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Available now – the report of this year’s Festival of Languages. Celebrating the North East’s diverse languages and cultures and our connections to the world for children and young people aged 3-18. It was our biggest and best Festival yet - thanks to all who took part! Click here to find out more and download the report: https://expressyourselfne.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-FESTIVAL-REPORT-Express-Yourself-North-East-Festival-of-Languages.pdf

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British German Association has announced the winners of the German Karneval Mask Competition, which took place between January and March as part of this year’s Festival. Find out more here:  https://internationalnewcastle.org.uk/karneval-mask-winners

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Sharing the multilingual recipe book. In these recipes, pupils from North East schools share their favourite family recipes and why they are important to them, using a language other than English: https://internationalnewcastle.org.uk/world-recipe-book

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25th June 2026 MFL Network presentation and recording

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25th June 2026 MFL Network presentation and recording

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The recording and presentation provide updates on activiites, developments and opportunities for secondary schools, with a special presentation by Sandra Ober. Presentation is uploaded here and you can access the recording on vimeo here: https://vimeo.com/1204865555/0a99841630?fl=ip&fe=ec

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25th June 26 Secondary Network Presentation (FINAL)

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Celebrate European Day of Languages with UK schools' writing competition

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Celebrate European Day of Languages with UK schools' writing competition

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Schools are encouraged to get involved with the annual European Day of Languages writing competition. Download the competition pack, including guidelines and entry form: https://internationalnewcastle.org.uk/edol-2026 .

Pupils at any key stage can create a piece of text in a language they are learning (other than English) with an illustration on the theme of A few words that mean so much, exploring how carefully chosen words can make a difference to someone who reads them.

Other links to EU resources are also available for schools at the link.

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Sign up now for Erasmus+ opportunities (complete the EOI form)

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Sign up now for Erasmus+ opportunities (complete the EOI form)

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On 11 June we held our first briefing for Newcastle schools on Erasmus+ which will provide a multitude of international opportunities for staff and pupils. It is important to get involved as soon as possible. Read the attached presentation for a summary and complete the Expression of Interest form for Newcastle schools here: https://forms.office.com/e/d1jEQJ4Yzc or contact sarah.edgar@newcastle.gov.uk

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Erasmus+ Summary and EOI for Newcastle Schools (June 2026)

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Visit strengthens Newcastle-Nancy education links and new opportunities for schools and pupils

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Visit strengthens Newcastle-Nancy education links and new opportunities for schools and pupils

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News item: https://internationalnewcastle.org.uk/nancy-visit-26

This month, we hosted a visit from Caroline Remont from our twin city of Nancy’s and Nancy-Metz region’s team for international relations in education (DRAREIC). She visited schools. Headteachers and teachers also attended the Erasmus+ briefing session at Newcastle Civic Centre , to discuss international opportunities and the types of activities available for staff development, joint projects and visits – including with the region of Nancy Metz. Schools should contact sarah.edgar@newcastle.gov.uk if you are interested in a French school partnership or getting involved in Erasmus+

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Newcastle schools' film and students attending premiere in London

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Newcastle schools' film and students attending premiere in London

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Pupils and staff from five Newcastle schools attended the Critical Connections film premiere in London this month, featuring a film they had made with NEST student volunteers and taking part in workshops with Michael Rosen and others: https://internationalnewcastle.org.uk/film-premiere

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Critical Connections Newcastle schools NEST film 2026

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Watch the joyous performances of our Festival song, ‘Love is the Only River’

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Watch the joyous performances of our Festival song, ‘Love is the Only River’

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We are delighted to share the film of the region’s children and young people singing this year’s Festival song. 5,694 children and young people from 56 North East schools took part. They celebrated the region’s diverse languages and culture together in joyous multilingual renditions of ‘Love is the only river’. https://internationalnewcastle.org.uk/festival-song26

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2026 Festival Song Love is the Only River schools

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Read our 2026 Festival multilingual Mother Tongue Other Tongue digital anthology

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Read our 2026 Festival multilingual Mother Tongue Other Tongue digital anthology

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We are delighted to share the Mother Tongue Other Tongue 2026 e-book, a digital anthology showcasing North East children and young people’s writing and creativity. 3,960 children and young people from 30 schools took part in this creative multilingual project as part of our Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages this year. The anthology includes poems written in 46 different languages spoken at home or being learned. https://internationalnewcastle.org.uk/mtot26-anthology

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Supporting Newcastle schools - languages, international links, enrichment

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Supporting Newcastle schools - languages, international links, enrichment

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Read our new brochure with details of how we support Newcastle schools to expand opportunities around languages, international links and intercultural awareness - and the incredible impact of these on the perspectives, aspirations and future education and life choices of children and young people in the city: https://internationalnewcastle.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Empowering-Newcastles-Youth-for-a-Global-Future-25-June-2026.pdf

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Secondary Language Teachers meeting 25th June at 4pm

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Secondary Language Teachers meeting 25th June at 4pm

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Secondary language teachers are invited to the Network meeting on 25th June - topics include AI in the languages classroom, new opportunities for peer mentoring and other support and new projects for language teachers. Register by completing this form to receive the link: MFL Network Meeting Attendance Confirmation

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ALL North East Secondary Language Teachers Network 2026 logo

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Invitation to A-Level Arabic students to attend film screening of ‘Wadjda’ on 16th May

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Invitation to A-Level Arabic students to attend film screening of ‘Wadjda’ on 16th May

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Students who are studying for A-level Arabic are invited to a special Film Viewing and Discussion event organised by the North East Arabic Teaching Council. Wadjda is a highly acclaimed Saudi film and a valuable cultural resource for A-level study. The event will include a guided discussion exploring key themes, characters, and cinematic techniques, as well as opportunities for students to engage in critical thinking and debate. This session is designed to support A-level students’ understanding of Arabic society, culture, and film analysis, while also enriching their exam preparation in an engaging and interactive way. Follow the link to find out more and registration: https://internationalnewcastle.org.uk/film-screening-wadjda

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Sign up this week for Festival resources to use beyond March!

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Sign up this week for Festival resources to use beyond March!

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Last chance this week to register for Express Yourself NE Festival of Languages live event recordings and a range of classroom activities with teaching resources https://expressyourselfne.com/2026/03/31/last-chance-to-register/

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Festival newsletter - with all remaining FREE activities, recordings and resources (Register before 31 March - for use beyond March)

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Festival newsletter - with all remaining FREE activities, recordings and resources (Register before 31 March - for use beyond March)

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There are lots of FREE activities and event recordings, teaching resources available to schools - register this week to get access to these and use (most of them) beyond March.

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Events from the Spanish Embassy Education Dept for teachers

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Events from the Spanish Embassy Education Dept for teachers

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Latest newsletter with events, film festivals and CPD for teachers teaching Spanish - in person and online — celebrating the Spanish language, innovative teaching, and cultural exchange. Presented in chronological order, these activities offer inspiring opportunities for teachers, students, and anyone eager to explore the richness of Hispanic culture.

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Recording of MFL Network Meeting 10th March

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Recording of MFL Network Meeting 10th March

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Access the recording of the MFL Secondary Network meeting on 10th March

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MFL secondary--Meeting Recording 10th March

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Places left for Spanish Teachers CPD day 14 March at Newcastle Uni!

