Wednesday 17 November 2010

Bringing the world to your school

There is now a world of reasons why you should deploy video conferencing as part of your international development. Central AV in association with the British Council, LGfL and ja.net are promoting the benefits of introducing an international aspect to your curriculum.
The International School Award, managed by the British Council, provides a framework for links between UK and overseas schools to promote an inter-cultural dialogue and understanding. The framework starts with ‘foundation’ level and progresses through five levels to ‘full accreditation’.
JANET (ja.net) offers a whole new world of live real-time content through video conferencing aimed at all key stages within the curriculum. Central AV has a limited number of video conferencing systems available for loan should you wish to see video conferencing in action.LGfL have developed the Matrix, a guide to help schools identify and develop a structured approach to implementing an international dimension to teaching and learning.
Our Schools Co-ordinator is available to support your school through the process of achieving accreditation.There are many funding options available to those schools that have achieved this. Book a meeting with our schools co-ordinator who will help get your school started on your international journey.

Schools Co-ordinator
Nathan Charlery
Central AV

Thursday 11 November 2010

Free Mandarin Chinese resources

The organisation called Dragons in Europe specialises in teaching Mandarin Chinese to primary schoolchildren has an exciting new product and which is now ready - Primary School Chinese Online www.primaryschoolchinese.com

Over the last few years, Heads at cash-strapped schools have old us how much they want to teach the language but either they can't afford a teacher or quite simply they don't have access to teaching staff because of their location. In addition to this, some Heads had mentioned that they wanted access to really simple and effective interactive whiteboard teaching material that their MFL teachers could teach the children on a weekly basis - Chinese language and culture is very cross-curricular and would tie in with history and geography for example. Primary School Chinese Online ticks all these boxes.

I am therefore happy to offer the product free of charge with a view to expanding this country-wide.

Marcus Reoch
Dragons In Europe
13a Port House
Square Rigger Row
Plantation Wharf
London SW11 3TY

Tuesday 9 November 2010

PRIMARY LANGUAGES CPD

As you may know, there will be no more Local Authority funding to develop primary languages after March 2011.
...So be sure to take advantage of the remaining CPD opportunities coming up! This will be your last chance to attend these free courses:

· Monday 15th November 2010
ASSESSMENT & TRANSITION
Acacia Hall, Dartford, 9.30—16.00

· Tuesday 30th November 2010 or Tuesday 29th March 2011
FUN WAYS TO DEVELOP LITERACY SKILLS
Ramada Hotel, Maidstone, 9.30—16.00

· Thursday 2nd December 2010
ASSET LANGUAGES BREAKTHROUGH CLINIC
Hadlow Manor Hotel, Hadlow, 9.30—16.00

· Wednesday 9th February 2011
EMBEDDING LANGUAGES ACROSS THE CURRICULUM
Ramada Hotel, Maidstone, 9.30—16.00

· Thursday 24th March 2011
PRIMARY LANGUAGES SUBJECT LEADERSHIP
Ramada Hotel, Maidstone, 9.30—16.00

Free attendance to all KCC delegates

BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!!
http://cpdonline.kenttrustweb.org.uk/cpd/

Contact Maureen Smith:
maureen.smith2@kent.gov.uk

Thursday 4 November 2010

Language College CPD on offer

The following training is currently available for primary teachers of French from Malling, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook and Sevenoaks schools:

Beginners' Training- a 3 day course for teachers with little or no previous knowledge of French
Thursday 18 November, Friday 26 November & Thursday 2 December

It is hoped that we will be able to offer a further two days' training in the spring covering areas of language not previously covered in the winter session. Dates tbc.

Upskilling- a 3 day refreshers' course for teachers with previous French experience to GCSE
Thursday 3 February, Tuesday 8 February, Thursday 17 February

Asset training
Date to be confirmed

The courses are free but schools are expected to pay any cover costs out of their MFL funding, which will have come directly to the school this year.

Please e-mail Mia Stockwell to find out more about the courses and to book yourself or a member of your team on to a course: mia.stockwell@wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk