivering a broad range of support measures for teachers of languages. This would include, for example, leading professional learning, managing projects, assuming responsibility for national awards/competitions and other language related events.
It is expected that the postholder will support practitioners in turning policy into practice to create a positive impact on learners. This will be based on identification of practitioners’ needs, with particular reference to the aims of the National Improvement Framework, the 1+2 languages policy and Developing the Young Workforce. The postholder would need extensive experience of leading recent modern language initiatives in a primary school context. Established expertise in creative approaches to learning, teaching and assessment is essential.
Ideally, the post holder will have experience of external partnership working with the aim of developing interesting contexts for learning and intercultural awareness. The successful candidate will be competent in the use of digital technologies and will have the ability to work not only on her/his own initiative but also as part of a team. Excellent organisational, ICT and communication skills are essential, as is an ability to be flexible and responsive to our stakeholders’ needs.
Visit the University of Strathclyde's vacancy portal for further information and to apply. Closing date: 3 September 2019.
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15 August 2019 (Discovery Film Festival)
Discovery is Scotland's International Film Festival for children and young people. Taking place from 19 October to 3 November 2019, the Festival is in its sixteenth year and brings another selection of the best films for young audiences from around the world. With several native language films on offer, language learners have a great opportunity to test their listening and comprehension skills.
Teachers visit the Festival website to take a look at the programme for schools. The programme contains information about associated CPD sessions taking place during August and September which you can attend prior to your school visit.
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13 August 2019 (Education Scotland)
Inclusion in Practice is a badged professional learning module which has been designed to support equitable professional learning on inclusive practice for education practitioners in secondary schools and local authorities in Scotland.
It is based on The CIRCLE Framework, a collaboration between practitioners in Edinburgh City, Queen Margaret University and NHS Lothian, that has been adapted for modular learning by Education Scotland.
Visit the Education Scotland website for more information about the resource and how to use it to improve practice.
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OU/SCILT primary languages course
31 May 2019 (SCILT/OU)
We are happy to announce that registration is now open for the OU/SCILT primary languages course, which will be running again from October 2019. In light of positive feedback and popularity of the first year of the course, we are now also delighted to offer a second year, post-beginners’ course. The latter would be suitable for those who have successfully completed year 1 and wish to continue their studies, or for those who are looking to begin studying at a more advanced level.
- The courses will run from October 2019 to July 2020, and will develop language and pedagogy skills; language learning is provided by the Open University and pedagogy is provided by SCILT. The courses are aligned to the Scottish curriculum and support the 1+2 languages approach.
- Both courses are delivered online with two opportunities to attend face-to-face day schools.
- Learning is very flexible and participants can study at a time and place of their choosing.
- Each course carries a fee of £252, reflecting the input and student support for the language and pedagogy strands from both organisations.
Funding may be sponsored through your school or Local Authority who can register on your behalf. Initial registration information must be submitted to the OU by Monday 17 June 2019 and LAs should contact Scotland-Languages@open.ac.uk.
Students also have the option to fund the fee themselves. In this case, an interested teacher should contact the OU directly at Scotland-Languages@open.ac.uk.
Here is some further information:
Beginners level
- will be offered in a choice of four languages - French, German, Spanish and Mandarin plus study of primary pedagogy with direct application in the classroom.
- takes students to the end of the equivalent to level A1 of the Common European Reference Framework for Languages.
- allows students to gain 15 university credits for the language study.
- also gives students the option to gain GTCS recognition for the pedagogy study; all students will receive a certificate on successful completion from SCILT.
- study hours will be approximately five hours per week, including time spent on the direct application of the new skills in the classroom.
Post-beginners level
- teachers who have started studying one language in the beginners level of the course would need to continue studying the same language at post-beginners level.
- teachers who already have some basic knowledge in one of the four languages can directly enrol on the post-beginners level course to further develop their skills in that language and learn about primary languages pedagogy (without having to have studied beginners level).
- will follow the same format as the beginners level course and will be offered in the same four languages (French, German, Mandarin and Spanish).
- will teach primary languages pedagogy in more depth and cover:
- the skills of writing and reading,
- IDL with a special focus on outdoor learning as well as links with other key subject areas through CLIL,
- learning and teaching of languages in multilingual contexts/communities.
- will have the same:
- number of study hours,
- assessment structure,
- accreditation with 15 university credits,
- optional GTCS recognition for the pedagogy strand, as above ;
- in their language study, students will reach the equivalent of the end of level A2 of the Common European Reference Framework for Languages (end of post-beginner level).
- after completing both courses, students would then be in a good position to go on to study one of the standard language courses at the OU should they want to improve their knowledge of the language even further.
Course codes are as follows:
|
Beginners level
|
LXT192 French
|
LXT193 German
|
LXT197 Mandarin
|
LXT194 Spanish
|
|
Post-beginners level
|
LXT191 (language choice will come as a second step once students have registered)
|
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SCILT news
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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News from language & education organisations
25 October 2018 (Social Enterprise Academy/SCEL)
There are still a few spaces left on the bespoke leadership programme endorsed by SCEL, designed to meet the needs of emerging leaders in Gaelic Medium Education and Gaelic Learner Education.
We will explore specific leadership issues faced by the sector, such as implementing CfE, supporting ASN pupils and managing transitions, all within the context of contemporary resource challenges.
You will gain an invaluable insight into your own leadership style and qualities, and a range of tools and techniques to use in your future career.
The programme is for teachers and educational professionals who would like to gain confidence in their ability to be effective, progressive, and self-aware leaders, potentially progressing their careers into head teacher or principal roles.
It will be delivered in Gaelic medium with learning materials provided in both Gaelic and English.