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Places left for Spanish Teachers CPD day 14 March at Newcastle Uni!

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This is an incredibly popular event for teachers of Spanish at all levels to participate in high quality Continuing Professional Development. This is part of a nationwide programme from the Spanish Embassy Education Department to support teachers of the Spanish language in the UK. Teachers and future teachers of Spanish should register for the event.

Click here to register (£15 registration fee)

Click here to download the programme (the actual event is free of charge)

This year’s event includes practical workshops, creative approaches to teaching and assessment, AI applications in the ELE classroom, networking opportunities, a tasting of products from Castilla y León and a prize draw for attendees.

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Register for FREE Festival resources, recordings and remaining live events by 31 March

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Register for FREE Festival resources, recordings and remaining live events by 31 March

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Find out about live events, recorded events, classroom activities and creative projects – all with teaching resources -  available FREE as part of the Festival. Register before 31st March and many resources can be used beyond March.

Click here to download the 10th March Festival newsletter.

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10th March 2026 NE Festival of Languages Newsletter 

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Schools invited to respond to survey on multilingualism (13 Mar) and invited to symposium (18 Mar)

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Schools invited to respond to survey on multilingualism (13 Mar) and invited to symposium (18 Mar)

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Newcastle University is asking schools and organisations to respond to their multilingualism survey by 13 March and invite them to a symposium on multilingualism, education and social justice on 18 March in Newcastle. Links to registration, the programme and the school survey are all in this article: https://internationalnewcastle.org.uk/multilingualism-symposium

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Bumper edition of Festival newsletter with lots of events and activities free for your schools!

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Bumper edition of Festival newsletter with lots of events and activities free for your schools!

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Latest edition of the Festival newsletter with highlights of events, projects, classroom activities - all free to get involved with. Register as soon as possible to get the most out of the free programme for your school!

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Call for teachers as presenters for Spanish Teachers' Day (15-min presentation in English)

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Call for teachers as presenters for Spanish Teachers' Day (15-min presentation in English)

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Newcastle University School of Modern Languages is seeking proposals for 15 minute presentations for Spanish Teachers' Day on 14th March. They can be practical teaching proposals or workshop style presentations. See attached document for details and submission link for up to 300 word proposals.

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Register for in-person and online Festival events Feb-March

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Register for in-person and online Festival events Feb-March

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There are a wide range of in-person and online events available to attend for free during the Festival. https://expressyourselfne.com/live-events/

Online events have unlimited capacity.

In-person events on the calendar may have places available if they are not listed as FULLY BOOKED – click here https://expressyourselfne.com/2026/01/07/in-person-event-places/ for the latest updates on availability for remaining places for any in person events.

To register for events, click on the image on the calendar page to see the specific event you are interested in and follow the instructions to register in the ‘How do I get involved?’ section and follow the instructions.

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Turing webinar for Newcastle schools Thursday 5th 

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Turing webinar for Newcastle schools Thursday 5th 

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CPD: Designing cross-curriculum tasks to build competence in languages (16 March)

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CPD: Designing cross-curriculum tasks to build competence in languages (16 March)

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IN PERSON at 12-3pm 16th March at Newcastle Civic Centre

Register for the event by emailing info@expressyourselfne.com

A special CPD workshop with Dr Jennifer Eddy, a leading global expert on World Language Education and task-based, real-world approaches to improving language competence. During a 3-hour practical session, teachers will learn how to design cross-curricular, trans-disciplinary tasks for learners at all stages, which will enhance their engagement, enthusiasm and their competence in the languages they are learning.

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Newcastle and NE schools asked to respond to Language Trends Survey by 6th February

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Newcastle and NE schools asked to respond to Language Trends Survey by 6th February

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Head Teachers and Languages leads are invited to complete the Language Trends 2026 survey by Friday 6th February. We encourage all Newcastle schools to get involved to have your views and information represented. Completing the survey should take no more than 10-15 minutes of your time.

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Sign up for Festival events and activities (runs to 31st March)

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Sign up for Festival events and activities (runs to 31st March)

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Download the KS3-5 Festival programme and follow the links to register for a wide range of FREE in-person and online events, as well as competitions, classroom activities and creative projects with teaching packs and resources to enrich your curriculum and inspire pupils.

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Turing Scheme briefing for Newcastle Schools 3.30pm 5 Feb (international visits funding)

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Turing Scheme briefing for Newcastle Schools 3.30pm 5 Feb (international visits funding)

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Newcastle schools are invited to attend an online briefing about the Turing Scheme at 3.30-4.30pm on 5th Feb and find out about opportunities for pupils to travel abroad and the support available from International Newcastle and Newcastle City Council and the DfE. One to one follow up will be provided for schools.

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Book now for Festival in-person events with places remaining!

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Book now for Festival in-person events with places remaining!

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Festival in-person events are always very popular and book up early. Attached is a list of in-person events that still have some places left. These events provide immersive and inspiring experiences for children and young people and include in-person activities for both primary and secondary schools. There are some with flexible bookings and others are on specific dates, mainly in March 2026. There are also some in-person events for teachers, listed separately.

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Book now for last places at the Munich Supercrew concert 20th Jan (KS3-5 - German)

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Book now for last places at the Munich Supercrew concert 20th Jan (KS3-5 - German)

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There are still some places left for this exciting event and schools from the North East and Tees Valley can book places for students aged 11-18, by emailing info@expressyourselfne.com with their school name and address, contact teacher and the number and age of pupils they would like to attend

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Spanish events for teachers in the new year (Spanish Education Office)

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Spanish events for teachers in the new year (Spanish Education Office)

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See offers from the Spanish Embassy for teacher events in the new year, online and in person, as well as scholarships for summer courses in Salamanca.

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Education Office of Spain - Upcoming Events New Year 2026

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Recording - International School Award and the Festival of Languages

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Recording - International School Award and the Festival of Languages

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RECORDING of WEBINAR: PASSCODE ISA2025 LINK: https://vimeo.com/expressyourselfne/isafestival?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

This webinar recorded in November 2025, provides information for schools from British Council's International School Award Team, shares the experience of a Newcastle school that has achieved Accreditation and hears from the Express Yourself North East Festival of Languages Co-ordinator about how Festival 2026 activities can support and inspire schools to progress through the ISA levels from Foundation Certificate, to Intermediate and Accreditation levels.

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Join the web’s most supportive community of creators and get high-quality tools for hosting, sharing, and streaming videos in gorgeous HD with no ads.

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Register now for Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages activities

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Register now for Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages activities

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Express Yourself – Festival of Languages North East

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Designed to spark curiosity and inspire young minds, our Festival offers FREE events, activities and resources for children and young people in schools, community schools and groups.

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International Education Week 17-21 November

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International Education Week 17-21 November

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International Education Week 2025 is organised by British Council and will take place from 17th to 21st November. The week is dedicated to celebrating international learning in schools and will feature a variety of online events and resources aimed at educators and pupils alike. Inspire and motivate students to discover other languages, countries and cultures.

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NE schools webinar on using Festival activities to progress with the International School Award 4-5pm 27th November

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NE schools webinar on using Festival activities to progress with the International School Award 4-5pm 27th November

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Join British Council’s International School Award Team and the Coordinator of the 2026 Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages for this webinar on 27th November. North East schools are invited to attend and discover how your school can progress through the International School Award (ISA) levels using Festival activities.

