WK Primary Languages Blog

Spanish Online Courses AVE

2011-03-08T06:50:00.000-08:00

The Consejería de Educación is proud to offer our Spanish online courses AVE (Aula Virtual de Español). These courses, designed by the Instituto Cervantes, aim specifically teachers in Britain with little or no competence in Spanish who want to introduce or extend the teaching of this language in their schools. The deadline for application is 21st March 2011.

For more details see attached information or http://www.educacion.es/exterior/uk

ICT Links into Languages Conference 12-13th February

2010-12-20T04:46:00.000-08:00

Fancy some professional development using ICT in MFL teaching and learning?

The ICT Links into Languages 12-13th February 2011 is being held at Southampton University, Avenue Campus. With a range of speakers across the two days, plenaries by Joe Dale and Rachel Hawkes, plus a chance to contribute to Show and Tell events there is a lot to gain by attending!

For more information or to book follow this link. Scholarships are available.

Bringing the world to your school

2010-11-17T03:51:00.000-08:00

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

Free Mandarin Chinese resources

2010-11-11T03:54:00.000-08:00

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

PRIMARY LANGUAGES CPD

2010-11-09T02:08:00.000-08:00

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

Language College CPD on offer

2010-11-04T02:47:00.000-07:00

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

Statement on Primary Languages

2010-09-02T07:37:00.001-07:00

The DfE states that:

The Government is considering its plans for the National Curriculum in schools. They believe that the current National Curriculum has moved far away from the concept of core knowledge and from its original purpose – to set out what all children should be taught in each subject. They therefore want to return it to its intended purpose as a core national entitlement organised around subject disciplines. In doing so, they aim to slim the National Curriculum to give schools greater freedom to build on that core entitlement to provide a rich educational experience for all their pupils, and to allow teachers to use their professional judgement to decide how to teach and to organise the curriculum. They plan to consult a wide range of academics, teachers and other interested parties to ensure that the core curriculum can compare with those of the highest performing countries in the world. They will be announcing details of that review in the autumn. The position of languages in both the primary and secondary National Curriculum will be considered as part of that Review.

The Government believes that language skills are important to the social and economic future of the country. Learning a language also helps children and young people understand the world in which they live and the different cultures of people around the world. We know that over 90% of primary schools are already offering some language teaching to their 7-11 year olds. Ministers appreciate the efforts that teachers are putting into making sure that children in primary schools are taught languages. It is thanks to their work that pupils can not only learn a language but also come to appreciate other cultures. Given its importance, primary schools that are teaching languages should continue to do so. Funding has been given to local authorities to support primary languages until March 2011. Any future funding will depend on the spending review which will report in the autumn, as well as on decisions about the status of languages within the National Curriculum.

International Partnerships and Community Cohesion

2010-06-30T04:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Anglo-French colleagues,
We thought you might be interested in the two programmes which our Connecting Classrooms team have produced in collaboration with Teachers TV. Although focussing on partnerships with rather different parts of the globe to France - namely Sub-Saharan Africa and Central South Asia - the central theme is the way in which international school partnerships can contribute positively to community cohesion. The experiences of school clusters in an urban authority (Bradford) and a rural one (Hampshire) are used as case studies.
Both programmes are now available to stream and download from the Teachers TV website at http://www.teachers.tv/connecting-classrooms and will be broadcast for the first time on 29 June, and then repeated on various dates in early July (see below).
Each programme is 15 minutes long and the broadcast dates are as follows:
Community Cohesion through School Partnerships: Rural Challenges
29 June - 08:00, 16:00, 20:00
2 July – 21:00
3 July – 11:00, 20:00
4 July - 08:00, 21:00
9 July – 09:00, 17:00
10 July – 15:00
Community Cohesion through School Partnerships: City Challenges
29 June - 08:20, 16:20, 20:20
2 July – 21:20
3 July – 11:20, 20:20
4 July - 08:20, 21:20
Should you have any queries, please contact Vicki Miles Vicki.miles@britishcouncil.org
Best wishes,
The Anglo-French team

Grow Story Grow

2010-06-22T02:31:00.000-07:00

A number of teachers have approached Val Thornber about running workshops to help them make the most of the free resources available on GrowStoryGrow (the stories available are permanently available so the teachers do not need to pay a subscription fee in order to use them).

The main benefit of the workshops is that the teachers have the confidence and materials to go straight back into the classroom and try the stories out themselves.

If you are running a conference or an LSG and would like me to run a workshop, please get in touch (contact details below). June, July and September are best.

You may also be interested to hear that GrowStoryGrow is launching on the 8th of June. A yearly subscription before this date is £40, which is very good value indeed. (Over 100 stories, lesson plans, interactive games, downloadable big books, mini books, audio books, puppets, masks, scripts...)

Kind Regards
Val Thornber
val@growstorygrow.com

KS2 Training Abroad Opportunity

2010-06-22T01:29:00.000-07:00

CILT is working with the British Council to develop and deliver the 2 week Primary Teachers’ Project.
This exciting project gives teachers working in KS2 the opportunity to spend two weeks in France, Germany or Spain. The first week of the project provides intensive language and methodology support in preparation for the job shadowing in a primary school in the second week.
The projects offer excellent opportunities for teachers to develop language skills, deepen their cultural understanding and gain practical ideas for teaching and learning languages at KS2. Applicants are eligible for EU Comenius funding of up to €2,500 to pay for travel and subsistence. There is also a supply cover contribution of £525 to support schools in the week of term when teachers will be abroad. The deadline for applications is 15 September 2010.

Project dates are as follows:
Germany and France: 21 February -4 March 2011
France and Spain: 17-29 April 2011

Secondary teachers involved in outreach work in primary schools are eligible to apply if they are working in KS2 so please share this information with colleagues. Applications from those teaching or hoping to introduce German in primary schools would be particularly welcome.

Further information, including support and guidance with the application process is available at:
http://www.primarylanguages.org.uk/professional_development/cilt_events/primary_teachers_project.aspx

For enquiries relating to the project please email: ptp@cilt.org.uk

Best wishes,
Lucy Adamson
Language Teaching Adviser

CILT, The National Centre for Languages
3rd floor, 111 Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7Hr

Teaching French to Young Learners

2010-06-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

Smalltalk’s schedule of nationwide courses for session 2010 - 2011 is now available for booking at www.smalltalk-languages.co.uk.
Book now and receive 20% off!

Course Information
With language entitlement required to be implemented in schools by the end of 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.
Normally £110.00, only £88.00 per person with early booking discount (including refreshments, lunch and a comprehensive learning pack)

Other dates and venues available:
Autumn Term
Fri 1 Oct 2010 Southampton
Thu 25 Nov 2010 Cambridge

Spring Term
Thu 24 Mar 2011 Cambridge

Courses can be booked on-line or by telephone on 0141 642 9330.

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

Spring Day for Europe 22 March - 30 June 2010

2010-03-24T04:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-11T06:16:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-04T03:49:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-04T03:44:00.000-08:00

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.

British Council & CiLT Primary Teachers' Project

2010-02-24T00:58:00.000-08:00

2-Week Primary Teachers' Project
Would you like to improve your language skills as well as benefit from spending a week in a primary school abroad? If so, then the new Primary Teachers’ Project is for you.
This exciting project involves spending two consecutive weeks in France, Germany or Spain. The first week of the project is devoted to intensive language and methodology training, while the second is spent work shadowing in a primary school.
The first of these projects will be running in Germany and Spain in October 2010. The first week will take place during the October half term break between the 25th and 29th of October, followed by the second week job shadowing placement in a primary school between the 1st and 5th of November. The deadline for the application for these October visits is 30th April 2010.
Projects will also be taking place in France, Germany and Spain in February and at Easter 2011. The first week will take place during the spring half term break between the 21st and 25th of February, followed by the second week job shadowing placement in a primary school, between the 28th of February and the 4th of March.
The deadline for application for these 2011 projects is 15th September 2010.
• The German visits will take place in Nordrhein-Westfalen
• The Spanish visits will take place in Castilla y León
• The venue for the French visits will be confirmed soon
A contribution of £525 towards supply cover for the week of term time involved is available.
To apply, please visit the British Council website http://www.britishcouncil.org/comenius-applications-forms-and-guidance.htm to download and complete the 'In-Service Training' application form. For any queries, please contact: ptp@cilt.org.uk