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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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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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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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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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12 September 2018 (SecEd)
This September, many secondary schools will have new arrivals from abroad who have English as an additional language. Continuing our series on EAL, Dr Ruth Wilson gives some practical advice for you and your schools in meeting the needs of this diverse group of learners
New arrivals with English as an additional language (EAL) are a very diverse group. Their language proficiency can range from “new to English” to “fluent”. The young person can arrive at any age and with widely different socio-economic and educational backgrounds. Some students may come from an advantaged context with a high standard of education; others may have had little or interrupted schooling or experienced traumatic events. A new arrival could for example be a refugee from a war-torn country or a child of a German banker working in the City of London.
Data show that, on average, pupils arriving late into the English school system do less well in external exams than their first language English peers, and that the older the pupils are when they arrive the less likely they are to achieve good results in year 11 (Hutchinson, 2018).
This article gives some practical advice for you and your schools in meeting the needs of EAL learners who are newly arrived from abroad.
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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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3 September 2018 (SCHOLAR)
SCHOLAR has updated the Higher French, German and Spanish pages to reflect the changes to Higher which are now in place. SCHOLAR on-line tutor, Douglas Angus, will be hosting a webinar on Monday 17 September at 6pm for an hour to look at the changes, and to talk about the implications for teaching and learning of the new format for Higher Modern Languages. To take part in this event please log in as guest. The webinar will be broadcast live and recorded so it can be downloaded if you miss it.
There will be sessions for pupils at Higher and Advanced Higher level this year again, starting in November. For Higher, amongst the sessions will be on on the Assignment-Writing and for Advanced Higher on on the Portfolio and Specialist Study. Meanwhile, last year’s sessions are still available on the SCHOLAR website, but are open to all and do not require a password.
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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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27 August 2018 (SQA)
SQA is running three webinars in September covering updates to Higher Modern Languages:
-
Tuesday 4th September 5-6pm
-
Monday 10th September 5-6pm
-
Thursday 27th September 5-6pm
Content will be the same on all three dates. Register on the SQA booking system.
If colleagues are finding they cannot get a place on the webinar they can contact the SQA events team sqaevents@sqa.org.uk or 0345 213 5580 who would in turn contact colleagues if spaces on webinars become available.
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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.
23 August 2018 (SCILT)
Education Scotland, Glasgow City Council and SCILT (Scotland’s National Centre for Languages) are delighted to be able to offer a free online learning opportunity highlighting the benefits of bilingualism, practical strategies teachers can use to promote and support bilingualism in their classrooms, background information on policy and legislation, and useful resources and links to other sites.
The module has been developed to to support the New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy. It will provide practitioners who work with bilingual learners an improved awareness of what bilingualism is and help to promote a more inclusive learning environment.
See the attached flyer for more information. The free module can be accessed on the Glow website.
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20 August 2018 (University of Dundee)
New intake: The online Graduate Diplomas in French, German or Spanish are accredited by the General Teaching Council Scotland GTCS for teachers wishing to teach another language. The course runs 2 years part-time and starts in October 2018, University of Dundee.
The courses are taught online and via Skype and suitable for learners with an entry level comparable to a Higher or equivalent. On completion graduates are expected to be at C1 level (CEFR) .
For further information please see the distance learning page of the University of Dundee website.
Please contact us at humanities@dundee.ac.uk if you wish to discuss any aspect of the courses, or your application.
Read more...
19 August 2018 (Education Scotland)
We are delighted to announce that the Leadership Award for educators of Gaelic Medium Education (GME) organised by Social Enterprise Academy, in collaboration with Education Scotland and Bòrd na Gàidhlig, is being offered in November and December 2018. This is a professional learning opportunity which is tailored to build leadership capacity in GME. It is delivered through the medium of Gaelic. The Leadership Award is endorsed by the Scottish College of Educational Leadership (SCEL), with accreditation by the Institute of Leadership and Management Award at SCQF level 9 and is funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
Visit Education Scotland's learning blog for more information.
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Shanghai teacher immersion course 2018
7 August 2018 (CISS)
A group of teachers from Scotland spent two weeks in July immersing themselves in new cultural experiences in Shanghai, China.
A typical day consisted of an early start, breakfast in the Shitang (canteen) followed by Mandarin classes. Everyone greatly enjoyed the lessons as beginners were well supported whilst the more experienced speakers were sufficiently challenged.
This was followed by a cultu
ral excursion or experience. For most this was the highlight of the trip as it allowed everyone to apply their learning and to experience authentic Chinese culture.
Highlights in Shanghai included a riverboat cruise by night, showcasing the breath-taking skyline, relaxing from the hustle and bustle experiencing Tai chi, and producing calligraphy and hearing stories behind the characters.
21 June 2018 (SQA)
The SQA has published a recording of the Higher Modern Languages webinar that took place on 19 June. The webinar provides guidance on the revised course assessment for session 2018-19.
Webinars can also be accessed from the Understanding Standards website.
Read more...
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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19 June 2018 (SCDE)
The Scottish Council of Deans of Education (SCDE) Languages Group, which represents all language strands within the Schools of Education across Scottish Universities, has created a National Framework for Languages (NFfL) and associated digital resource to support teacher educators and teachers at all stages of their careers, with the aim of transforming the 1 + 2 Languages Policy in Scotland into purposeful classroom pedagogies promoting plurilingualism and pluriliteracies.
The NFfL is based on four overarching principles: plurilingualism, diversity, policy and legislation and transformative practice, and reflects the strands of the Professional Standards established by GTCS. For each of these strands the NFfL has identified a series of statements which encourage practitioners to consider a broad and inclusive understanding of the role of language in and for learning. These statements are linked to the associated digital resources: a reflective tool and digital resource bank.