Click on the link to register: https://forms.office.com/e/kfUiJTbJSW

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Two Schools in Aragon region of Spain looking for partner schools

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Two Schools in Aragon region of Spain looking for partner schools

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Contact me if you are interested in partnering with either of the schools below, Thanks,

Sarah

sarah.edgar@newcastle.gov.uk

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PRESENTATION: Secondary MFL Network 7th Oct slides and links

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PRESENTATION: Secondary MFL Network 7th Oct slides and links

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Download the presentation from the secondary MFL Network of North East Language teachers from the meeting on 7th October - including La Petite Creperie, Sanako Connect free licences pilot for NE schools, using AI in MFL, Festival of Languages 2026, resources, events and opportunities for secondary MFL teachers and ALL updates

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FINAL PRESENTATION ALL SLIDES 7th Oct 25 North East Secondary Languages Network

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Offer to schools from La Petite Creperie

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Offer to schools from La Petite Creperie

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La Petite Creperie offer interactive workshops for schools to share the excitement and experience of French culture and language to motivate students. They bring their own equipment.

Always start with a cultural presentation, culture history, fashion, food, wherever the students leave us. Bring the cultural immersion into the school.  It has a real impact on students, who remember it for years and they have delivered to a lot of schools and would like to offer this to more.

It encourages and inspires students to sign up for GCSE French.

·         1 hour session for 1 class, including a Q&A session

·         Minium of 3 classes and 75 students

·         £4 per student

·         Use good quality ingredients

·         They will be able to taste what they make and have a conversation about it

Popular for Y7 and 8 to encourage take up of GCSE

Contact Julien at: lpcreperie@outlook.com or visit www.lpcreperie.com

Crepe Competition for North East Schools in the Festival 2026 (register from Nov 2025) – competition will run for primary and secondary schools (KS3) from January to March

They will also be at Newcastle Christmas market and will offer schools visits, which can be booked and they will have a mini workshop and presentation and they can order in French and enjoy a crepe – with a £1 discount on the cost of the crepe if they order in French.

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Starting 16 October - Spanish webinar series 

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Starting 16 October - Spanish webinar series 

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📅 Starting 16 October 🕔 All sessions at 5:00 PM (CET/CEST) 📍 Online

💼 Fee: 5Euro per seminar (Free for ELEUK members)

Organizers: Cursos Internacionales – University of Salamanca, Editorial Edinumen, and partner institutions

This series of online seminars offers a gateway to the MINELE Master's programme, bringing together renowned experts in language education and didactics.

Each session explores cross-cutting themes rooted in evidence-based pedagogy, with insights from professionals in additional language teaching and Spanish as a foreign language.

🔗 Details and registration: University of Salamanca | Edinumen

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Workshop Series – Free Online Training for Spanish Teachers 

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Workshop Series – Free Online Training for Spanish Teachers 

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📅 Tuesday, 7 & 14 October

Workshop Series – Online Training for Spanish Teachers in the UK & Ireland
🕓 4:30–6:30 PM (7 Oct) | 4:30–7:30 PM (14 Oct) 📍 Online
Organizers: Education Office of the Spanish Embassy in the UK and Ireland, Association of Spanish Schools in Andalusia, Manchester Metropolitan University
Free registration & flexible certification. Choose your sessions and receive certification per workshop day.
🔗 More info & registration: Education Office – Online Training Workshops

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Jornadas de formación en línea en colaboración con la Asociación de Escuelas de Español en Andalucía

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Languages Educators Online - CPD for teachers (webinar 8 Oct)

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Languages Educators Online - CPD for teachers (webinar 8 Oct)

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Teachers can register for a new online platform called LEO - designed to support language teaching CPD. Free. Funded by DfE and delivered via UCL and the National Consortium for Languages Education.

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Language Educators Online - resources, training, webinar - International Newcastle

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Language Educators Online (LEO) has been developed by UCL Institute of Education, funded by DfE and is a modular learning platform supporting teachers to build…

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Get ready for Festival of Languages 2026!

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Get ready for Festival of Languages 2026!

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With support from the North East Combined Authority and 50 partners from the region, UK and internationally, the Festival returns in 2026 with a raft of free events, activities and resources for schools and community schools. The 2026 programme and website will be live and open for advance registrations from mid-November 2025.

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Get ready for the 2026 Festival of Languages! - International Newcastle

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Back for the sixth year running, Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages will engage, empower and enlighten children and young people. With free activities…

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Secondary MFL meeting 4pm Tuesday 7th Oct on Teams

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Secondary MFL meeting 4pm Tuesday 7th Oct on Teams

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The next meeting of the NE secondary network for MFL teachers is 4pm on Tuesday 7th October with guest speakers on offers for schools, including La Petite Creperie and Sanako UK (AI enhanced technology - free licences). Network members should have received an invitation from Sarah Edgar, if not, email sarah.edgar@newcastle.gov.uk to receive the link.

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Get ready for Festival 2026 - registrations open mid-November

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Get ready for Festival 2026 - registrations open mid-November

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The Festival is running again in 2026, with the programme and website live for advance registrations in mid-November.  FREE activities for schools and community schools from January to March. They will learn about diverse languages and cultures and be inspired to take up or progress with languages, build their skills and confidence and help prepare them for life in our multicultural, globally connected society.

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Get ready for the 2026 Festival of Languages! – Express Yourself

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Secondary MFL meeting 4pm Tuesday 7th Oct on Teams

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Secondary MFL meeting 4pm Tuesday 7th Oct on Teams

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The next meeting of the network of secondary teachers of languages in the North East will be at 4pm on Tuesday 7th October on Teams. David Binns from Sanako will be speaking about the free trial for NE schools of AI enhanced Sanako Connect and there will be a discussion of AI in language teaching, as well as contributions from ALL and teachers. Network members should email sarah.edgar@newcastle.gov.uk to get the meeting link.

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Exchange programme (AI) opportunity for teachers of German (deadline 5 Oct)

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Exchange programme (AI) opportunity for teachers of German (deadline 5 Oct)

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The Goethe-Institut and the State Education Department of North Rhine-Westphalia are launching a new teacher exchange programme this autumn.

This initiative will bring together 20 secondary school teachers from Germany and the UK to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence in language classrooms. The programme includes a two-day conference in London (1-2 November), a four-day stay in schools in the UK (3-6 November).

The application deadline is 5 October 2025, more information can be found at Artificial Intelligence in the languages classroom - Goethe-Institut United Kingdom

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Artificial Intelligence in the languages classroom - Goethe-Institut United Kingdom

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Free licences for NE secondary schools for Sanako Connect pilot scheme on technology in language teaching

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Free licences for NE secondary schools for Sanako Connect pilot scheme on technology in language teaching

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North East secondary schools can sign up for free licences for the Sanako Connect system, as part of our new pilot programme around technology in language teaching to support language teaching and learning in the region. Part of Newcastle City of Languages work and open to all secondary schools in the region. Follow the link to find out more and sign up for your free licences: https://internationalnewcastle.org.uk/sanako-uk-pilot

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Calling NE secondary schools - join our free Sanako UK technology in language teaching pilot from September! - International Newcastle

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We are delighted to announce a free technology in language teaching (TiLT) pilot programme for North East secondary schools, delivered by our partners, Sanako UK.…

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Competitions and resources to celebrate European Day of Languages 2025

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Competitions and resources to celebrate European Day of Languages 2025

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Get involved in celebrating European Day of Languages 2025 with the annual writing competition for UK schools (all key stages), Ursa Lingua resources (primary), the Multilingual Verses project and a wide range of activities and resources for all ages.

