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British Council support for the teaching and learning of languages

British Council SchoolsENRICHED EDUCATION – Sustained collaboration between the UK and other countries on professional development, curricula, system reform and policy dialogues provides improved educational outcomes for young people.

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP INCREASED - Young people and educators demonstrate an increased capacity in the skills, understanding and outlook required to work in a global economy and contribute responsibly to society, locally and globally.

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British Council and languages

As well as having a role in the teaching and learning of English all over the world  we bring an intercultural dimension to foreign language learning in the UK through bringing in foreign language assistants and encouraging schools to make partnerships with schools overseas.  

We believe that speaking another language is crucial to understanding another culture and for long term growth and prosperity. So, no matter how many people around the world speak English, we still need to go to the effort of mastering foreign languages ourselves in the UK.   

Survey said..78% can’t speak a foreign language

8% caused offence because they did not understand the local culture

18% ordered something without understanding the menu

17% spoke English is a foreign accent to make themselves understood….

Language Trends report - ConclusionsPositive reception for statutory KS2 languages

Success of EBacc in halting KS4 decline

Challenges:

Lack of access to CPD (primary and secondary)Disjuncture between primary and secondary Time for language learningExclusion of pupilsExams and their impact post 16

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‘Languages are still perceived as a difficult option and not an obvious choice for future career prospects’

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British Council support for the teaching and learning

of languages

Help you find a partner school overseas

Support you in developing a successful international partnership

Give you access to online resources and webspaces

Give you a grant to support activity

Give you professional development opportunities

Provide you with a language assistant

eghttp://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org/classroom-resources/primary-

languages

Download our new primary languages starter pack, (3MB) designed for Language Assistants and other native speakers new to teaching languages in primary schools. It is also useful to schools hosting Language Assistants.

The pack contains guidance on how to get started, examples of best practice, specific teaching ideas and classroom resources.

http://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org/classroom-resources/primary-language-resources

We have compiled resources and opportunities from professional development courses to online libraries and free teaching materials. Select a language or organisation to find out more

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Foreign Language Assistants•Language support in the classroom from native-speakers

•Raises pupils’ motivation and enthusiasm and promotes intercultural understanding

•French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Russian

•Assistants work 12-18 hours per week in up to 3 schools

•Apply through local authority (or British Council if non-local authority school)

For more information, visit

www.britishcouncil.org/languageassistants

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Introducing British Council Schools Online

www.britishcouncil.org/schoolsonline

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