The reflective tool includes a personal biography based on
Pepelino and the
European Language Portfolio as well as a series of reflective questions. These reflective questions are directly linked to the statements of the NFfL and aim to support teachers in evaluating their own practices.
The digital resource bank was created after a systematic review of the international literature covering formal language learning across all ages and stages, the increasingly complex demands of plurilingual and pluricultural classrooms and the need to develop a shared understanding of the role of languages for learning, which addresses the fundamental role played by languages (including the learners’ first language) in developing global citizens.
The NFfL and accompanying digital resources are now being piloted and can be accessed on the National Framework for Languages (NFfL) website.
Further information can be obtained from Ingeborg Birnie (
Ingeborg.birnie@strath.ac.uk).
Read more...
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News from language & education organisations
7 June 2018 (TES)
Hundreds of primary school teachers will have the chance to learn and teach new languages within seven months, under a scheme being expanded after a successful trial.
The distance-learning programme - the first of its kind in the UK – sees primary teachers study either French, Spanish, German or Mandarin and develop the skills to teach the language in the primary classroom at the same time.
After a pilot involving 54 teachers from 49 Scottish schools across nine local authorities in 2017-18, next year the scheme will be available throughout Scotland. Welsh and Northern Irish schools are also expected to sign up.
Teachers taking part will spend about five hours a week from October to June - around 150 hours in total - but they will start teaching the languages to pupils before completing the course.
The scheme, run by The Open University and SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages, will be launched in Edinburgh today.
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Languages in the press
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
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German,
Spanish,
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Cross-Sector Working,
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Teacher Education,
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.
Read more...
17 May 2018 (SQA)
Dates for the next Higher Modern Languages webinars are now available to book on the SQA website (login required).
Sessions are available:
- 4 September
- 10 September
- 29 September
Read more...
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!
Read more...
Certificate of Continuing Education in Spanish (CCEd)
4 May 2018 (University of Strathclyde)
The School of Humanities at the University of Strathclyde is delighted to invite applications for the Certificate of Continuing Education in Spanish in the academic session 2018-2019.
The Certificate of Continuing Education (CCEd) is an intensive beginners’ class that will bring you up to first-year university standard in a year, with the option of continuing your studies into second year and up to university pass degree level within three years.
These evening degree programmes comprises undergraduate level modules in the language at first, second and third-year levels. The two first-year modules, Introduction 1A and Introduction 1B, are intensive beginners’ classes. They are suitable for people with some or no knowledge of the language but with previous experience of language learning, and would equally suit those with qualifications in the language from some years ago who wish to refresh their knowledge.
The CCEd provides a General Teaching Council approved qualification and has in previous years appealed to candidates from diverse backgrounds including:
- professional people with an interest in the Spanish-speaking world and their languages (journalists, marketing consultants, entrepreneurs, etc)
- secondary school teachers wishing to acquire an additional language
- teachers of classics
- primary school teachers
- musicians
For more information about the course and how to apply, please see the attached document.
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.
Read more...
Language Leaders - training week in Cavilam
16 April 2018 (Institut français)
For the third year, the Institut français is offering grants to six Language Leaders of Scotland to attend a one week training course in France.
The course will take place at the Cavilam Alliance française de Vichy from 30 July to 3 August 2018.
The Cavilam is an international centre of excellence for French teachers and teachers' trainers which welcomes teachers from all over the world.
This course is open to all practitioners with a leading role on your 1+2 strategy: in a school, a cluster, or at the council or regional level.
Further information regarding the grants, programme, accommodation/transport and how to apply can be found in the attached documents. Please note that the Institut français covers only the course fee.
The application deadline is 11 May 2018.
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
French,
1+2,
CPD,
Immersion,
Language Teaching,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
12 April 2018 (SQA)
The SQA is running an evening webinar on 5 June to provide an overview of the new Modern Languages Higher course assessment arrangements which will be implemented from session 2018-19 onwards.
This will cover the performance–talking and there will be a particular focus on Higher assignment-writing.
To book a place, please visit the SQA online booking system.
Additional webinar sessions on the new Higher Modern Languages Course assessment arrangements will be running in September 2018.
Read more...
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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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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Cross-Sector Working,
Europe,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
27 March 2018 (British Council eTwinning)
Aimed at teachers of primary and secondary learners aged 4-16, this eTwinning workshop will develop teachers' awareness, confidence and skills in learning about refugee issues, welcoming refugee and migrant children to mainstream classrooms from a social and emotional perspective, and will give a basic introduction to language acquisition and the importance of maintaining and developing mother tongue and home culture.
Visit the website to sign up for the course between 9 - 17 April 2018.
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CPD,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Migration,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations,
Refugees
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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Early Years,
Primary,
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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
21 March 2018 (Goethe-Institut)
The Goethe-Institut is again able to offer a number of grants to teachers for professional development courses in Germany. The offer is aimed at German teachers just embarking on their career, as well as at teachers expanding their commitments to GCSE and A-level. Those who train German language teachers are also able to benefit from the variety of courses.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more information about the courses available and how to apply. Please note, teachers in Scotland should apply to the Glasgow office.
Read more...
19 March 2018 (Education Scotland)
These FAQs produced by Education Scotland cover the main points raised during a series of secondary 1+2 ‘roadshows’ held in 2017.
This resource is for those teachers in secondary modern languages departments who are responsible for transition and course planning. It can be accessed on the Education Scotland website.
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.
