http://www.strath.ac.uk/scilt/slr/iss/2009/19/

http://news.scotsman.com/education/Boost-for-Scottish-education-as.5412177.jp

More on the Languages baccalaureate from Scottish CILT.

China has the third largest economy in the world and Scotland’s pupils are being encouraged to learn Chinese Mandarin so they can compete in the rapidly changing business world. The language is one of the top three spoken around the globe and the teaching of it in schools is becoming increasingly popular.

The Scotsman: Milestone as Scotland gets first teachers of Chinese

GTCS article: Congratulations - award for first teachers registered to teach Mandarin 

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/06/08164441/0

Speakers had been identified from primary and secondary schools. They showed presentations on approaches to interdisciplinary work that they had been involved with in their schools and participating teachers commented and asked questions either through the chat facility or ‘on air.”

17 participants tuned in to the event; there was no cost and people could join from either their home or school computer. The event was well received, and many participants indicated that they would be very interested in future similar events.

‘I thought that the conference was fantastic. It was normally the kind of thing you would have to attend an inservice event to be part of, usually entailing giving up a Saturday!’

‘I thought the content was excellent. It was really uplifting to see all that good practice and certainly it has inspired me! I really liked the fact that you could interact with the presenters and ask questions, as often there isn’t time for this when attending an inservice event. I was also impressed by how easy it was to use the technology once we got started and I think that using Glow to share good practice and disseminate ideas should help us to make the changes demanded by CfE.’

‘I would really like the chance to take part in more of these type of conferences as I thought it was a very positive way to enhance my CPD folder.’

‘I enjoyed the CPD session, there is no question that this will soon be the way to run CPD events. Congratulations on your vision!’

The event was recorded and will be made available on the Scottish CILT Glow group.
As a means of reaching a national audience, providing cost – free CPD, and providing teachers with a means to engage with us via the glow group, there is nothing to compare with the convenience and easy manageability of Glow Meet.

We intend to build on this success and run regular, similar events in the future. We will most likely incorporate a monthly session along similar lines into our existing events calendar. If you have any suggestions for themes to develop further teacher CPD in this format, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: Catriona Oates. Looking forward to seeing you on Glow soon!

Find out more about Glow.

For further information and full programme details, please visit http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk

Find out more and how to enter the competition from:

http://www.languageswork.org.uk/laftas/

Up to 300 teachers throughout France will spend the year 2009-2010 in a school abroad. The programme, of which a full description in English is attached, is entirely funded by the French Ministry of Education.

Word file: Jules Verne programme

French teachers may already have sent applications to Scottish schools. However, Local Authorities are welcome to let me know by 22 June 2009, if they have schools willing to host a French teacher, to the following address: education@ifecosse.org.uk

Two practitioners, one primary and one secondary will share theirs and their learners’ experiences. Corinne Anderson, from Balfron High School will talk about the Europe week experience she devised for S2, and Wilma Gordon, from Mid Calder Primary School will explain how a link to a French school provided the vehicle for an ambitious collaboration resulting in bilingual novels and films in her P7 class.

All you need to take part is your Glow log in and a computer – try it from home if you can! However, you must be a member of the Scottish CILT group (National Groups – Modern Languages – Scottish CILT) to take part in the conference.

Please join our group and email asap to let us know that you would like to take part in the event.
Email catriona.oates@strath.ac.uk or mandy.reemanclark@strath.ac.uk to register.

http://www.strath.ac.uk/scilt/

http://www.afglasgow.org.uk/spip.php?article331

Alliance Française also release a podcast in French for learners of French available online
http://www.afglasgow.org.uk/spip.php?article332