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Celebrate European Day of Languages with competitions and resources - International Newcastle

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European Day of Languages (EDoL) activities take place annually in and around 26th September. Throughout Europe, 700 million Europeans from the Council of Europe’s 46 member states are…

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Opportunity to create content for ENACT web app prizes 2025

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Opportunity to create content for ENACT web app prizes 2025

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The ENACT Web App Prizes will be awarded to the people who upload the best cultural activities for language learning using the ENACT ‘CREATE’ author software during the period 1 July to 1 December 2025. Organisers want to increase the number of languages and cultures on the ENACT app by rewarding materials in languages and cultures which are not already represented.

Download the flyer, with links and information about the competition and how to enter.

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Saturday, 27th Sept 2025 - Spanish teachers' day in Coventry

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Saturday, 27th Sept 2025 - Spanish teachers' day in Coventry

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Consejería de Educación, the University of Warwick, and the Junta de Castilla y León are organising a Spanish Day in Coventry aimed at teachers of Spanish and future teachers from primary, secondary, university, and further education. There will be presentations and workshops with practical ideas for the Spanish class and a raffle for courses in Spain. The workshops will run from 9.15am to 3.30pm.

Registration is free, but places are limited (on a first-come, first-served basis):

https://forma.administracionelectronica.gob.es/form/open/corp/1387a53b-1c23-47c5-82e6-74ca58c6d15a/UzyR

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10If driving to the event, please indicate your vehicle number plate. If not, write “no”. The University of Warwick encourages the use of sustainable public transport wherever possible. / ¿Acudirá a la formación en su propio vehículo? En caso afirmativo, indique la matrícula si no, escriba “no”. La Universidad de Warwick fomenta el uso de transporte público sostenible siempre que sea posible. *

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Discover IFRU's offer of training for primary and secondary teachers of French, as well as a wide range of free educational resources for teachers and students of French at all levels, including worksheets, powerpoints, subtitled documentaries, reading notes, grammar and language e-books, and more on the Teacher's Trail

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Teacher Training & Resources - Institut Français · Royaume-Uni

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The Teacher’s Trail is the Institut français du Royaume-Uni’s continuing professional development programme for teachers of French in the United-Kingdom. This programme aims at supporting future teachers, newly qualified and qualified teachers of French throughout their teaching career. Every year, training opportunities are offered online and face to face all over the country. […]

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British Council and Queens University Belfast annual report on language trends in England for 2025. Caveat (low response rate from more deprived schools and also from NE schools 4.2% primary, 5.6% secondary and only 1000 responses overall, so data reflects this, also with majority of responses from SE).

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The UK Ministry of Education and Association of Spanish Schools in Andalusia offer a series of online workshops for Spanish teachers in September and October on different aspects related to the teaching of Spanish.

3 days with 2 workshops of 1 hour duration on Tues 23 and 30 Sept and 30 and Tues 7 Oct: 4.30 to 6.30 pm.

1 day of 3 workshops of 1 hour duration on Tues 14 Oct: 4.30 to 7.30pm.

Registration is free and the certification of each day is independent, so that each teacher can choose which ones they want to do. The registration link is weekly and will close on the Monday before each day and after the end of the day, every Tuesday, the link for the following week's workshops will be activated again.

The day before each day is held, registered people will receive by email the link to access the online room in which the workshops will take place.

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Jornadas de formación en línea en colaboración con la Asociación de Escuelas de Español en Andalucía

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Angry Family teaching resources updated (French, German, Spanish) from Newcastle Uni

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Angry Family teaching resources updated (French, German, Spanish) from Newcastle Uni

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Revised resources for French, German, Spanish from Newcastle University. Over 100 powerpoint presentations with sound, text and animation in each language for use in the classroom. Links in the document provided.

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Angry Family Resources updated July 2025 Spanish German French with links to webpages

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Arabic Summer School (ages 12-16) in July

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Arabic Summer School (ages 12-16) in July

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This is a fantastic opportunity for children and young people to learn basic spoken Arabic. Register by completing this form online : https://forms.gle/iWU8tC2nsQVsSRXk9

Or: schools/parents can simply get in touch with Ulfet or Caroline at languages@s4a.org.uk or call 07930469198

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Language competitions for schools in the Autumn

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Language competitions for schools in the Autumn

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Find out about 5 language competitions coming up in the Autumn for schools - inspire creativity and enthusiasm in children and young people by taking part: European Day of Languages; Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators; Poésíae and Poésíært; GCHQ National Language Competition; and World Children’s Haiku Competition.

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Language competitions to inspire children and young people this Autumn - International Newcastle

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We are encouraging Newcastle schools to enable their pupils to get involved in one or more of the national language competitions happening from Autumn 2025.…

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Funding opportunity to introduce Arabic language and culture into schools

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Funding opportunity to introduce Arabic language and culture into schools

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QFI is offering schools the opportunity to apply for the Arabic Afterschool Enrichment Grant programme. This provides support to robust Arabic language programmes for primary and secondary students outside of school hours during the academic year. Follow the link to find out how to apply and the support available.

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Opportunity to introduce Arabic language and culture into schools - International Newcastle

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Our partner, QFI, is offering schools the opportunity to apply for the Arabic Afterschool Enrichment Grant programme. This provides support to robust Arabic language programmes…

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Thanks to all schools who took part in this year's Express Yourself North East Festival of Languages. The summary evaluation report is available now. We will use the findings to help plan for the next Festival, which we aim to open for bookings in November for activities running January to March 2026.

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Festival 2025 evaluation summary published! - International Newcastle

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The summary evaluation report for Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages 2025 has been published today. This demonstrates the impact of the Festival, which…

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FREE Chinese language classes and/or Tai Chi/Kung Fu delivered in Newcastle Schools (Sept+)

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FREE Chinese language classes and/or Tai Chi/Kung Fu delivered in Newcastle Schools (Sept+)

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Our partners at Confucius Institute have generously offered to deliver free classes in Newcastle schools - Chinese language and/or Kung Fu/Tai Chi. Classes begin in September/October. Find out more and sign up directly with Miss Liujing Zhu Email: liu-jing.zhu@newcastle.ac.uk

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Newcastle schools - Offer of free Chinese language classes, Kung Fu and Tai Chi from September - International Newcastle

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Our partners at the Confucius Institute at Newcastle University have made a generous offer for Newcastle schools. Starting in the new academic year, they are…

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Watch the Festival Song video with North East schools performing

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Watch the Festival Song video with North East schools performing

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Be inspired by the children and young people of the North East singing, playing and signing the timeless classic, ‘What A Wonderful World’, as part of Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages 2025. 7,465 children and young people from 61 schools took part in the project between January and March 2025.

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Watch the inspiring video of children performing the 2025 Festival Song – Express Yourself

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5 short Festival films showing activities and impact

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5 short Festival films showing activities and impact

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As well as one overarching case study film about the Festival, these short films (2-3 mins each) profile a range of events and activities, including examples of world languages and cultures, languages and careers and creative multilingual projects. They showcase Festival content, aims and impact on children and young people and teachers.