Primary Spanish workshop

2010-01-19T04:23:00.001-08:00

Following the success of previous years’ workshops, the Consejería de Educación is pleased to announce the programme of Workshops for teachers of Spanish in primary schools that will take place on Friday February 26th at the Instituto Cervantes (102 Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AN).Join us for a day full of fun and ideas that can be used in your classroom: workshops, school showcases, flamenco dancing and storytelling.
Check full programme and download application forms on our website: www.educacion.es/exterior/uk

Central Training Opportunities

2009-12-16T07:37:00.000-08:00

Please note: central training opportunities for Kent teachers of Primary Languages for terms 3 & 4.

Asset Languages Overview 09:30 - 12:30 Supply Cover Paid
PD2FL16/01 Ramada Hotel, Maidstone - 25th January 2010
PD2FL16/02 Hadlow Manor, Tonbridge - 26th January 2010
PD2FL16/03 Howfield Manor, Canterbury - 27th January 2010

Asset Language Clinic (Breakthrough Level) 09:30 - 16:30 Supply Cover Paid
PD2FL18/01 Hadlow Manor, Tonbridge - 8th March 2010
PD2FL18/02 Kent County Cricket Club - 9th March 2010
PD2FL18/03 Ramada Hotel, Maidstone - 10th March 2010

Primary Languages: Subject Leadership 09:30 - 16:30 Supply Cover Paid
PD2FL15/01 Ramada Hotel, Maidstone - 2nd February 2010

Progression and Assessment of Language Skills 09:30 - 16:30 Supply Cover Paid
PD2FL17/01 Ramada Hotel, Maidstone - 25th February 2010
PD2FL17/02 Hadlow Manor, Tonbridge - 2nd March 2010
PD2FL17/03 Kent County Cricket Club, Canterbury - 16th March 2010

Please e-mail Mia Stockwell for a booking form.

Une Dizaine de Chansons

2009-12-16T06:14:00.000-08:00

10 original French songs for the interactive whiteboard

Ten catchy original songs to support the teaching of French to young children. Written by Richard Winston, who worked for 4 years as the Primary Foreign Languages Consultant for Lewisham and Greenwich. The songs are simple and short; the language content is derived from the early stages of learning French and the song lyrics help to teach basic, everyday routine language.
Songs are delivered via the interactive whiteboard and are available in both Smartboard (Notebook) and Promethean (ActivPrimary) formats.
In either format, simply click on the green button to play the song whose lyrics are shown on screen. This will play the whole song. Clicking on each line of the lyrics will allow pupils to hear that line in isolation from the music, making it easier to learn. Once the lyrics are familiar, children can sing along to the music by the teacher clicking on the treble clef icon.
Site Licence £42.00 + p & p

Following each complete song is a chord sheet for those teachers (or pupils) who want to play an instrument alongside or instead of the music- an excellent opportunity for cross-curricular work with MFL!
In ActivPrimary, teachers can access an English translation of the song via the Teacher’s Notes icon. For Notebook users, this is provided as an additional screen after the chord sheet page.
For more details and to hear clips from each song, please visit our website at: www.unedizainedechansons.co.uk.

To order, or if you require any further information, please email: richard@unedizainedechansons.co.uk

NB: Smartboard interactive whiteboards will require Smartboard 9.5 software or later. Promethean boards need ActivPrimary 2 or later.

Intensive Beginners' Upskilling Course in France

2009-11-26T00:52:00.000-08:00

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND PRACTICE REAL FRENCH AT THE KENT COUNTY COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL CENTRE IN FRANCE!

Maureen Smith has arranged an exciting, week long beginners' French language/culture course at the Hardelot Centre in northern France from 15th - 19th March 2010 in collaboration with Sara Meaker, who will run the course.
The aim of the course is to provide an ideal opportunity for beginners in the language to learn the basics of French “on the ground”, with classroom training, natural conversations and the opportunity to practise the learnt language in real-life situations.
The course is aimed at primary teachers/TA's who are beginner language learners but wish to teach/support French in the classroom. Supply cover at £175 per day is payable to schools to enable them to release teachers from the classroom and return travel to France will be funded/reimbursed by the Local Authority.
Applications should be made as soon as possible, but by no later than 1st February 2010. There are 12 places and they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

NB: Delegates should be complete beginners and should not have previously attended any of the other upskilling courses funded by the Local Authority. The course is open to Kent KS1 and KS2 teachers and TA's.

