Foreign Language Assistants
17 October 2018 (TES)
At Dane Royd Junior and Infant School, we’ve been employing modern language assistants (MLA) – mainly European and Chinese language assistants for over 15 years. We also lead training and support for schools within the local authority who employ language assistants.
Our MLAs have been key in boosting not only our teaching of modern foreign languages but also the teaching of global citizenship and British Values. We’ve seen our pupils’ understanding of their cultural heritage and place in the world grow by being able to compare and contrast their experiences and beliefs through their frequent interactions with an MLA.
In supporting other schools, I’ve seen the wealth of activities that MLAs can contribute which enable schools to deepen their language teaching, as well as dramatically improve language skills among pupils. Here are a few of the most effective activities to try in your school.
Read more...
31 August 2018 (TESS)
The number of modern language assistants in Scotland has taken another tumble this year, Tes Scotland can reveal.
New figures also show that employing MLAs – native speakers who typically spend a year working in Scottish classrooms – is increasingly the preserve of independent schools, with nearly half based in that sector, including all of Edinburgh’s contingent of 18.
Data from the British Council, which arranges for MLAs to work in Scotland, reveals that there are only 61 MLAs, 27 of whom are based in independent schools. This is the lowest figure since current records began in 2003: the next lowest was 72 in 2013-14 and the current number is less than a quarter of the 2005-06 high point of 278. The number of local authorities with MLAs is also falling, from 15 (out of 32) in 2017 to 13 in 2018.
From a recent high of 146 MLAs in Scotland in 2016-17, numbers fell sharply to 80 in 2017-18 – including 23 based in independent schools – with some fearing that this was related to the 2016 vote to leave the EU (“Brexit blamed as language assistant numbers dive”, Tes Scotland, 17 November 2017).
The British Council, however, has played down any suggestion that Brexit has had an impact. Liz Neil, acting head of education for British Council Scotland, says: “The reduction in the number of modern language assistants in Scotland is disappointing and we are working with stakeholders to explore options for addressing the issue – for example, by getting more placements in primary schools where the impact on primary learners can be significant.”
(Note - subscription required to read full article).
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22 August 2018 (Irish Times)
(Applies to Ireland) Dozens of native speakers of foreign languages are to be hired to work in school classrooms to help boost the teaching of languages.
These “foreign language assistants” will be provided to schools to support the teaching and learning of languages such as Spanish, German, French and Italian.
Minister for Education Richard Bruton has announced a 25 per cent increase in the number of these assistants, bringing the total number available to schools from this September to 140.
He said the move would help ensure Ireland is well prepared for the challenges that lie ahead such as Brexit and the increasing importance globally of non-English speaking countries.
Read more...
12 March 2018 (British Council)
Language Assistants provide an interactive language resource for your classroom. We recruit our assistants directly from their home countries, meaning their language and resources are always up-to-date and, importantly, authentic.
Native speakers of French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese and Irish, they help pupils to build their confidence, develop conversational skills, boost motivation for learning, and better understand other cultures. Feedback from schools with a Language Assistant noted an improvement in pupils’ listening and speaking skills.
Not only that, many teachers have found that having a native speaker to talk to and share teaching ideas with can reinvigorate both their teaching practice and their own love for language learning.
So, with applications now open for the 2018/2019 academic year, there hasn’t been a better time to ensure your classroom has access to the best language learning resource around – a native speaker.
Visit the British Council website for more information and to apply for your language assistant by 31 March 2018. Please note that the deadline for Chinese Language Assistants is 1 June 2018.
Read more...
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Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
Chinese,
French,
German,
Italian,
Spanish,
Foreign Language Assistants,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
News from language & education organisations
17 November 2017 (TESS)
The number of modern-language assistants (MLAs) in Scotland has almost halved in a year, amid fears that Brexit has deterred European students from working in the UK.
Subscription required to access this article.
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6 November 2017 (British Council)
Applications to become a British Council Language Assistant for 2018-19 are now open!
Read more...