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Five case study films show the impact of this year’s Festival of Languages – Express Yourself

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Mother Tongue Other Tongue Digital Anthology 2025 published

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Mother Tongue Other Tongue Digital Anthology 2025 published

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Discover North East children and young people's creativity, thoughts and feelings, which are showcased in this year's Mother Tongue Other Tongue digital anthology, with poems in 35 languages spoken or being learned in the North East. Thanks to all who took part and enjoy the ebook!

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2025 multilingual anthology showcases children’s writing, creativity and feelings – Express Yourself

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Webinar - AI and Technology: Developing Languages for the Future​Wednesday 11th June ​4-5pm

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Webinar - AI and Technology: Developing Languages for the Future​Wednesday 11th June ​4-5pm

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Join Joe Dale, Independent Language Consultant and Bernardette Holmes MBE, NCLE Director together with Specialist Teachers from the NCLE Language Network who will be sharing innovative ideas on how AI and technology can be used to empower language teachers and inspire language learners.  Please register for this webinar via this link

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The National Consortium for Languages Education (NCLE) comprised of IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, the Goethe Institut and the British Council is thrilled to continue its series of free…

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93,798 children and young people took part in Festival 2025

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93,798 children and young people took part in Festival 2025

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Thank you to all schools who got involved in this year's Festival of Languages. You can read about the record-breaking numbers involved across the programme this year at the link. An evaluation report will be available in May and 5 case study films about the Festival.

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Festival of Languages 2025 inspires a generation of children and young people! – Express Yourself

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Stephen Spender Prize open for  translations of poems from any language! 

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Stephen Spender Prize open for  translations of poems from any language! 

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The Stephen Spender Prize 2025 for translating published poems into English from any language (including sign language) is open! Children and young people (aged 3-18) can take part individually or through schools, plus there is a teachers' prize and Portuguese spotlight for under 18s. Find out more, how to enter, access resources and links to the prize categories at the weblink.

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Stephen Spender Prize for poetry translated into English from any language open until 31st July - International Newcastle

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The Stephen Spender Prize 2025 poetry translation competition is open for entries by the deadline of 31st July. This is an annual competition to translate…

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Book now for FREE Technology in Language Teaching event for NE secondary teachers 2nd July, Newcastle University

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Book now for FREE Technology in Language Teaching event for NE secondary teachers 2nd July, Newcastle University

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Book early for this special FREE event for North East secondary language teachers on 2nd July at Newcastle University - Technology in Language Teaching, with Sanako UK. Free lunch and sessions on using AI for MFL, MFL and careers, using technology to support speaking and pronunciation and the new GCSE. Places are limited. Click on the link for the event details and registration links.

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Secondary language teachers invited to TiLT event on 2nd July in Newcastle - International Newcastle

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Our partners at Sanako UK and Newcastle University are offering a free event on 2nd July to secondary languages teachers in the North East. Part…

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Secondary MFL meeting 4.15pm on Thurs 19th June

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Secondary MFL meeting 4.15pm on Thurs 19th June

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The next meeting of the North East Secondary MFL Network will be on Teams at 4.15pm on Thursday 19th June. Network members should have received the invitation from Sarah Edgar. If not, contact Sarah at sarah.edgar@newcastle.gov.uk

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Employ a language assistant (applications close 30 April)

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Employ a language assistant (applications close 30 April)

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British Council run scheme for schools. Modern Language Assistants are speakers of French, German, Irish, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish who can help students in the UK build their cultural capital by developing their linguistic and cross-cultural skills. All details and application link at the webpage provided. Can be shared across schools and different levels primary secondary.

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Spanish language and careers webinar recording and resources available

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Spanish language and careers webinar recording and resources available

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Developed to inspire pupils to progress with languages and choose them at GCSE, A Level and beyond. Email info@expressyourselfne.com with the event name, your school name, pupil participation numbers and Key Stages to access the webinar recording, presentation, pupil worksheet and additional resources from the Spanish Embassy.

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Inspiring young people to learn and progress with Spanish – Express Yourself

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Sylvia Barstow blog and video (4 Mar) on Phonics and Pronunciation 

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Sylvia Barstow blog and video (4 Mar) on Phonics and Pronunciation 

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Sylvia Barstow's video presentation was shown in parts at the MFL Network on 4th March. You can download the full video here: https://vimeo.com/1063255941 (Password: PHONICS2ndrySB) and she also provided a link to a blog from April 2024 about Reading aloud in the language classroom.

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As the 'newish kid on the block' in terms of the new GCSE MFL specification in England, incorporating read-aloud activities in the modern language classroom offers numerous benefits , including improving listening comprehension , pronunciation , vocabulary acquisition , and fostering a deeper understanding of the language and culture.

In this blog entry, my goal is to highlight a range of activities that I have either implemented or plan to incorporate into my classes. While some of these activities align with those I already use in my own classroom, there are numerous new ones that have been graciously shared or created by my colleagues. I will strive to acknowledge their contributions to the best of my ability.

Nevertheless, these activities have been compiled by colleagues who may have encountered them elsewhere but can't recall the source . Therefore, if you notice an activity that originates from your original idea and you haven't been credited , please let me know, and I will update the post accordingly with proper attribution !

The main aim of this post is to share good practice within our Languages Community!🙂

Examples of activities:

A multitude of fantastic colleagues shared these activities on social media.

On X:

„Swap and Stop" (pupils have a sentence on a strip of paper, walk around reading to each other & swapping every time until I (or another pupil) says „Stop" & randomly chooses one of the sentences (usually projected on the board) for the winner.

"Find your partner" : Pupil has one part of a sentence (e.g..: 'Ich mag Deutsch. / I like German. ') goes around constantly repeating their phrase, the partner that they need to find might have: 'weil ich gern Sprachen lerne / because I like learning languages. ' & also walks around repeating it until they've found each other.

Mine love "Trap Door" texts: texts with variables to choose from, then guess what your partner has by reading the full text with one option, taking turns and restarting from the top every time they make a mistake.

We also like "Loopy Texts" : a longer whacky narrative where TL (German) sentences and their translation alternate, and they read that in pairs, one language per person, on a loop until I say stop.

"FASE Reading Beat the teacher" : You have a few sentences of language on the board colour coded. You challenge the class to take it in turns to speak. 'I'm red, you're blue.' I always make sure they've heard me speaking it first. Then swap the colours around. Teacher says red, class says blue. You could split the class in two and get them to compete against each other. Second round : quick fire questions: How do you say...? Either Target language to English or vice versa. The best bit is, it's really low prep and some of my most reluctant classes will have a go. Third round : you can start to cover up words as part of a memory game. Fourth round: questioning - which word contains the sound...? You can include loads of differentiation.

"Little fingers, little ears" : After a 3 2 1 countdown, all students read a text simultaneously. Seems to reduce anxiety as everyone focuses on their own reading. Teacher circulates, picking up on difficulties, mispronunciation - original idea by BarryNSmith79 .

"Any reason" : Some sentences on the board, students work in pairs & take turns to read them, they can read up to 3 sentences in one go within their turn but the person who reads the last sentence is the loser.