Please e-mail Maureen Smith to book a place as soon as possible. Delegates will need a current passport and a EHIC (European Health Insurance card) at the time of travel (available from the post office). In addition, KCC travel insurance will be organised by the local authority but successful applicants may wish to organise additional insurance as they feel appropriate.

Objectives, outcomes and benefits:
The course aims to motivate and train those primary teachers who are required to teach French in the classroom and whose level of French is “beginner”.

The outcomes of the course will be an improved level of comfort in the language for the participants. They will have gained a stock of basic language elements which they will be able to use with their pupils, and they will themselves have taken part in activities, both in the classroom and in the local area, which will serve as a source of materials for their own lessons.

The benefits of this training include: intensive language work, contact with French people, experience of intercultural understanding and an increased knowledge of “real” France.

Course Content:
20 hours of intensive classroom tuition, including a 30 minute 1:1 session with the trainer to study individual needs
Training in beginner-level French, including greetings, everyday language such as numbers, days etc, pronunciation techniques, basic language structures, questions, vocabulary banks, games to use in the classroom, role-play
Training in intercultural understanding, using maps, visits to the local area, study of differences and similarities, tourist information, study of daily life and customs, money, food, French schools
30 hours of activities on- and off-site, accompanied by French speakers
Initial assessment, final evaluation and recommendations for further study
Evening activities including games and/or TV in French
Opportunities for conversation with Centre staff and local people

The trainer is Sara Meaker, Manager of the Hardelot Centre. She is English, but has lived in France for over 20 years and speaks the language fluently. She is a qualified and experienced secondary French teacher and adult trainer.

Location and accommodation
· The Hardelot Centre (www.hardelotcentre.co.uk) is a KCC residential educational centre just south of Boulogne sur Mer, about 50 minutes from Calais
· Accommodation is in comfortable, single occupancy bunk bedded rooms (shared shower and toilet facilities), each with washbasin, hanging space and table/chair
· Delicious French meals, including the renowned Hardelot 4-course evening dinner, as well as continental breakfast and a light lunch, are prepared on site by the Centre’s own French staff
· Training takes place in the classrooms and conference room
· Facilities include a cosy lounge area with log fire and TV/DVD, extensive wooded grounds, games room, reading room (with French and English resources) and bicycles

Travel arrangements
Return ferry from Dover to Calais
French minibus from Calais to the Centre and return to Calais
French minibus for off-site visits
Further details of the journey (times, meeting points) will be sent out to all participants with confirmation of the place on this course

Cost
The cost of the above (accommodation, training and travel) will be met by the Advisory Service
The return journey from school/home to Dover will be reimbursed – further details will be given on confirmation of place on course
Personal expenses, telephone calls and the cost of refreshments other than those provided are not included

For further information, please contact:
Maureen Smith, Primary Teacher Adviser for MFL, tel: 01622 203800 maureen.smith2@kent.gov.uk

OR Sara Meaker, Manager Hardelot Centre, tel: 00 33 321 321 671
sara.meaker@kent.gov.uk

TDA Upskilling Course - Feedback

2009-11-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

The TDA Upskilling course ended today with the ICT in MFL training. What better therefore than to share our attendees thoughts on the course as a whole than an ICT gadget that we experimented with - www.wallwisher.com:

Open University Beginners' Course in French

2009-11-04T06:48:00.000-08:00

Do you need to learn French or improve your knowledge of

French for the classroom?

This course is designed to provide basic knowledge of French for the primary context and supports you as a teacher by developing speaking and listening skills and teaching basic grammar enjoyably! You will be able to try out diffferent classroom ideas during the course and develop a set of resources you can draw on for interesting and diverse lessons.

For further information, please see the dedicated OU site for this.

The course costs £275 and will be fully funded by the Kent Local Authority provided you complete it. Please contact Maureen Smith if you are interested in doing this 30 hour course. It can be completed at times convenient to you (provided it is completed within 12 weeks) in the comfort of your own home.

