Projects
for languages
We aim to support the Intercultural Diversity
Toolkit developed by the Association for Language
Learning. To this end we offer teachers delivering MFL provision
(primary or secondary) very strong and specific support.
This includes the following options (all provided free):
- a link school in Europe, or worldwide, which has native
speakers in the target language and is teaching English
- a link school in Europe or worldwide which is also teaching the
target language (eg Romanian, Moroccan or Italian schools
where French is being taught)
- advice on funding streams
- advice on ICT for communication using the target language
- a free project space on eLanguages or on eTwinning
- alerts for events and project opportunities
We are delighted to work with the CILT Comenius
regional network advisors, NALA, ALL and many LEA advisers in
delivering this offer.
Where could we link?
France, Germany, Spain are the usual choices. For co-learning of
French we suggest Italy or Romania. For co-learning of German we
suggest Poland or Czech Republic. For co-learning of Spanish we
suggest France or Brazil.
Partner schools in Latin America are a very popular choice for
Spanish, we also suggest Central America and southern States of the
USA. Canada is an excellent choice for projects with a French
strand.
Francophone Africa is often requested, but the schools
there have little experience of joint projects and
communication and progress can be very slow.
For global languages we offer China, Japan, Taiwan, Russia,
Middle East and Indonesia (for Arabic).
For community languages we have schools throughout India, some
in Bangladesh and also Pakistan. Schools in India are very
responsive project partners and will be very supportive of
community languages.
Linking for languages
There are many examples of outstanding practice in
linking among langauge colleges in particular. Here is one
presentation that is particularly inspiring (and not too long!)
Ideas for projects
If you are both learning each other's language, both schools
should aim to provide work in their native tongue and in the target
language.
- Writing questions, reading answers
- Reading questions, writing answers
Use the real life vocabulary and expressions from letters or
emails from partner schools as a springboard to schemes of
work. The link will come into its own if you can exchange podcasts
and hear each other speaking.
If you are both learning the same language, then creating a blog
or exchanging resources in the target language will be very
beneficial.
We can help you to develop and realise any of these project
ideas. The first step is to register on this site. Then contact us directly
(see below).
Echange R-T-Q
This is a project in our project space on eLanguages, designed
to offer real interaction and simple cultural exchanges between
primary and secondary schools with Francophone schools. The current
focus is Guadeloupe. You can bring your own partner school or work
with those that are there. All you need is one computer!
Penpals
Postal communications suit many schools. For primary age pupils
or SEN students, this resource should prove useful.
You can read more about working with a partner school who use
the target language from these tips on
Tandem learning produced after a Lingua project funded by the
EU.
Happy to help
Please email liz.hitchcock@britishcouncil.org with
any queries about languages and school linking, particularly about
using ICT or help finding the right partner school.