Another is "High 5" : Apee with a sentence in it, students go around and read the sentence to different people, who translate. When they find someone with the same sentence as them, they do High 5 (chócala, in Spanish).

"Coloured reading" : Version 1 : sentences in different colours. Teacher reads one and pupils say the colour in TL before teacher reaches the end (then doing pairs). Version 2 : Teacher reads sentence and pupils have to read the same sentence more quickly and reach the end before the teacher. Again, play in pairs.

On Facebook:

Secondary MFL Matters & Teaching German:

In pairs, they take it in turns to read a text but they can only read 1, 3 or 5 words. The person who reads the last word loses. For a few weeks I dictate the date and title of the lessons, then I progress it to a volunteer to read it out to the class - original idea by Best_Lesson_Ever

"Shadow reading" (but this is my own adaptation of a Conti activity) - students in pairs, reading a text broken down into lines. Optional pre-activity would be to highlight any tricky sounds we've talked about in Phonics focused activities to draw their attention to it. Otherwise if the text is just on the board, just highlight tricky sounds in a different colour to draw attention. One student is the Reader first, other one is the Shadow. The Reader counts down 3,2,1 and starts reading. The Shadow must try to read at the exact same time as them. The Reader makes this difficult by speeding up, slowing down, randomly stopping! If the Reader makes the Shadow come 'unstuck' they get a point. If the Shadow makes it to the end of the sentence without coming 'unstuck' they get a point. Then swap roles! The kids get really into it.

"Popcorn reading" : ask student to read a line or a sentence and stop. Call out a name and that student must pick up and continue reading. (To be honest I'm not sure if this one reduces anxiety, but it's something they're quite used to doing in English, so generally ok!).

"Student dictation" : one student reads text. The other must try writing it down. This one is student centred pair work: good for lowering the anxiety levels.

My classes like playing "21 dares" : I just play with 11 sentences though as teach KS2. They can read out 1,2 or 3 sentences ( it could be adapted to 1, 2, 3 words) but the person who says number 11 loses. Makes them recycle a lot of language. They could even write their own if you wanted it to be a longer activity.

This is an idea I got from Rachel Hawkes a few years ago at the Language show in London. I put a dialogue on the board. Person A, Person B, prior learning language. First time, students read aloud the dialogue, exactly as it is. Then, second time, students add some emotions, they may read aloud as an angry person, happy person, confused etc... and then third time, they change the information underlined. The second reading makes it very fun, lots of angry reading or funny characters They forget they are reading aloud. Usually lots of gestures as well, lots of smiling faces in the room.

"Reading train" : first student in a group reads first sentence, next student in that same group reads sentence one and sentence 2, third student in the group reads sentence 1,2 and 3 and so on. I time them. The second group then does the same and tries to beat the time and so on. My students really like the competition element. I always give them time in pairs to practice first and you could give them the option of organising the group themselves from weaker to stronger.

Additional activities referenced by colleagues include: 'Sentence builders reading', 'Mind reader', 'Sentence stealers' (original ideas: G. Conti ), 'Reading Battleships', 'F Factor' (original idea from McKie Mastery Power Phonics & Power English ) , 'Be the last one', 'Paired reading', 'Algo game', 'Back-to-back dictation', regional accents, and emotions...

Last but not least, a heartfelt "THANK YOU" to everyone who has generously shared their classroom practices! I am confident that your contribution will leave a meaningful impact on every colleague who reads this post, and it will undoubtedly influence my own practice as well!

As the 'newish kid on the block' in terms of the new GCSE MFL specification in England, incorporating read-aloud activities in the modern language classroom offers numerous benefits , including improving listening comprehension , pronunciation , vocabulary acquisition , and fostering a deeper understanding of the language and culture.

In this blog entry, my goal is to highlight a range of activities that I have either implemented or plan to incorporate into my classes. While some of these activities align with those I already use in my own classroom, there are numerous new ones that have been graciously shared or created by my colleagues. I will strive to acknowledge their contributions to the best of my ability.

Nevertheless, these activities have been compiled by colleagues who may have encountered them elsewhere but can't recall the source . Therefore, if you notice an activity that originates from your original idea and you haven't been credited , please let me know, and I will update the post accordingly with proper attribution !

The main aim of this post is to share good practice within our Languages Community!🙂

Examples of activities:

A multitude of fantastic colleagues shared these activities on social media.

On X:

„Swap and Stop" (pupils have a sentence on a strip of paper, walk around reading to each other & swapping every time until I (or another pupil) says „Stop" & randomly chooses one of the sentences (usually projected on the board) for the winner.

"Find your partner" : Pupil has one part of a sentence (e.g..: 'Ich mag Deutsch. / I like German. ') goes around constantly repeating their phrase, the partner that they need to find might have: 'weil ich gern Sprachen lerne / because I like learning languages. ' & also walks around repeating it until they've found each other.

Mine love "Trap Door" texts: texts with variables to choose from, then guess what your partner has by reading the full text with one option, taking turns and restarting from the top every time they make a mistake.

We also like "Loopy Texts" : a longer whacky narrative where TL (German) sentences and their translation alternate, and they read that in pairs, one language per person, on a loop until I say stop.

"FASE Reading Beat the teacher" : You have a few sentences of language on the board colour coded. You challenge the class to take it in turns to speak. 'I'm red, you're blue.' I always make sure they've heard me speaking it first. Then swap the colours around. Teacher says red, class says blue. You could split the class in two and get them to compete against each other. Second round : quick fire questions: How do you say...? Either Target language to English or vice versa. The best bit is, it's really low prep and some of my most reluctant classes will have a go. Third round : you can start to cover up words as part of a memory game. Fourth round: questioning - which word contains the sound...? You can include loads of differentiation.

"Little fingers, little ears" : After a 3 2 1 countdown, all students read a text simultaneously. Seems to reduce anxiety as everyone focuses on their own reading. Teacher circulates, picking up on difficulties, mispronunciation - original idea by BarryNSmith79 .

"Any reason" : Some sentences on the board, students work in pairs & take turns to read them, they can read up to 3 sentences in one go within their turn but the person who reads the last sentence is the loser.

Another is "High 5" : Apee with a sentence in it, students go around and read the sentence to different people, who translate. When they find someone with the same sentence as them, they do High 5 (chócala, in Spanish).

"Coloured reading" : Version 1 : sentences in different colours. Teacher reads one and pupils say the colour in TL before teacher reaches the end (then doing pairs). Version 2 : Teacher reads sentence and pupils have to read the same sentence more quickly and reach the end before the teacher. Again, play in pairs.

On Facebook:

Secondary MFL Matters & Teaching German:

In pairs, they take it in turns to read a text but they can only read 1, 3 or 5 words. The person who reads the last word loses. For a few weeks I dictate the date and title of the lessons, then I progress it to a volunteer to read it out to the class - original idea by Best_Lesson_Ever

"Shadow reading" (but this is my own adaptation of a Conti activity) - students in pairs, reading a text broken down into lines. Optional pre-activity would be to highlight any tricky sounds we've talked about in Phonics focused activities to draw their attention to it. Otherwise if the text is just on the board, just highlight tricky sounds in a different colour to draw attention. One student is the Reader first, other one is the Shadow. The Reader counts down 3,2,1 and starts reading. The Shadow must try to read at the exact same time as them. The Reader makes this difficult by speeding up, slowing down, randomly stopping! If the Reader makes the Shadow come 'unstuck' they get a point. If the Shadow makes it to the end of the sentence without coming 'unstuck' they get a point. Then swap roles! The kids get really into it.