NB: This course is a complete beginners' course, so if you already hold a GCSE or equivalent, the upskilling courses run by your local Specialist Language Colleges will currently be more suitable to your needs.

INSET. Delivering the Intercultural Strand of the Framework

2009-09-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

You are invited to attend a morning session run by Maureen Smith, teacher Adviser for KCC, on ideas for delivering the intercultural strand. This course will take place from 9.30 -12.00 on November 11th at the Weald of Kent Grammar School in Tonbridge.

If you would like to take part, please contact Maureen Utting (maureen.utting@wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk)

If there are any other courses you would like us to run, please let me know and we will do what we can.

Are you ready for January 2010? Support for primary schools

2009-09-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

The West Kent Support Group for Primary Languages consists of staff funded by the Specialist Language Colleges in 4 partnerships - Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks South and Cranbrook and Paddock Wood - together with lead teachers funded by KCC. They have been working together to help prepare you for the primary languages entitlement in January 2010.

The aim of the group is to help you in any way you would like eg planning, modelling lessons, helping with resources, FLA time, writing a policy, writing schemes of work, assessment etc

All primary schools have been allocated a support teacher who should now have got in contact with you. Please make use of this support as funding beyond this year cannot be guaranteed. The support group can also help you prepare for the new Ofsted subject inspections. In addition the FLA at Weald is being funded to help in the teaching of French in primary schools. Please note also the INSET courses running in the SLCs.

TDA Upskilling Course

2009-09-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

The Specialist Language Colleges, in collaboration with ASK, offer two courses in language upskilling to take place in October 2009 and February 2010.

Target audience
All teachers/HLTAs/TAs teaching French in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks South. Priority will be given to those teaching languages in Years 5 and 6.

Course Aims
To develop teacher confidence in language skills, building on prior learning.
To ensure progression of skills for pupils.

Please note this is not a course for beginners. The course is free of charge. £175 per day is payable for supply cover for participating teachers.

Dates and times of the first course to be held at the Weald of Kent Grammar School, Tonbridge.

Tuesday 6th October 9.15-3.30
Tuesday 13th October 9.15-3.30
Tuesday 20th October 9.15-3.30
Tuesday 3rd November 9.15-3.30
Tuesday 10th November 9.15-3.30

Dates and times of the second repeat course to be held at Bennett Memorial School, Tunbridge Wells.

Tuesday 2nd February 9.15-3.30
Wednesday 10th February 9.15-3.30
Tuesday 23rd February 9.15-3.30
Wednesday 3rd March 9.15-3.30
Tuesday 9th March 9.15-3.30

To book your place please contact Maureen Utting (maureen.utting@wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk)
or apply directly to Training and Development as advertised in the next e-bulletin from KCC.

2009-07-15T02:51:00.000-07:00

CILT E-Zine

CILT, the National Centre for Languages, publishes regular updates on primary language teaching and resourses. In issue 6 you will find information on linking language and literacy (a new DCSF publication), cross-curricular links and CLIL. If you would like to subscribe to the CILT e-zine, please register on the Primary Languages website.

KS2 Progression

2009-07-14T09:28:00.001-07:00

New 'Making and Marking Progress' guidance, for teachers who want to map the progress of young language learners in the Autumn terms of Years 3 and 4, is available now. To download the new materials, please follow the link to the Asset Languages KS2 progression page. http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/primaryprogress.aspx

Cross-Phase Languages Conference 30 June 2009

2009-06-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Dear All

If you haven't already had the information, please find below details of the Cross-Phase Languages Conference on 30th June 2009.

For all language teachers and teaching assistants in Primary or Secondary schools.

Workshops include:
Intercultural Understanding
New Secondary Curriculum for MFL
Using Puppets Effectively
Cross Curricular Languages
Drama and MFL
TALK...and many more!

Ramada Hotel and Resort
Hollingbourne
Maidstone
Kent ME17 1RE

To book your place tel: 01634 338545 or email caroll.williams@medway.gov.uk.
Please quote "Languages Conference 2009" - Fees for Kent and Medway schools: £85

Spain National Primary Schools Competition

2009-05-13T04:22:00.000-07:00

Please find below details of a competition launched by the Spanish Embassy, Economic and Comercial Office:

The Foods from Spain National Primary Schools Competition is open to all school children in years 3 to 6, inclusive, in England and the equivalent school years in the rest of the UK.