Posted in:
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SCILT news,
News from language & education organisations
GTCS Excellence in Professional Learning Awards for Universities of Dundee and Glasgow
23 October 2017 (University of Dundee/UCMLS)
On 21 September 2017 GTCS held its first Excellence in Professional Learning Award ceremony at the Hilton Grosvenor Hotel in Glasgow. The event also celebrated professional learning programmes that have been accredited with GTCS Professional Recognition. This included the University of Dundee for its Graduate Diplomas in French, German and Spanish by distance learning and the University of Glasgow for its Postgraduate Certificate ‘Teaching and Learning of Modern Languages in Primary Schools’. UCMLS Chair Marion Sporing said "Universities in Scotland continue to play an important role in supporting teachers in promoting and sustaining the learning of languages in Scottish schools and the wider education sector."
23 October 2017 (LFEE)
LFEE were delighted – and very proud - to collect a GTCS Professional Recognition Accredited Programme Award last month for our three-week French/Spanish Immersion Programmes and the 12-month Modern Languages Immersion and Methodology Programme. This is following on from having achieved course accreditation three years ago.
Representatives from ten Local Authorities from across Scotland attended the PowerLanguage conference to witness the launch of the NEW PowerLanguage Schools (PLS) website. Feedback from those present was extremely positive and the new site is now available to other practitioners!
Our “off the shelf” L3 in Mandarin was also very popular and will be available in Spanish soon.
Last but not least, we’re very excited to say that Caroline Gordon has joined our team 2 days a week and will be helping us with communication and social media amongst other things!
Contact us for information regarding any of the above projects. We look forward to hearing from you!
Read more...
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Spanish,
Scotland,
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Funding,
Immersion,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
SQA Spanish Appointee Opportunities – 2018 Exam Diet
18 October 2017 (SQA)
SQA is currently advertising the following 2018 Exam Diet Appointee roles for Spanish:
Team Leaders will assist the Higher Principal Assessor with post-examination procedures and support a team of Markers during marking activity.
The Senior Marker will support the AH Principal Assessor with procedural activity across Talking Performance, Portfolio & Papers 1&2.
Support and training will be provided.
Further detail about the roles is available via the links above, where applications may be submitted. Closing date is Sunday 5 November 2017.
Please feel free to forward this information to any practitioners who may be interested in applying.
If you have any queries please contact Elaine Clusker, Qualification Officer: elaine.clusker@sqa.org.uk.
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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French,
Spanish,
Scotland,
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Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Teacher Education,
SCILT news,
News from language & education organisations
16 October 2017 (ECML)
With over 40 official languages in the member states of the Council of Europe and more than 70 regional and minority languages officially recognized in addition to a number of languages spoken by migrants, it is important that Europe’s language diversity is recognized and acknowledged.
The reality for many European citizens is that in the course of their lives they will need to develop proficiency, not only in their native language, but in a variety of languages. Demands of study, work, travel, relocation and personal development will also mean that skills in new languages will need to be added to their existing repertoire. Therefore, learning the skills required to learn languages is of paramount importance. Furthermore, language learning and identity construction are closely interlinked.
Recognizing the importance of languages in the lives of Europeans and the benefits that early language learning provides, the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) has launched a two-year project "Inspiring language learning and teaching in the early years – Why it matters and what it looks like for children age 3-12".
The project is focused on early language learning, from 3 to 12 years of age. The innate curiosity and enthusiasm that children bring to learning during this initial period in their formal education makes it the ideal time to introduce, nurture and motivate learners in the area of additional language learning. Strong foundations, built at this stage in children’s development, will facilitate language learning throughout life and openness to, as well as respect for different cultures, values and traditions.
Find out more on the ECML website.
Read more...
12 October 2017 (SQA)
Are you looking for CPD opportunities? Become an appointee for SQA – apply to be an Event Verifier in Modern Languages. It's a really worthwhile role and great professional development in relation to building confidence about national standards.
Visit the SQA website for more information and to apply by 29 October.
Read more...
12 October 2017 (Alliance Française)
The Alliance Française Glasgow is now offering special training designed for Primary School teachers to help them (re-)validate their professional development and accreditation.
Our team can travel to your school for a twilight to teach a 10-hour programme (2hrs per week over 5 weeks) suited for beginners/false beginners.
As well as working on your pronunciation and vocabulary skills, this course will provide you with "ready to teach" ideas and materials which can also be transferred to other languages in the 1+2 context.
Visit the Alliance Française website for further details.
Read more...
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.
Read more...
Posted in:
Early Years,
Primary,
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Senior Phase,
CPD,
Cross-Sector Working,
Cultural Diversity,
Funding,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
6 October 2017 (SCILT/SQA)
The course specification for National 5 has been updated following the Scottish Government announcement that unit assessments will no longer be mandatory from session 2016-17 at this level. As well as extracting the key points providing an overview of the content and assessment requirements, we now have links to SQA's recording of the National 5 webinar held in April/May and repeated in September/October 2017 on our website.
Other National Qualifications will be reviewed and updated in due course.
Read more...
22 September 2017 (SCILT)
On Thursday 21 September, the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) hosted their first Excellence in Professional Learning Awards held at the Hilton Grosvenor Hotel in Glasgow.
The Excellence in Professional Learning Award for Schools and Learning Communities recognises the central role that leadership at all levels plays in creating and sustaining professional learning environments where teacher professionalism can flourish and bring sustained impact on learning and learners.
Sir Harry Burns, Former Chief Medical Officer for Scotland and Ken Muir, CEO of the GTCS presented this new award to Windygoul Primary School, East Lothian; North Ayrshire Professional Learning Academy and Fife Pedagogy Team and St Ninian’s RC High School, East Dunbartonshire. See the
GTCS website for more detail about the individual successes.
In addition, professional learning programmes that have been accredited with Professional Recognition were also celebrated. As such, Lynne Jones Professional Development Officer at SCILT was delighted to accept a trophy on behalf of SCILT and Education Scotland as further validation of the 1+2 Languages Leadership Programme (formerly known as Train the Trainer). Visit the SCILT website for more information about this national, flagship professional learning opportunity.