My classes like playing "21 dares" : I just play with 11 sentences though as teach KS2. They can read out 1,2 or 3 sentences ( it could be adapted to 1, 2, 3 words) but the person who says number 11 loses. Makes them recycle a lot of language. They could even write their own if you wanted it to be a longer activity.

This is an idea I got from Rachel Hawkes a few years ago at the Language show in London. I put a dialogue on the board. Person A, Person B, prior learning language. First time, students read aloud the dialogue, exactly as it is. Then, second time, students add some emotions, they may read aloud as an angry person, happy person, confused etc... and then third time, they change the information underlined. The second reading makes it very fun, lots of angry reading or funny characters They forget they are reading aloud. Usually lots of gestures as well, lots of smiling faces in the room.

Additional activities referenced by colleagues include: 'Sentence builders reading', 'Mind reader', 'Sentence stealers' (original ideas: G. Conti ), 'Reading Battleships', 'F Factor' (original idea from McKie Mastery Power Phonics & Power English ) , 'Be the last one', 'Paired reading', 'Algo game', 'Back-to-back dictation', regional accents, and emotions...

Last but not least, a heartfelt "THANK YOU" to everyone who has generously shared their classroom practices! I am confident that your contribution will leave a meaningful impact on every colleague who reads this post, and it will undoubtedly influence my own practice as well!

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'Read aloud' - Utilising engaging activities that spark excitement

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As the 'newish kid on the block' in terms of the new GCSE MFL specification in England, incorporating read-aloud activities in the modern language classroom offers numerous benefits, including improving listening comprehension, pronunciation, vocabulary acquisition, and fostering a deeper understanding of the language and culture.In this blog entry, my goal is to highlight a range of activities that I have either implemented or plan to incorporate into my classes.

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Giovanni Marchioli has shared this Mandarin pronunciation codebreaker NGA and her notes for staff on their approach at North Gosforth Academy is in the post below. The codebreaker can be applied to other languages.

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Giovanna Gharraie from NGA has kindly shared her pronunciation code breaker. Thanks Giovanna :)

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2ndry Spanish Phonics slides (Veronica Gonzalez-Otero)

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2ndry Spanish Phonics slides (Veronica Gonzalez-Otero)

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Phonics and pronunciation codebreaker - slides shared by Veronica with 2ndry MFL Network on 4th March

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Phonics Spanish slides Veronica Gonzalez-Otero 2ndry MFL 4th March 2025

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2ndry Spanish lesson plan - pronunciation 

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2ndry Spanish lesson plan - pronunciation 

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Sharing slides from the Secondary MFL Network on 4th March on Spanish pronunciation and phonics

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Sample Spanish Lesson slides Veronica Gonzalez-Otero 4 Mar 25 2ndry MFL

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National Careers Week: UK, North East and Festival events, activities and resources

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National Careers Week: UK, North East and Festival events, activities and resources

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It’s National Careers Week across the UK! We are supporting a range of events in March for secondary schools on languages and careers, as part of Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages. There are also lots of national and North East resources and support available to schools. Follow the link to find out more.

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National Careers Week 2025 – Express Yourself

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New time for secondary MFL teachers meeting 4pm 4th March on Teams

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New time for secondary MFL teachers meeting 4pm 4th March on Teams

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The North East Secondary Network language teachers meeting will take place on Teams at 4pm on 4th March. Register https://t.co/v1PYJjYGQw to receive the joining link.

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Webinar 5pm GMT on 5th March for teachers of Spanish with Edinumen

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Webinar 5pm GMT on 5th March for teachers of Spanish with Edinumen

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Invitation to online workshop organised by Edinumen publishing house for teachers of Spanish as a foreign language: "Comunicarse, actuar y pensar en español: El desarrollo de la competencia crítica entre estudiantes adolescentes" (Communicating, Acting, and Thinking in Spanish: Developing Critical Competence among Adolescent Students).

Date: March 5th

Time: 5:00 PM

Registration: Free of charge

Register here

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

It is crucial for adolescent students to develop their critical thinking in the language they are learning, as language is a powerful tool for analysing, questioning, and transforming the world. This ability not only helps students appreciate cultural diversity, address inequalities, and express complex ideas from global perspectives, but also prepares them to be responsible citizens in an interconnected world. During this session, we will explore an active methodology that combines project-based learning, debates, text analysis, and multimedia content creation to foster both language proficiency and critical thinking and social action skills.

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Comunicarse, pensar y actuar en español: el desarrollo de la competencia crítica en estudiantes adolescentes - Eventos Edinumen

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Es importante que los estudiantes adolescentes desarrollen su competencia crítica también en la lengua que están aprendiendo porque el lenguaje es una herramienta para analizar, cuestionar y transformar el mundo. Esto les permite comprender y respetar la diversidad cultural, identificar y enfrentar desigualdades y expresar ideas complejas desde perspectivas globales.

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Book now for languages and careers webinars in March (and 2 recordings)

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Book now for languages and careers webinars in March (and 2 recordings)

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North East schools - register for FREE languages & careers webinars on 4th, 6th, 12th and 18th March, with recordings for two webinars (Spanish Language and Careers and Where Can Languages Take Me?) to use anytime. Join over 200 schools and 36,500 young people already signed up to participate in these webinars. Click on the weblink to find out more information and register.

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Don’t miss our languages and careers events, recordings and resources for secondary schools in March – Express Yourself

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Some places left for FREE secondary events in March

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Some places left for FREE secondary events in March

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There are some limited places left for a number of in-person FREE events in March for Secondary schools in the North East. Sign up quickly if you’re interested! Follow the links at the webpage page for more information and registration links.

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Some places left for in-person events in March – Express Yourself

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30 pupil places available for Futbol Lingo in person workshop 1.00-3.30pm 26th March - book now!

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30 pupil places available for Futbol Lingo in person workshop 1.00-3.30pm 26th March - book now!

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Due to a school dropping out, there are now 30 pupil places available for the Futbol Lingo in person workshop on languages and careers in football at 1.00-3.30pm on 26th March at Sports Central, Newcastle.

This is a fantastic opportunity for KS3-5 pupils from one or two schools to take part in one of the most popular events in the Festival - motivational talk, fun classroom workshop and practical football session.  Full event details here

Email Declan Baharini at info@expressyourselfne.com to request places (first come first served).

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Futbol Lingo Workshops for schools – Express Yourself

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Some places available for Spanish Teachers' Day Saturday 8th March

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Some places available for Spanish Teachers' Day Saturday 8th March

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There are still a few places left for the Spanish Teachers’ Day at 9am-3pm on Saturday 8th March 2025 at Newcastle University.

For: Spanish teachers and future teachers of primary, secondary, university and adult education.

The Spanish Embassy Education Office (Consejería de Educación), University of Newcastle and Difusión publishing house invite teachers and future teachers of Spanish (primary, secondary, university and further education) to attend the Spanish Day for Teachers in Newcastle on 8th March. There will be presentations and workshops with practical and imaginative ideas for the Spanish class. A Spanish lunch will be served.

Registration is free, but places are limited.

Click here to register

Click here to see the programme

You will receive an email confirmation of your place at the event and venue details.

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Spanish Teachers’ Day at Newcastle University – Express Yourself

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ENACT in-person support to set up Around the World Clubs (up to June)

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ENACT in-person support to set up Around the World Clubs (up to June)

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Great new offer from Newcastle University’s ENACT team. Schools across the North East can arrange in-person visits up to June to set up Around the World Clubs. Children and young people of all ages can learn new languages and cultures while doing a hands-on cultural activity with the help of the free ENACT digital web app. Introduce lunchtime, after school clubs or integrated into curriculum subjects. Find out more and get in touch with the team.

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ENACT offers in person support to set up Around the World Clubs in North East Schools - International Newcastle

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The ENACT offer has just got better, with the ENACT team at Newcastle University offering to help North East schools to set up Around the…

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Secondary MFL Network presentation slides and links (4th March)

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Secondary MFL Network presentation slides and links (4th March)

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Download the slides from the Secondary MFL Network on 4th March, which contains links to Festival activities, the video on phonics in secondary from Sylvia Bastow, as well as all the updates and links from Association of Language Learning.

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Places left for Y12 German students for Northumbria University workshop 2-4pm on 12th March 

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Places left for Y12 German students for Northumbria University workshop 2-4pm on 12th March 

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Places left for German Y12 students to join in oral practice, listening comprehension tasks, introductory interpreting taster tasks and meet University language students sharing experiences of their year abroad.

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Interactive Language Activities with Northumbria University Language Centre – Year 12 French, Spanish or German learners – Express Yourself

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A wonderful opportunity for Year 12 French, Spanish and German learners in North-East secondary schools or sixth form colleges to have an in-person, university experience of language learning. Pupils can take part in a programme of interactive language activities led by staff and students from Northumbria University at 2-4pm on 12th March 2025 (register by 24th February 2025).

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Places left for workshops at GNM on 20th (Y3-7) and 24th (Y6-9) March 

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Places left for workshops at GNM on 20th (Y3-7) and 24th (Y6-9) March 

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Language Treasures at the Great North Museum (Hancock)

10am-2pm on 20th March (Y3-7)

10am-2pm on 24th March (Y6-9)

Teacher self-led activities throughout March (with resources)

There are school places still available for workshops and self-led activities in March at the Great North Museum – book now to get your school place!

Fill in the online booking enquiry form here  for the workshop days or self-guided, teacher-led activities.

If the workshops in March are fully subscribed and there is a waiting list, schools will still be able to register for teacher-led activities with languages worksheets and book in for visits on dates in March.

Great North Museum will confirm places and also send details to any schools visiting the museum for the workshop or self-guided activities.

For schools with places to attend on 20th and 24th March, there will be a carousel of activities linked to different museum collections This will include workshops supported by museum and university staff and students, as well as teacher-led activities:

Thu 20 March - Learn Maori language and culture through a craft - with the ENACT team from Newcastle University (recommended for Y3-7)

Mon 24 March - Explore the Latin and Greek roots of English with Dr Steph Holton from The Open University (recommended for Y6-9)

Pupils will need to bring a packed lunch and drink. We will provide a space for you to eat, picnic-style.

There is an option for teachers to register for the resource pack to do a teacher-led guided programme of exploratory language and culture activities at the museum during March. This opportunity is not led by museum staff, we will book you in and greet you at the start of your visit. Teachers will be leading their own school group’s learning throughout the visit. If you intend to do the visit over lunch, pupils can bring a packed lunch and drink and GNM will provide a space for you to eat, picnic-style.

Pupils involved in both the workshop days and teacher-led self-guided visits throughout March, will have the opportunity to use free time to explore the museum – you could touch on another topic you’re learning, try our museum-wide scavenger hunt or visit the shop.

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Language treasures at GNM Hancock – Express Yourself

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Year 10 survey - Boys in Languages Research Project (schools asked to express interest by 7 Mar)

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Year 10 survey - Boys in Languages Research Project (schools asked to express interest by 7 Mar)

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Secondary schools in the North East and the Midlands are being offered the opportunity to take part in a survey of Year 10 pupils to explore why fewer boys choose languages as a subject and why they frequently do less well than girls. Durham and Warwick Universities’ Schools of Modern Languages and Cultures have joined forces to undertake the research and will use results to inform their outreach programmes with schools.

Schools who would like to take part are asked to complete this expression of interest online form by 7th March.

Schools can find out more about the Boys in Languages research project online here.

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‘Boys in Languages’ Research project (Year 10 Survey) - International Newcastle

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Secondary schools in the North East and the Midlands are being offered the opportunity to take part in a survey of Year 10 pupils to…

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What is still available for secondaries: pdf of links to free Festival events and activities to end March (updated 17 Feb)

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What is still available for secondaries: pdf of links to free Festival events and activities to end March (updated 17 Feb)

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Pdf summary of the free activities and events still open for bookings as part of the Festival: in person events; languages and careers webinars; special online events and access; creative multilingual projects (writing, singing, art), pre-recorded workshops; activities available free anytime; NEW ENACT support for Around the World Clubs in NE schools; UK wide celebrations and competitions. Plus additional resources and support for French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese and Chinese.

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SECONDARY Festival of Languages free activities still available to end March (17 Feb)

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Invitation to a Japanese cultural event in Durham (7th March)

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Invitation to a Japanese cultural event in Durham (7th March)

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Teikyo University of Japan at Durham and Durham University are extending an invite to the public and schools to be part of their third annual Connecting Worlds event on 7th March (2-6pm). This celebrates Japanese culture and language. Registration is required by 24th February (click here to register interest) and applicants will be notified by email if their expression of interest has secured them a place soon after the deadline.

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Invitation to Connecting Worlds: Japanese cultural event in Durham on 7th March - International Newcastle

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Teikyo University of Japan at Durham and Durham University are extending an invite to the public and schools to be part of their third annual…

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FREE Spanish related activities, events and projects Jan-Mar

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FREE Spanish related activities, events and projects Jan-Mar

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Includes all activities, online and in person events, creative projects and resources available free to schools Jan-Mar, plus additional resources from the Spanish Embassy Education Department.

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Spanish festival events, activities and resources – Express Yourself

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Spanish is an increasingly popular language being taught and learned in schools in the North East.

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FREE French related activities, events and projects Jan-Mar

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FREE French related activities, events and projects Jan-Mar

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Includes a wide range of free online and in person events, creative projects and resources available FREE to schools from Jan-Mar, plus resources available from the Institute français.

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French events, activities and resources – Express Yourself

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French is one of the most common languages being taught and learned in schools in the North East.

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Spanish teaching resources and CPD offers from Spanish Embassy Education Department Jan-June 25

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Spanish teaching resources and CPD offers from Spanish Embassy Education Department Jan-June 25

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Pdf with links to resources and support for Spanish language learning and teaching that are available from the Spanish Embassy Education Office, including Spanish Cultural Days resources for primary and secondary, primary songs, Post 16 support and teaching resources, Spanish Days in schools, promotional materials and posters, digital platforms (audiovisual and digital library), as well as teacher training opportunities in the UK, online and immersion and pedagogical courses in Spain Jan-June 2025.