We look forward to seeing you at the Routes into Languages stand (no 6)!
Language World 2015 - Newcastle University - 20 & 21 March 2015.
http://www.all-languages.org.uk/events-list/details/read/language_world_2015
As political parties put together their manifestos for the 2015 General Election, what better time to write to your MP to highlight the importance of policies which support language learning in schools, universities, businesses and the community?
By writing to your MP you can support the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages’ call for a 5-point plan to improve the UK’s language capability and in supporter of learners, teachers and all who benefit from language skills.
You can help by:
§ emailing your MP
§ asking them your questions (letter templates below)
§ Send us your questions and their reply.
Speak to the Future will publish letters on this website when permission has been given.
Speak to the Future will work closely with the APPG on Modern Languages to enable it to be better informed about MPs’ support for pro-languages policies, and which MPs are most supportive. Read more about the APPG on its website.
Remember, MPs are duty-bound to reply to their constituents – so let’s get them to show their support for languages!
So, how can you get involved? It’s easy!
1) Identify the current MP for your constituency (you can use this site)
2) Send them a letter asking for their views. You might like to use one of our templates for inspiration. Feel free to amend these to include your own views and questions!
Download the Letter-writing pack (Zip, 879KB): WriteToYourMP-LetterWritingPack - includes these instructions and all letter templates in Word and a copy of the Manifesto for Languages.
3) When they respond, you might want to send a follow-up letter, thanking them and inviting them to develop their views and endorse the Manifesto for Languages if they haven’t already done so. For example, use our template Follow up letter
Tip: If your MP has already replied to this campaign already, you might want to go straight to the Follow-up letter.
4) Remember to send any letters you receive to info@speaktothefuture.org
5) We will then publish it (with permission) and pass on the information to the APPG on Modern Languages. Look out for publication and if you are on social media, please share!
Please note that we can only post electronic documents: a scan (image or PDF), or an email.
Remember, you must ask for permission to host the reply on this website. Paste this into your email to ask for permission to display your MP’s answer:
The www.speaktothefuture.org website aims to make MPs’ views about the importance of languages clear to all. With your permission I should like to post this letter and your response on the website.
Our aim is to get a response from a majority of MPs between now and the election. You can help us get there – we look forward to hearing from you!
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch on info@speaktothefuture.org
or go to: http://www.speaktothefuture.org/how-can-i-be-involved/
Guest of Honour: Professor Stephen Parker, Chair, ALCAB Panel for Modern and Classical Languages and Henry Simon Professor of German, University of Manchester
This event held on Tuesday 28 April 2015 in Central London is CPD Certified.
Scheduled to follow the release of the British Council's annual Language Trends survey, this seminar will provide a timely opportunity to consider the current and future state of language learning in England's education system up to the age of 18. It follows the A-level Content Advisory Board's (ALCAB) report on Modern Foreign and Classical Languages, which highlighted a 'grave decline in the numbers studying MFL (modern foreign languages) beyond the age of 16'.
Delegates will discuss the specifications for MFL subjects at GCSE and A-level, planned for September 2015, as well as the challenges surrounding implementation and first teaching in 2016. Other areas for discussion include steps to be taken to tackle widespread concern that students tend to regard languages, particularly at A-level, as 'hard' and of little future value, as outlined in a recent review by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). In addition, the conference will also look at concerns raised by employers and businesses that languages are no longer taken seriously, as detailed in the CBI-Pearson annual Education and Skills Survey.
Further planned sessions will consider measures to improve the take-up of MFL at Key Stage 4, such as Government's proposal to pilot foreign language 'teaching hubs', and efforts to increase the number of language teachers within primary and secondary schools. Additional areas for discussion include the role played by foreign exchanges and technology in supplementing the language learning experience, as well as the benefits of languages for the economy.
We are delighted to announce that Professor Stephen Parker, Chair, ALCAB Panel for Modern and Classical Languages and Henry Simon Professor of German, University of Manchester; Bernadette Holmes, Bye Fellow, Downing College, University of Cambridge; Teresa Tinsley, Founder, Alcantara Communications and Author, Language Trends survey; Caroline Norman, Project Manager, Home Language Accreditation Project (HoLA), Languages Sheffield and Leanne Tritton, Founder and Managing Director, ING Media have agreed to deliver keynote addresses at this seminar.
Ian Bauckham, Headteacher, Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, Kent and Immediate Past President, ASCL; Vicky Gough, Schools Advisor, British Council; Dr Lid King, Chair, Speak to the Future and Director, The Languages Company; Rene Koglbauer, Director, Network for Languages North East and President, Association for Language Learning (ALL); Nick Mair, Chairman, Independent Schools' Modern Languages Association; Humair Naqvi, Regional Director - Corporate, Education and Public Sector, Rosetta Stone and Michael O'Sullivan, Chief Executive, Cambridge International Examinations have also agreed to speak.
Anna Bawden, Deputy Editor, Society Guardian and Education Guardian and Lord Harrison, Member, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages have kindly agreed to chair this seminar.
To view the latest agenda or book a place, please visit:
http://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/forums/event.php?eid=947&t=8569
On 25 February 2015 from 1pm to 5.30pm, the University of Manchester will host a national careers event on behalf of the National Networks for Translation and Interpreting. A diverse employer panel will talk about the range of career options on offer in the professions and an alumni panel will share experiences and advice.
We will also have a student panel who will give participants a feel for what it is really like to train as a translator, interpreter or subtitler.
The panels will be followed by a chance to network and refuel before a choice of practical taster sessions with translation, interpreting and audiovisual translation lecturers.
for further details go to:
https://www.routesintolanguages.ac.uk/interpreting/events/4039
By participating in our contest, you get the opportunity to create a video, upload it on YouTube and tell the whole world which language you would like to learn. The best part is..: You have the chance to win a free language holiday!
Submit your YouTube video link for the contest
Terms and Conditions of this contest
A teacher who inspires pupils through superb teaching and supports colleagues by sharing their expertise and ideas? Or a student language ambassador who motivates young learners, showing them that learning languages is exciting, cool and contributes to their future success?
If you do, then why not nominate them for a Routes into Languages / Association for Language Learning Award?
For background documents and entry forms please click here.
This 4-hour seminar is an excellent professional development opportunity for anyone advising students on UK higher education outward mobility programmes. It is an opportunity to hear from representatives of student finance in the four UK nations.
For further details, please go to:
http://www.participant.co.uk/student_finance_for_outward_mobility_24102014
TYA Answers is a new website developed by a partnership of Routes into Languages and Third Year Abroad.
TYA Answers is dedicated to students who want their questions about studying or working abroad during their degree answered. It's also the perfect place to pass on the benefit of your experience to the next generation of students, by answering their questions.