Entering the competition is extremely simple: as a class you need to design a collage, to represent the following: ‘Healthy eating with fresh fruit and vegetables from Spain’

1st Prize: The winning class will be presented with a cheque for £3,000 towards facilities for the school

2nd Prize: A cheque for £1,000 towards facilities for the school

3rd Prize: £500 towards facilities for the school

6 x Group Winners (Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 as well as a ‘Mixed Year Group’ winner and a ‘Special Needs’ group winner) will be awarded an educational Spanish multimedia pack.

Closing date for entries is Friday 22nd May 2009

Follow the link for more details http://www.foodsfromspain.co.uk/

2009-05-11T02:56:00.000-07:00

The Weald of Kent Specialist Language College, in collaboration with Advisory Service Kent, offer a course in language upskilling:

Target Audience:
All teachers/HLTAs/TAs teaching languages (French) in Year 6

Course Aims:
To develop teacher confidence in language skills in order to build on pupils’ prior learning
To ensure progression of skills

The course is free of charge to all participants

Asset Language assessment will be offered to all participants by the Local Authority to accredit learning free of charge

Please note: Funding for supply cover available

Dates, Time & Venue
Mon.18th May 1.30-4pm Weald of Kent
Mon. 1st June 9.30-4pm Weald of Kent
Wed.10th June 9.30–4pm Weald of Kent
Mon 15th June 9.30-4pm Weald of Kent
Wed 24th June 9.30-4pm Weald of Kent
Mon 29th June 9.30-4pm Weald of Kent

To book your place please contact ……Maureen Utting…(maureen.utting@wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk )

Weald of Kent Grammar School, Tudeley Lane, Tonbridge TN9 2JP

2009-05-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by wok20mfl

Dear Colleague

Please find attached an invitation to join our world mini-book making project. Please share the information with any partner schools you have, including schools abroad. It's a great end-of-year activity and students really enjoy reading each other's books. We began this last year as a collaborative project between local schools in Essex to improve motivation for language learning and to engage students more with reading. This year at the beginning of our phase 2 launch we already have 8 different countries involved across 4 continents of the world, but this number will grow before September. Many thanks for your help - enjoy the books!

Jane Breen
Director of Language College Outreach / AST
King Edward VI Grammar School
Broomfield Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 3SX

Independent Review of the Primary Curriculum

2009-04-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

Sir Jim Rose's Independent Review of the Primary Curriculum has been published which contains information about transition Key stages 1-3 and ICT within primary education (http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/eOrderingDownload/Primary_curriculum-report.pdf).

See also Teachers TV (http://www.teachers.tv/video/31175) for a video where Sir Jim is questioned on his thoughts over the organisation of the primary curriculum, foreign language teaching and incorporating ICT into lessons.

Language World, 3rd and 4th April 2009

2009-03-30T02:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Language World!

This year's conference is at Leicester University on 3rd and 4th April. As in previous years, the conference features

· a fantastic publishers' exhibition
· free wine tasting
· friendly and fun conference dinner
· good value overnight accommodation
· the BEST languages practitioners in the country talking about their favourite themes
· strands on CLIL and the new secondary curriculum
· something for all sectors: primary, secondary, FE, AE and HE

You can attend for one day or for both days. The conference has a relaxed atmosphere and is a great place for networking.

And then there’s the exhibition! Over 40 stands with the latest in languages resources and support and FREE to all visitors. So even if you can’t make the conference, you can still join us all day Friday and Saturday until 2pm and be part of the Language World experience. There will also be a stand where you can talk to the ALL Regional Subject Advisers and get one-to-one advice about the new secondary curriculum.

A full conference brochure and booking form can be downloaded here http://www.all-nsc.org.uk/files/LWflyer.pdf (pdf, 15.7 MB)

Primary Language Teacher Award for 2009

2009-03-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

La Jolie Ronde and Scholastic are delighted to announce the launch of the Primary Language Teacher Award for 2009 which was won last year by Nicola Davies of Green Lane Primary School, Garforth, Leeds.

