school of languages, linguistics and cultures directorate of external relations

http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester

School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures Directorate of

External Relations

Outreach projects

Ameeta Chadha


LLC working in schools: problems and solutions

• Current projects

• Work with students

• Work with schools

• Questions


Current Projects

• Sharing Words

• Keep Talking

• VI Form Days

• University of Manchester Insight into Languages Programme (UMILAP)

• Bridging the Gap

• Language Teachers’ Consultative Forum (LATCOF)

• Foreign Languages Awareness Group (FLAGS)

• “Why Study Languages” presentation

• Taster sessions

• Arabica


Sharing Words

• Uses native speaking Erasmus students to provide conversation classes in Manchester schools

• Working with GCSE and A Level classes to enhance learners’ oral provision, confidence and competence

• Erasmus students gain transferable skills as well as enhancing their cultural integration during their year abroad

• School pupils learn about the culture of the country whose language they are learning


Keep Talking

• A three strand programme of support to KS3 pupils and their teachers

• This programme is designed to motivate KS3 pupils and encourage language uptake in KS4 and beyond

• Strand A - Current undergraduate language students provide classroom assistance in local schools

• Strand B – Pupils visit the University to find out more about studying languages at University

• Strand C – Teachers’ Symposia

• Funded by HEIF(3)


VI Form Days: A2 Level

• Curricula-targeted language study workshops for year 13 pupils to support and encourage post-16 and University level study

• This project aims to motivate and build confidence in the four essential skills tested in their formal examinations

• Pupils experience University life by being on campus, using University facilities and being taught by University staff

• Interaction with current students allows pupils to find out more about studying languages at University.


UMILAP – University of Manchester Insight into Languages Programme

• Structured campus visits for KS4 pupils (years 10-11) to raise aspirations and awareness of studying languages

• Pupils are given access to open language-learning technologies in our Language Centre

• Talks about language provision, careers and life as a student provide them with a greater knowledge of studying languages at degree level

• Interaction with current students and the visit to the campus allows pupils to find out more about University life.


Bridging the Gap: AS Level

• Language enhancement days for year 12 pupils (have previously run this for year 11 pupils)

• This project addresses the transitions in language study from AS to A2 level or GCSE to AS level

• Focuses on grammatical knowledge, oral competence and writing skills

• Teaching materials for the day are closely aligned to exam-based curricula.


Language Teachers’ Consultative Forum (LATCOF)

• Early evening meetings monthly for regional language teachers from secondary/VI form and HE (U of M only)

• Meetings focus on thematic issues, e.g. grammar teaching; motivating take-up of language learning, mutual understanding of pedagogical approaches and curricular design

• Notes from meetings are disseminated on the External Relations website to enable wider access of best practice and a strategic review of curricula and methodologies.


Foreign Languages Awareness Groups (FLAGS)

• Undergraduate students act as peer mentors to promote less widely taught languages to schools and colleges in the north west

• Languages currently part of the FLAGS programme are Russian, Italian and Portuguese with lessons being developed in Middle Eastern languages

• Purpose-built webCT materials create a virtual learning environment to deliver beginner-level sessions to introduce year 11-13 pupils to a new language and culture.

• Mentors build up supportive relationships with their mentees which can extend into their year abroad.


“Why Study Languages” talk

• Members of School staff deliver the Subject-centre’s presentation “Why Study languages?” to schools and colleges, adapted to reflect University of Manchester provision

• Usual audiences are: year 9 to encourage KS4 take-up; years 10 &11 to encourage VI form take-up; years 12-13 to encourage University take-up

• The talk promotes the purpose of learning languages and examines the social and professional benefits of possessing language skills


Arabica

• Supporting the development of a network of teachers of Arabic and those with an interest in Arabic through providing administrative support to the Arabica project

• This includes building up a database of contacts and maintaining the Arabica website


WORK WITH STUDENTS


Types of students

• Undergraduates – helping in lessons within schools, leading campus tours, talking about life as a language student, talking about the year abroad, acting as a student mentor (virtual and real)

• Postgraduates – assisting with activities within the Language Centre, developing materials for the website

• Erasmus students – Sharing Words project within schools, Question and Answer sessions with native speakers, adding the cultural dimension


Working with Students - Problems

• Reliability – students cancelling at the last minute

• Agreeing to go into schools but changing their minds

• Getting busy as term goes on and realising they don’t have enough time

• Timetable changes in second semester

• Differences in holiday and exam periods between University and School

• Year abroad – students aren’t around for long

• Costs


Working with Students - Benefits for them

• Students who are planning on doing a PGCE can benefit from the work experience

• It can prepare 2nd year students for their 3rd year placements abroad

• It looks good on their CV and helps them to stand out from the crowd

• Extra money from a flexible job

• They enjoy the work!


WORK WITH SCHOOLS


Working with Schools - Organisation

• Schools database

• Timing – term times, exams, working day

• Contact with teachers

• Logistical issues – permission from Head, consent forms for pupils, supply cover

• Risk Assessments


Working with Schools - Problems

• Differences in holidays and busy periods

• Contact with teachers

• Logistical issues

• Costs

• Ownership of project – rearranging lessons, asking for extra hours

• Lack of communication - no feedback about how the students are getting on

• Drop out rate – last minute cancellations or not turning up on the day for events


Working with Schools – Benefits for them

• There is better communication between schools and Universities

• Schools have support in their aim to encourage language study

• Access to resources they don’t have – Language Centre, native speaking students etc.

• Pupils can interact with students and learn more about University – this can help to raise aspirations

• Increased numbers of pupils taking languages


QUESTIONS?


Contact details

External Relations Manager:

Ameeta Chadha

[email protected] 0161 275 8059

Project Officer (Sharing Words, FLAGS, VI Form Days, Bridging the Gap):

Gabriele Ashcroft

[email protected] 0161 275 3429

Website: www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/ExternalRelations/


School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures

school of languages, linguistics and cultures directorate of external relations

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