Routes into the Future: The Next Three Years

Having celebrated its initial launch in 2007, Routes into Languages North East will celebrate the second phase of the programme set to continue until the summer of 2016 in this flagship event at Newcastle University on Thursday 12th June.

‘Routes into the Future: The Next Three Years’ will bring together the full Routes into Languages North East consortium team, senior representatives of the partner universities, teachers, school pupils and the many and varied individuals across the region who have supported their work in recent years. Speaking at the event will be Baroness Joyce Quin, herself a former languages student with firm roots in the North East, whilst guests will also hear directly from those at the very heart of the programme – the inspirational team of Student Language Ambassadors!

To find out more about the event please email Project Manager Sophie Stewart. Read on for more details about the work of the Routes into Languages North East consortium below.

The consortium, whilst based at Newcastle University, also brings together Durham University, Northumbria University, the University of Sunderland and Teesside University. It forms part of the nationwide Routes into Languages initiative funded by HEFCE to tackle the current language-learning crisis in England and Wales. In all, nine regional consortia are currently working with young people to increase uptake of language study at GCSE level and beyond. Led by Dr Elizabeth Andersen, the North East consortium has established firm ties with key organisations regionally and nationally, including the British Council, Europe Direct and Théâtre Sans Frontières, as well as with local European consuls.

The work of the consortium stretches far and wide, from schools in Berwick upon Tweed through to Yarm. Regular activities include Roadshows, Masterclasses and Film Days, whilst exciting online resources for young language learners are also offered in the form of Linguacast and Universed. Regional contests such as the Foreign Language Spelling Bee are proving increasingly popular whilst pupils come together in their hundreds at the annual Beat the Rat Race and Festival of International Culture events. All activities are supported by a team of Student Language Ambassadors from across the partner universities who serve as genuine role models for pupils while themselves developing new skills to enhance their employability as graduates.