Now into its second year, the Award is a celebration and recognition of the very best in language teaching taking place in UK schools.

Again there are some fantastic prizes to win:

An all expenses-paid school trip to France for up to 30 children
Over £4,000 of educational resources
Magazine subscriptions

So if you know an amazing languages teacher who you feel is in need of recognition, why not nominate them today?

Nominating is quick and easy - simply visit www.primarylanguageaward.com and fill out the online Nomination Form. Anyone can make a nomination, the only stipulation being that the person must have qualified teacher status.

Deadline for Nominations is 31 May 2009.

Remember .... Good teachers deserve recognition.... Nominate today!

French and Spanish classes, courses & resources and Educational Tours to France.

La Jolie Ronde is expanding and is currently looking for both French and Spanish speakers to become licensees. See our website at www.lajolieronde.co.uk for more details.
Company Registration Number 2291948, Registered Office: The Green, Bradgate Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7FU

2009-03-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

Dear All

We have been accepted into the International Edubloggers Directory!

Thank you Patricia.

Journée Internationale de la Francophonie 2009

2009-03-04T04:06:00.000-08:00

La Journée Internationale de la Francophonie will take place at the French Institute in London on March 20th 2009. Please contact the French Institute directly (see below) or your primary languages outreach support for further details and enrolement form.

Ben Bryant Government Initiatives in ITT Training and Development Agency for Schools 151 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SZ 020 7023 8116
ben.bryant@tda.gov.uk <mailto:ben.bryant@tda.gov.uk>

Japanese course - Monday 23 February 2009

2009-02-13T04:56:00.000-08:00

The Japanese Foundation Language Centre is holding a free one day course on introducing Japanese at your school, plus a Japanese language taster. Monday, 23rd February 2009, 10:00 – 16:00. The course is for senior managers, heads of MFL departments, primary language coordinators, who are based at a UK school that currently offers Japanese or is interested in introducing Japanese into the curriculum in the future and LA language advisors who are interested in introducing Japanese to schools in their area. The course is free (lunch will be provided). To apply please download an application form from http://www.jpf.org.uk/language/

Spring day for Europe - 25 March - 9 May 2009

2009-02-10T02:45:00.000-08:00

IDEAS MOVE EUROPE

Spring Day for Europe is an annual campaign that is open to all schools in Europe and elsewhere in the world. Teachers are encouraged to involve their students in activities that focus on debate, interaction and reflection on European themes. Spring Day enables young citizens to express their views and make their voices heard in Europe.

2009 is the European Year of Creativity and Innovation (EYCI). The Spring Day for Europe campaign aims to raise awareness about this in all types of schools. It runs from 25th March to 9th May, with a special focus on 9th May, which is Europe Day.

The Spring Day for Europe website includes a large and flexible programme of events, activities and games for pre-primary, primary, lower and upper secondary, vocational and special needs schools in Europe, as well as the rest of the world. To register your school, please look at the Spring Day website: http://www.springday2009.net/

If you would like one of your Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to visit your school, Ian Levinson, the National Teacher Adviser would be pleased to help. He is also able to advise and answer questions about Spring Day for Europe (levinsoni@colchsfc.ac.uk).

To find out more information about your MEPs: http://www.europarl.org.uk/
To find out about the European elections in June 2009:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/elections2009/default.htm?language=en

Pamela Powers
Directorate General for Communication
European Parliament
UK Office
Phone: 020 7227 4300Fax : 020 7227 4301
http://www.europarl.org.uk/

French Partner Schools and Videoconference projects

2009-02-10T02:39:00.000-08:00

A message from the British Council:

Dear colleagues

We have the latest list of primary schools signed up on eTwinning. No primary school need be short of a French link school.

There is also a scheme to link 1000 schools via 'visioconference' proposed by Xavier Darcos. I now have two contacts (non commercial - one is at JANET COLLABORATE, and one at Westminster LEA) who can assist schools (who are already linked with a French partner school) to set up their VC equipment to link to their partner school depending on the various technical requirements of their particular LEA, grid, and so forth. Please ask me to pass you on if you are in this situation or know anyone who is.

Liz Hitchcock (Liz.Hitchcock@britishcouncil.org)

The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are a registered charity; 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland). We build engagement and trust for the UK through the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people worldwide.

