Supporting Primary Languages Development

This programme is for schools that are looking to promote high quality language learning across the school and across the curriculum. The programme will also focus on pupil progress in language learning and the opportunities for the development and promotion of community languages.

Course Leader: Gill West

Gill West recently served as a regional manager with Comenius, linked to CILT the national centre for languages and has been active in the promotion of effective language teaching in primary schools. She is a trained inspector and National Primary Languages trainer, having previously held positions as languages subject leader in several schools.

Autumn 2009: Leading a primary languages development programme

  • How do effective primary schools arrange language teaching?
  • What is effective language subject leadership like and what are the stages of implementing language teaching?
  • What methods are primary schools using and what are the partnerships that are found to help?
  • London Mon 12th October
  • Birmingham Mon 5th October
  • Leicester Tues 6th October

Spring 2010: Pupil progress and active assessment in primary languages

  • What is the nature of effective primary language teaching?
  • How do schools secure high quality teaching and learning in language teaching and apply Assessment for Learning approaches?
  • How do we measure pupil progress?
  • What is the ‘language ladder of achievement’ that can underpin the organisation and celebration of pupils’ primary language achievements?
  • London Mon 8th February
  • Birmingham Mon 1st February
  • Leicester Tues 2nd February

Summer 2010: Just French or German?

  • What are the ‘best’ languages to teach in primary schools?
  • How can primary schools recognise their pupils’ achievement in a wide range of community languages?
  • How can an under-resourced primary school cater for a range of language needs?
  • If so many of our pupils are actually bilingual already, how can we recognise and celebrate their achievements?
  • London Mon 24th May
  • Birmingham Mon 17th May
  • Leicester Tues 18th May


The course content above is indicative of plans for the programme at this stage but may be modified slightly to better meet the needs of participants during the year.

One-off courses: It is possible for additional colleagues from participating schools to attend any course for £100. For schools who are not participating in Upward Trends, day delegate attendance on any single course is available for £150.

Your Upward Trends Tutor. In addition to the 3 courses above, participating schools will receive year-round support from a colleague with experience of supporting school-tailored improvement projects. This support includes a project workbook, recent relevant research resources, personal support through telephone, email, face to face sessions and electronic links to other schools on the programme.
 

Upward Trends, SDSA, Alliance House, 6 Bishop Street, Leicester, LE1 6AF