Spring Day for Europe 22 March - 30 June 2010

Spring Day for Europe was set up to promote learning and debate about the European Union in schools. This year the aim is to engage school communities in discussion, debates and activities related to European citizenship and fundamental rights, both pertinent to the European Year of Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. Students' attention will also be drawn to important European issues such as social and economic cohesion, environmental issues and cultural diversity.

The Spring Day for Europe website includes a large and flexible programme of events, activities and games for primary and secondary schools.

If you would like to participate, further information and electronic registration can be found at the following website:
http://www.springday2010.net

You can also find teaching resources on the EU and citizenship produced by the European Parliament for UK schools at:
www.euroacademyonline.eu

Teaching of French to Nursery / Primary Children

With language entitlement required to be implemented in schools by 2010 more and more staff are beginning to recognise the importance of introducing a language at an early age. We can help you become the expert!

This course is aimed at nursery/primary staff who are currently introducing French into their early years/primary curriculum 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. At the end of the course participants will be able to return to their learning environment confident, enthusiastic and ready to promote basic French.

£110.00 per person (including refreshments, lunch and a comprehensive learning pack)

For further information please visit our website at www.smalltalk-languages.co.uk. Bookings for the above courses can be made on-line or by telephone on 0141 642 9330.

We can run tailor-made In Service courses at special discounted rates in your own centre. Please call 0141 642 9330 for more information.

University of Cambridge - Thursday 25 March 2010.
University of Newcastle - Friday 23 April 2010
University of Birmingham - Thursday 29 April 2010
University of Manchester - Friday 14 May 2010
University of Hull - Thursday 17 June 2010
University of Exeter - Friday 24 September 2010
Southampton Solent University - Friday 1 October 2010

Making & Marking Progress

Please be aware that new support material should shortly be arriving at your school: Asset Languages and CILT have been asked by the DCSF to develop assessment support materials for primary languages: Making and marking progress. Publishing phase 1 of Making and Marking Progress is now underway. The document has been written in light of the very valuable feedback received from teachers and advisors following the publication of the taster pack in spring 2009. Phase 1 is intended for children learning languages in Years 3 & 4 and includes opportunities for progress checks at grades 1 and 2 of the DCSF Languages Ladder in listening, speaking, reading and writing, incorporating the learning objectives from the Key Stage 2 Framework for Languages. The materials will be published and distributed free of charge to all primary schools at the end of March. For any further information or if you do not receive your copy, please e-mail your details to: primaryprogress@ocr.org.uk

Big Wheel Theatre Company

Big Wheel Theatre Company is offering to showcase Voulez-Vous for FREE! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see a fantastic interactive French language show.The dates on offer are the 17th, 18th and 19th March. If you are interested in having a show please get in touch with the company as soon as possible. The show will be given away on a first come first served basis or contact them for more information.