Read more...
An t-Alltan conference
22 September 2017 (Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig)
Teachers involved in Gaelic Medium Education from all over the country will be gathering in Aviemore next week for the annual An t-Alltan conference.
Organised by Gaelic educational resources organisation Stòrlann Naiseanta na Gaidhlig, based in Stornoway, this will be the ninth year of An t-Alltan and the number of attendees has been growing every year.
It is taking place in the Macdonald Aviemore Conference Centre, on September 27 and 28.
Around 200 teachers from the early years sector through to high school are expected to attend and the keynote speech will be delivered by Joan Mackay, assistant director at Education Scotland, on the theme of ‘developing the young workforce’ and ‘what kind of leaders we need to be’.
There will be nearly 30 workshops held across the two days and 18 exhibitors.
See the full press release attached for more information.
19 September 2017 (Alliance Française)
The autumn term has just begun at the Alliance Française in Glasgow. In their latest newsletter, find out more about the upcoming courses and events taking place, including:
- Beginner course for primary school teachers
- Grammar course and oral skills course for university students
- October break workshop for children
- DELF/DALF exams
- Distance learning with 'Frantastique' - access a free trial
For all this, and more, see the newsletter online.
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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News from language & education organisations
13 September 2017 (Goethe-Institut)
Every year the Goethe-Institut offers an attractive range of residential training and language courses for teachers of German: for primary and secondary teachers, for teachers in further education and teacher trainers:
- Language Courses
- Landeskunde
- Methodology/Teaching Strategies
Deadline for applications: 15 October 2017.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more information. Teachers from Scotland, please apply to Goethe-Institut Glasgow.
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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.
7 September 2017 (Alliance Française)
The Alliance Française Glasgow is running a new 10-week Beginners 1 French course for Primary School teachers between October and December 2017.
This course is suitable for complete beginners.
- 20 hours of lessons over 10 weeks tailored to the needs of Primary School teachers: classroom and speaking activities, pronunciation, communication, increase your confidence and feel more comfortable speaking French.
- The course will take take place on Thursdays 3.45 - 5.45 pm between 5 October and 14 December 2017.
Visit the Alliance Française website for more information and to enrol.
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7 September 2017 (SALT)
Offered by Smalltalk Languages, this course is aimed at nursery/primary staff who are currently introducing French/Spanish as part of their curriculum for excellence/1+2 languages programme or intend to do so. Suitable for both complete beginners and people with prior knowledge of the language, the main focus of the course will be on language learning and practical methodology.
On the day participants will look at language from the children’s perspective. They will be shown how to build both their own and the children’s confidence in language skills while learning the importance of adapting and manipulating language for maximum effect.
Visit the SALT website for available dates and locations.
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News from language & education organisations
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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Language Policy,
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News from language & education organisations
28 August 2017 (TES)
Supporting EAL students is personal to this assistant headteacher. Here she gives her six tips to ensure these students – and their families – get the right assistance.
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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 (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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International teacher mentoring conference for Hanban teachers across Scotland
24 August 2017 (CISS)
On Friday 10 November, CISS will be facilitating our international teacher mentoring conference for Hanban teachers across Scotland and their mentors in Scottish schools.
Please ensure that the teacher who is mentor attends the day with their mentee as we will have a range of speakers and workshop facilitators including SCEL, GTCS, Staff Development Strathclyde and ourselves. We would like to include other teachers who are interested in mentoring as well as our Hanban teacher mentors so please
contact CISS to register.
While it is essential the Hanban teacher mentor can attend, other interested teachers are welcome.
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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SCILT news
22 August 2017 (Japan Foundation)
A unique opportunity for teachers to start learning Japanese as a complete beginner.
The Marugoto A1-1 (Katsudoo - Activity & Rikai - Grammar) Tutor Support Course gives a comprehensive introduction to Japanese language and culture. This course will combine online self-study with submission of assignments to a real-life tutor, in addition to live lessons with the tutor.
Enrolment deadline: 31 August 2017
Course period: 14 September – 15 December 2017
Course fee: £40 (50% launch discount; usual cost £80)
Each participant needs to have their own individual account and computer (or other suitable internet-enabled device), headphones and webcam to have the opportunity to speak and practice Japanese.
Please note a maximum of 40 people can be accepted on the course. Your suitability for this course will be assessed by the Japan Foundation after your application has been received.
Visit the course website for full details and to register.
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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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Certificate of Continuing Education (CCed) in Spanish 2017-18
28 July 2017 (University of Strathclyde)
Applications are open for the University of Strathclyde's Certificate of Continuing Education in Spanish (evening classes).
The CCed course will be of interest to those who wish to learn Spanish, including primary and secondary school teachers and a range of professional people with an interest in the Spanish world and their language. The Certificate provides a General Teaching Council approved qualification, subject to a 13 week residency period in a Spanish speaking country.
See the attached flyer for more information, including how to enrol for the September 2017 intake.
27 July 2017 (Language Show London)
This blogpost from Judith McKerrecher outlines the session she will be facilitating on behalf of Scotland’s National Centre for Languages (SCILT) and The Confucius Institute for Scotland’s Schools (CISS) at the Languages Show in London in October 2017.
As well as looking at and discussing the connections to the sustainable development goals, our planet and language learning, the session will explore a variety of contexts for language learning.
Having recently created a new project based professional learning menu, we have carefully considered the SDGs and this is reflected in the choices on offer. For example, the opportunity to combine science experiments with languages, geography, storytelling and outdoor learning or history with language, heritage, culture and nature is a breath of fresh air to language learning. In this way, languages can be used creatively and purposefully in new contexts.
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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.
Read more...
19 June 2017 (British Council)
This summer, 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 France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Slovakia, Tunisia or Spain. These events are designed to facilitate new eTwinning projects through partner-finding and project planning activities. Teachers who register on eTwinning from 19 June until 19 August will also receive free wall maps, passport and homework challenge resources in the post, (designed to help kick-start a simple international project). Workshop themes and subject areas are varied, spanning e-safety to computational thinking, MFL, history and culture.
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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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14 June 2017 (Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig)
Seven primary teachers from the Outer Hebrides are about to complete a pilot training course that will enable them to train colleagues in how to teach Gaelic to children in their class.
The programme has been specially constructed by training experts working for Gaelic educational resources organisation Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig as part of the company’s strategic approach to boost the teaching of Gaelic in English Medium Education. The training demonstrates how to make best use of the Go! Gaelic programme of resources, created by a team of language experts, designers and IT professionals at Stòrlann.
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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
5 June 2017 (ECML)
The CEFR was created in order to provide a transparent, coherent and comprehensive basis for the development of language programmes, curriculum guidelines and teaching/learning materials, as well as to assist the assessment of foreign language proficiency.
The Framework is particularly well-known for its 6-level proficiency scale (A1 < C2), which can be divided into different categories in order to create transparent and coherent language proficiency profiles – a major innovation in the domain of European education.
However the CEFR does not begin and end with the levels, nor is it intended as a standardisation instrument. As a reference tool, its aim is to facilitate transparency and coherence in language education at all levels: curricula, teaching, assessment and teacher education.
The new CEFR website offers a range of different resources, contributed by major European institutions and developed in different research projects and investigations.
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1+2 National Events for Principal Teachers of languages and colleagues i/c timetabling : June 2017
30 May 2017 (Education Scotland/SCILT/ADES/GTCS)
These events will focus on 1+2 in the secondary sector and feature inputs from ADES, ES, GTCS, SCILT and a representative from a local business. Purpose of the day:
- 1+2 – overview of current developments
- sharing practice across authorities re implementation in secondary
- transitions between primary and secondary
- examining the place of languages in BGE and Senior Phase in secondary schools
Scottish Ministers have a clear message to all stakeholders: that learning languages is a normal part of the curriculum from P1 onwards. These regional 1+2 events for the secondary sector are part of the Strategic Implementation Group’s priority to focus on curriculum such that there is clear and effective design which ensures progress through primary and secondary schooling, and on Career Long Professional Learning to ensure practitioners are equipped, enabled and empowered to deliver high quality language learning in primary and secondary schools. Given the significance of the 1+2 policy for secondary modern languages departments, it is important that all schools are represented at these regional events. Your LA languages contact (usually DO/QIO) will have alerted you to the event for your region, however if you have not yet received the invitation to attend your local event (two invitees per school – PT languages, plus timetabler- usually a DHT) please contact
EDSCFE@EducationScotland.gsi.gov.ukYour regional event will take place as per the schedule below:
| Date | Event Location | Authorities involved |
| Tuesday 20 June | Stirling | Stirling, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire |
| Wednesday 21 June | Coatbridge | North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, West Lothian |
Venue details, timings and a programme for the day will be emailed to you when you register for the event.
11 May 2017 (CISS)
The CISS 2016-17 professional learning menu
'Making Chinese work for you' has been updated to include two new cross-sector workshops:
- Parent/carer engagement with the learning of Mandarin
- Coaching and mentoring for your Hanban teacher/volunteer
Visit the Professional Learning page of the CISS website to find out more and to arrange a learning event.
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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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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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23 April 2017 (SALT)
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (SMO), the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, is to deliver a new Gaelic teaching degree.
The BA (Hons) Gaelic and Education recently received validation from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and accreditation from the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS ) and the first cohort of students will begin the course in September.
The course will be part of Sabhal Mòr’s degree pathway and will be taught through the medium of Gaelic and will focus on immersion and bilingual teaching practices in schools. This is the first time that SMO has taken the lead role in delivering a teacher training degree, and the course is designed for either secondary teaching (Gaelic as a subject) or Gaelic-medium primary teaching.
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The 1+2 Languages Leadership Programme
20 April 2017 (SCILT)
Summer School is on! The national leadership programme formerly known as Train the Trainer has undergone an extensive review over the last year.
Under its new name,
The 1+2 Languages Leadership Programme, this flagship national leadership programme will be open for registration from Monday. Invitations will go out to local authority representatives and teacher education institutions. The programme has Professional Recognition accreditation from GTCS and is completely free of charge for educators in the public sector. Beginning with a Summer School which will take place from Monday 3rd to Friday 7th July 2017 at the University of Strathclyde’s city centre campus in Glasgow.
Hosted by SCILT and Education Scotland,
The 1+2 Languages Leadership Programme is aimed at those who have, or aspire to have, a responsibility for leading languages and developing colleagues’ capacity to deliver the 1+2 approach to languages.
The revised programme features inputs from a wide variety of speakers with an extensive range of expertise in teaching and leading languages. The inclusion of parallel sessions offers choice to participants, and the content is a balance of theory, policy and practice around language learning and teaching, leadership, personal reflection and professional evaluation.
The themes of this updated Summer School are:
- 1+2 languages: the national picture and the position of languages in the National Improvement Framework and the Scottish Attainment Challenge
- Strategic leadership in languages: planning and evaluation
- Progression in language learning
- Parental and wider engagement in language learning
- Raising attainment: practical ways to develop literacy skills across languages
- L3 – existing models, diversity of languages
- Inclusive practice in languages
- Supporting bilingual learners
Interested in participating in
The 1+2 Languages Leadership Programme? Contact your local authority QIO.
7 April 2017 (Ceòlas)
Ceòlas will be running teacher training courses again this year, in July during the Summer School (2--7/7; Dalabrog) and the symposium (23-27/7; Ìochdar).