Ofsted Report June 2008

2009-01-29T04:11:00.000-08:00

Please see the below link for the Ofsted report "The Changing Landscape of Languages" (go to page 30 for primary languages): http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Publications-and-research/Documents-by-type/Thematic-reports/The-changing-landscape-of-languages

Primary Languages Blog

2009-01-26T01:54:00.000-08:00

Please find our new link section to Primary Languages blogs on the right. Our first entry is also included here below. The author is Lisa Stevens, a Primary Languages Teacher from Sutton Coldfield. She describes herself as follows:

PLL and eTwinning coordinator @ Whitehouse Common Primary School, Sutton Coldfield. Apple Distinguished Educator. eTwinning Ambassador. Trainee techie who loves her MacBook :o) Primary language teacher. PLL coach for Birmingham LA.

http://lisibo.blogspot.com/

Have a browse for some new ideas and links!

Spanish Workshops for primary teachers in London, Friday March 27

2009-01-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

The Consejería de Educación, in collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes Londres, has arranged a full day of activities for teachers of Spanish in primary schools.

The programme includes workshops on storytelling, food, CLIL, showcases and a performance of a play written and produced for children who are learning Spanish in KS1 and KS2.

Visit their website www.mepsyd.es/exterior/uk to download full programme, application form, speakers' profiles and abstract of sessions. The whole event will be friendly to teachers with a limited competence in Spanish.

The ALL Spring Meeting & AGM, March 21st 2009

2009-01-14T04:42:00.000-08:00

The ALL (Association for Language
Learning) Spring Meeting and AGM is being held at the Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford from 9am till 1pm on Saturday 21st March. The agenda includes looking at transition KS2 - KS3, and the new KS3 curriculum. If you are not members already of ALL, have you thought about joining? Becoming a member of the ALL provides opportunities to keep up to date with Language Learning issues; evidence of professional standards; opportunities for professional development and networking, and a chance to have your say in policy making (see their website for further details - http://www.all-languages.org.uk/)

Please contact Glynis Rumley (glynis.rumley@btinternet.com) for an AGM and meeting register form (£10 for members, £15 for non members), or for information on how to join.

CILT ELL-LC National Conference

2008-12-04T06:46:00.000-08:00

CILT is launching Phase 7 of the ELL-LC project with a national conference on 12th Dec 2008. The focus of this conference will be building training and support networks in order to develop quality and sustainability in primary languages. It will also focus on the issues surrounding transition from Key Stages 2 – 3. The conference will bring together representatives from CILT, teachers in Specialist Language Colleges and primary colleagues.

There will be no charge for attending this conference but supply costs are not covered.

To secure your place please click on the following link: http://www.cilt.org.uk/languagecolleges/lc_events/lc_events.htm

Places are limited so please register to avoid disappointment

International Dimension

2008-12-04T06:40:00.000-08:00

International Dimension

Did you know that international work attracts funding for demonstrable outcomes including ECM, standards, languages strategy, literacy, inclusion, EAL, global dimension and G&T?
Contact: Liz Hitchcock www.globalgateway.org; tel: (44) 020 7389 4817 to discuss how the British Council, funded by DCSF, can support you in bringing an international dimension to education.

2008-12-02T05:33:00.000-08:00

The Primary Languages Team

Weald - Maureen Utting, Esther Hardman, Sally Lyte
Tonbridge Grammar School - Anita De, Rachel Hunt, Emma Morrell
Bennett - Jackie Howis, Claire Thompstone

Lead teachers for the Sevenoaks cluster - Sandra Vicary, Michelle Hayes, Rebecca Evans
Lead teacher for the Tonbridge cluster - Bouchera Khatib
Lead teachers for the Tunbridge Wells cluster - Gill Hennebry, Nadia Bouakaz

Occasional additional support - Leighanne Wheawall (Sevenoaks CP)

Foreign Language Assistants

The two French assistants based at Weald each have 6 hours available for primary work. They can help in team teaching or in helping pupils on an individual or small group basis. They will also be able to help with resources. If you would like to invite a primary FLA into your classroom to support you, please contact Esther Hardman at Weald (e.hardman@wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk).