Promoting languages… Working proactively with the local community Ricarda Zoellner Principal Lecturer School of Languages Leeds Metropolitan University

Working proactively with the local community Objectives: Attract more applicants to our courses, particularly full time undergraduates. Support the efforts of schools, colleges and other bodies to promote language learning Raise the profile of languages as a key skill for employability Encourage employers to engage with schools to highlight the value of languages

Working proactively with the local community 1.Identifying collaborators 1.Who to work with 2.Keep a focus so activities are effective and inter-link where possible 2.Types of activity 1.Work with them, don’t impose 2.Messages 3.Materials

Identifying collaborators… Local schools and colleges Specialist Language Colleges Local Education Departments Local ALL Branches Other Faculties within university

Types of activity… Local schools and colleges: –Visits and presentations using Powerpoint or materials from The Languages Box –Focus days on uni campus (taster class in Arabic, Chinese etc, campus tour, session on UCAS “Personal Statement”, current students)

Types of activity… Local schools and colleges: –Business Language Champions Scheme –Mini Poster Campaign –Video “English is not enough”

Types of activity… Specialist Language Colleges: –Support for initial LC bids –Membership of LC Board –Delivery of taster sessions or classes in lesser taught languages –Sponsorship of prizes

Types of activity… Specialist Language Colleges: –Short language courses for parents –Links with their Primary feeder schools –Courses for Primary teachers of French and Spanish

Types of activity… Local Education Departments: –Link with Language Advisors –Mentoring schemes –Language days at City Technology Centres (our students act as mentors for the day on range of activities using IT, role plays etc)

Types of activity… Local ALL Branches: –Sixth Form Days –Either help in preparation for A / AS exams or range of activities based on specific skills such as pronunciation, writing skills, or use of IT

Types of activity… Faculties within the university: –School of Education – BA Hons Primary Education with French –Business School – joint promotion of languages with International Business, Public Relations etc –School of Tourism, Hospitality and Events – joint promotion of languages with Tourism, International Events Management etc

Working with the local community… …a range of activities aimed at stimulating and supporting language learning More details on any of our activities or materials are available from: Graham Webb Principal Lecturer School of Languages Leeds Metropolitan University