Celebrate the European Day of Languages on 26 September by taking part in our poster competition!
To mark the European Day of Languages and following the success of the competition last year, we invite schools in the region to participate in our poster competition. With the number of UK languages learners reducing, whilst international commerce and travel increase, our aim is to spread the message of the importance of learning languages, promoting intercultural awareness and encourage uptake, particularly at GCSE and beyond.
Speaking another language can lead to new friendships, understanding of other cultures, more fun when on holiday and opportunities to study or work abroad in the future to name but a few benefits. So, to get our Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils thinking about these things, this year we would like the students to design a poster about another European country they would like to visit. Pupils should research and design their own poster, using, if they wish, a variety of materials and languages!
The poster should tell us which country it is, why they chose it and some facts about it e.g. language spoken, food, music and famous landmarks, national celebrations, traditions etc. – the more the better!
Entries can be submitted in any foreign language or languages and may include some English if desired (for example, pupils may like to provide a translation of the facts they provide). Each poster should be no larger than a sheet of A4 paper and must be completed by hand but any form of materials can be used – felt tips, paint, fabric etc. Judges will be looking for originality of illustration as well as accuracy of language and content.
The competition is open to pupils in Year 7, 8 and 9 with one winner for each year group. Each entry MUST be clearly marked on the back with the pupil’s name, age, year group, teacher and school, as well as any necessary information about the language(s) chosen (i.e. if it is a less widely learned language) to facilitate judging. When sending school entries, teachers should provide a covering note with their contact details for ease of notifying winners.
Please note that entries cannot be returned, we advise making a scanned copy for pupils who wish to retain their work. In the event of insufficient entries of good quality, no prize will be awarded; the judges’ decision is final.
The prizes will be £20 vouchers for the winners plus a winner’s certificate. The winning entries will be displayed around the School of Languages and Social Sciences at Aston University and will feature on our website. They may also be used in publicity materials in future. Prizes will be presented in schools by a member of Routes into Languages staff or a languages ambassador who will also deliver a “Why Study Languages” presentation to your pupils.
We hope that you will encourage your pupils to take part in this competition as part of your in-school European Day of Languages celebrations. The deadline for submission of entries will be Friday 7 October.
Please send your entries to: European Day of Languages Competition, Routes into Languages West Midlands, Room NW803A, School of Languages and Social Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET. If you have any queries please email us at routes@aston.ac.uk or call 0121 204 4720.
Need some inspiration?
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Encourage pupils to use home languages – they could even teach a few words or phrases to other pupils.
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Take the opportunity to so some cross curricular work with your art department