Six different levels will run, making this course suitable for teachers who are beginners up to fluent who wish to learn Gaelic as it is used within the community. Teachers really enjoy this course, many of whom have not 'experienced' a Gaelic community before.
See the attached flyer or visit the website for more information.
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31 March 2017 (SQA)
The SQA is running a series of subject-specific continuing professional development (CPD) webinars to help you prepare for the revised National 5 course assessments that are being introduced in session 2017-18. The Modern Languages webinars will take place on Thursday 20 April, Monday 24 April and Thursday 4 May, and will focus on the requirements of the revised assessments.
Further details of the webinars are provided on the SQA's
NQ events page. Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please note also that the content of Modern Languages webinars is the same, and colleagues need only attend one of the three scheduled.
For those unable to secure a place, recordings of the webinars will be published on the SQA website within six weeks of the webinar date. This will be accompanied by a transcript of any questions and answers discussed during the webinars.
Details of published webinars will be provided in SQA Centre News over the coming months.
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30 March 2017 (Japanese for Young Learners project)
This course, organised by the Japanese for Young Learners Projects, aims to introduce teachers to Japanese language and culture for use in the classroom. Teachers will be introduced to Japanese language for beginners and to cultural learning activities such as origami and Japanese food.
The course will include developing literacy in Japanese and an introduction to Japanese reading and writing - easier than you think!
The course is being delivered in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and the Japan Foundation, UK. It takes place over six weeks, commencing Thursday 20 April.
Visit the website to register for this free professional development opportunity and see the press article below relating to the project's pilot in Liberton Primary School, Edinburgh.
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30 March 2017 (Consejería de Educación)
The Instituto Cervantes and the Spanish Embassy Education Office in the UK offer Spanish Online Courses for Primary and Secondary School Teachers in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and PGDE students through Aula Virtual de Español Global (AVE Global), an interactive platform specifically designed by the Instituto Cervantes for the teaching and learning of Spanish.
The course is suitable for those with or without previous knowledge of Spanish.
The next course commences 10 April 2017 and lasts for 11 weeks.
Visit the Instituto Cervantes website for more information and to enrol.
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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.
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20 March 2017 (SALT)
The BA (Hons) Gaelic and Education recently received validation from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and accreditation from the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS ) and the first cohort of students will begin the course in September.
The course will be part of Sabhal Mòr’s degree pathway and will be taught through the medium of Gaelic and will focus on immersion and bilingual teaching practices in schools. This is the first time that SMO has taken the lead role in delivering a teacher training degree, and the course is designed for either secondary teaching (Gaelic as a subject) or Gaelic-medium primary teaching.
Previously SMO had delivered teacher training in partnership with the University of Aberdeen, but with the new course the College is now a lead provider of Gaelic teacher training giving students a unique opportunity to learn in a Gaelic-rich environment. Students can complete the BA (Hons) Gaelic and Education through SMO or Lews Castle College, and the course can be undertaken via distance learning or on campus.
Read more...
14 March 2017 (The Herald)
Teachers have warned an ambitious strategy to expand language learning in Scottish primary schools lacks direction.
The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) teaching union said training for school staff was variable and had led to lower confidence levels in some areas.
The criticism centres on the Scottish Government’s flagship 1+2 languages policy under which primary pupils are to be taught at least two modern languages in addition to their mother tongue, starting in the first year of schooling and adding a second foreign language no later than P5.
The government has argued primaries should incorporate as large a pool of languages as possible, including Portuguese, Punjabi, Urdu and Polish.
However, critics say schools and teacher training universities need a much smaller group of languages to focus on to ensure continuity of study and expertise among staff.
In a letter to councils, Andrea Bradley, EIS assistant secretary for education, said information from primary teachers had identified training that was not of a consistently appropriate standard.
She said members had highlighted a “lack of direction” as to which languages would be taught at which stage as well as “variable quality of teachers’ experience of training course delivery”.
She also said there was “inconsistency” in the duration of training courses and therefore inconsistency in “outcomes for our members in terms of their levels of confidence to teach foreign languages”.
She added: “The EIS therefore calls upon all local authorities to work with Scottish Government to address the issues that are raised here, with a view to ensuring coherence of approach and adequate resourcing in order that the worthy aims of the policy can be met.”
The concerns were echoed by Gillian Campbell-Thow, chairwoman of the Scottish Association for Language Teaching.
Read more...
Related Links
SALT's response to EIS (SALT, 15 March 2017)
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Languages in the press
24 February 2017 (Language Show Live)
There's still time to get your tickets for this year's Language Show Live Scotland event at the SEC, Glasgow!
The event, dedicated to language teaching and learning, is just a fortnight away and all programme details, teaching seminars and language classes are now live online. Every seminar at this free-to-attend event is fully CPD accredited and packed full of exclusive content.
For full programme details and to register, visit the Language Show Live website. Don't miss out!
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21 February 2017 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection offers a number of opportunities for schools in the UK and Germany to develop and maintain partnerships. In their latest Spring 2017 newsletter they highlight the following:
- With the changing landscape of international relations, we want to make sure we're still offering you the right kind of support to keep your connections with Germany alive.We're currently reviewing the opportunities and services we offer and would like to invite you to tell us what you need now for your schools and pupils. Complete the short survey.
- Deadline reminder of 1 March for applications for the following summer courses in Germany:
For upcoming deadlines for the rest of the school year, download our calendar of opportunities for 2016-17.
For further information about UK-German Connection and their activities, visit their website.
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10 February 2017 (Language Show Live)
Language Show Live, 10-11 March at the SEC, Glasgow
Europe’s largest event dedicated to language teaching and learning is just 1 month away and the teaching seminar, TEFL forum and language class line ups have all been announced and are now live online! Every seminar at this free-to-attend event is fully CPD accredited and packed full of exclusive content. Head online today to claim your free ticket and enjoy all the content that Europe’s premier language event has to offer.
Remember: Alongside our trademark seminar, workshop and panel session line ups we also have our fantastic cultural piazza stage, free language taster classes, over 80 exhibitor and much, much more!
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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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27 January 2017 (Education Scotland)
Streap, the Postgraduate Teaching Certificate for teachers of GME will start on 4 September 2017. There are a limited number of places available. An induction event takes place in Glasgow on 14 and 15 September 2017. There is now a Facebook page relating to this professional learning. Please email for more information. This programme is currently fully funded by the Scottish Government.
Find out more about the programme on the University of Aberdeen website.
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26 January 2017 (Alliance Française)
The Alliance Française in Glasgow has a number of upcoming courses for the new term. Follow the appropriate link below for more information:
For more information about the Alliance Française 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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News from language & education organisations
24 January 2017 (Language Show Live)
Scotland’s biggest and most prestigious event dedicated to all things language is back at the SECC in Glasgow on the 10th – 11th of March 2017. Officially sponsored by Education Scotland and the Scottish Government this free to attend event is a must for anyone interested in learning or advancing their languages, exploring job opportunities in the language industry, considering teaching or working abroad, enjoying a fantastic range of international cultural performances and much, much more!
10TH MARCH – 9:00AM – 6:00PM GLASGOW SECC
11TH MARCH – 9:00AM – 5:30PM GLASGOW SECC
Sample our extensive free seminar programme, meet over 100 top exhibitors like the European Commission, the Chartered Institute of Linguists and the British Council, meet language professional recruiters, enjoy our fantastic array of cultural performances, free language classes and more.
Find out more and
register for free today.
Our trademark intensive 2 hour Language Plus classes are also now available online at a heavily discounted early bird rate (over 20% off the standard price!) of just £18. These optional add-ons can be purchased at the end of the free registration process and are certain to add a productive language experience to your day!
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News from language & education organisations
16 January 2017 (CISS)
The CISS CLPL menu for 2016-17 'Making Chinese work for you!' has been updated.
Visit the CISS website to view the brochure and for information on booking a professional learning session.
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Early Years,
Primary,
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Chinese,
Scotland,
CPD,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Teacher Education,
CISS news
13 January 2017 (SCILT)
Here at SCILT, our New Year’s Resolution has been to review and refresh the CLPL menu. With your feedback in mind, we have made a few strategic changes that we hope will make a big difference. New on the SCILT website from today – the new and improved CLPL menu.
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9 January 2017 (Alliance Française)
The Alliance Française in Glasgow has a number of upcoming courses for the new term. Follow the appropriate link below for more information:
For more information about the Alliance Française visit their website.
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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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6 January 2017 (LFEE)
LFEE Europe has been an international course provider since 2002. Our team of experienced and fully qualified native teachers are committed to promoting French and Spanish language and culture throughout Europe. Funding for all our courses is available through the European Union Erasmus+ Programme.
For more information see the attached flyer or visit the LFEE website.
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Spanish,
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Europe,
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News from language & education organisations
15 December 2016 (Education Scotland)
Education Scotland, SCILT and UCMLS ran a joint DO conference on Tuesday 29 November with a focus on sharing good practice in implementation strategies for 1+2 languages.
The morning session was given over to a presentation by Professor Angela Scarino, University of South Australia, architect of the Australian languages policy. You can now view Professor Scarino's presentation online.
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29 November 2016 (TES)
Being an MFL teacher has never been as challenging as in this day and age. Ironically so, considering that this is a time in human history in which mastering foreign languages is not only desirable, but truly essential for business, politics and education.
In today’s globalised society, foreign language learning ought be aligned with the most recent acquisitions in neuroscience and be given more prominence in school curricula, whilst teachers ought to be given more trust, space and opportunities to grow professionally and stay motivated. Instead, the status quo the current MFL teaching landscape is one of work overload, stress, low self-efficacy and demotivation – thousands of teachers whose professional efficacy and health are undermined by a plethora of prescriptive pedagogic obligations which do not chime with research nor with common sense and are a source of daily professional and persona frustration for many.
The rationale for this article is the same that has motivated me to publish my teaching resources on the TES platform, write my blog ‘The Language Gym’ and co-author ‘The Language Teacher Toolkit’ with legendary blogger and educator Steve Smith, i.e.: to attempt to address the deficits which have been undermining the effectiveness of MFL provision in England for decades and which the government has constantly failed to address.
These are, in my opinion, the top-ten reasons why MFL provision in England is still largely defective.
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23 November 2016 (Alliance Française)
The Alliance Française de Glasgow will be running a programme of CPD workshops in French for Primary school teachers between February and April 2017.
Ten topics will be covered, tailored to the needs of Primary school teachers.
For more information and to enrol, visit the Alliance Française website.
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8 November 2016 (LFEE)
The dates for our immersion courses 2017-2018 have just been released. Please visit the LFEE website to find out new dates and further information or see the attached brochure.
Successful applicants receive a grant from the British Council that covers all costs, including flights, accommodation and subsistence, as well as the course fee.
NEW: Immersion follow up
If you have already attended our immersion course in France in the past and wish to attend another course with us, we have created a follow up immersion which will take place in the beautiful city of Avignon in Provence. Please contact us for further information.
Should you wish to participate in our immersion courses in France or Spain from July 2017 to April 2018, please pre-register at
immersions@lfee.net and we will send you further information on how to apply to the Erasmus+ European funding for schools.
Do not hesitate to visit our website and blog for more information and to see what your colleagues have said about their course last summer.
A bientôt!
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News from language & education organisations