Erasmus + 2018 information for schools
20 October 2017 (British Council)
ERASMUS+ 2018
If you would like an introduction to the funding opportunities Erasmus+ will provide for schools in 2018, then make sure you book your place at one of the information sessions the UK National Agency is running across the UK this autumn, including 7 November in Belfast and 15 November in Newcastle.
The European Commission expects to announce the 2018 application deadlines by the end of October. The UK is taking part in Erasmus+ as normal in 2018 (please see our Brexit webpage if you or your partners need any reassurance). In 2018, the new School Exchange Partnerships (part of Key Action 2) will be supported by a 40% increase in funding and a simpler application process, so that lots more schools can get involved and benefit from Erasmus+.
School Exchange Partnerships aim to support short-term exchanges of pupils for a minimum of three days at a time, as well as longer term pupil exchanges of up to a year. You can also still arrange staff training and teaching assignments as before. These new partnership opportunities are an ideal way to enable you to visit your eTwinning partners. More information will be provided at the 2018 information sessions and through the application support process from the UK National Agency, so UK schools should gear up for a bumper Erasmus+ year!
If you need any inspiration, please do look at the Erasmus+ schools projects lists for 2017, to see what other schools are doing through Erasmus+:
· School Staff Mobility funding results (KA101)
· Schools Education Partnership results (KA201)
· Schools-only Partnership results (KA219)
You can also watch this Brae High School video, of their Erasmus+ project, which brings the programme to life.
28 August 2017 (British Council)
We were very pleased to welcome our new cohort of Modern Language Assistants (MLAs) to Scotland last week with an induction meeting in Edinburgh.
This year, we have almost 80 assistants from 10 different countries in 8 Local Educational Authorities.
Huge thanks to our colleagues at SCILT who supported the event, as well as Louise Glen from Education Scotland and representatives from the Institut Français and the Spanish Consejería.
If you are interested in hosting a language assistant, or would simply like more information, please email
languageassistants.uk@britishcouncil.org or visit the British Council website.
Read more...
15 June 2017 (SCILT / British Council)
Every year language assistants try to make languages really come alive for young people in Scotland's schools, e.g. by initiating a language exchange, participating in language competitions, or by organising immersion days.
In this blog you can browse through the work of last year's assistants. You can search the slides either by language or by school year group. Enjoy, and we hope you will be inspired to follow in their footsteps!
Read more...
23 May 2017 (British Council)
The British Council and HSBC are providing up to ten grants of £3,890 to cover the costs of hosting a Chinese language assistant. Schools can apply individually, or with up to two other schools if intending to share an assistant. Apply by 31 May 2017.
Read more...
Related Links
Chinese language assistants are native speakers of Mandarin who have experience of teaching overseas and can support students and teachers across the curriculum. Schools can still apply to host a language assistant for the 2017/18 academic year. Apply by 31 May 2017.
8 May 2017 (British Council)
Employing a British Council language assistant is a unique way to broaden your students understanding of the world, improve their language skills and increase their cultural awareness.
Language assistants are dynamic, enthusiastic native speakers of French, Spanish, German, Italian and Mandarin Chinese, and are usually undergraduates or recent graduates. As we recruit language assistants directly from their home countries, their language is up-to-date, the classroom resources they provide are relevant and authentic, and they will be well placed to connect with students on their own level . Simply put, employing a language assistant provides the kind of learning experience that cannot be found elsewhere.
In a recent survey of host schools, Heads of Languages reported improved exam results – raising standards in under-performing students and motivating talented students to achieve more. The support of an Assistant is particularly valuable with the on-going focus on languages in the 1+2 initiative, and can particularly help to complement the development of language teaching in primary schools.
The deadline for applications has been extended to 31 May 2017.
For more information and to apply visit the British Council website.
Read more...
28 April 2017 (British Council)
The British Council and HSBC are pleased to announce that up to ten grants of £3,890 will be offered to cover the costs of hosting a Chinese language assistant for the academic year of 2017/18.
This is a pilot scheme for UK schools in 2017/18 and is intended to support the Sustainable Development Goal “ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning”. Successful schools will have the full costs of hosting a Chinese Language Assistant covered from mid-September 2017 to the end of June 2018.
Visit the British Council website for more information and to download an application form.
Application deadline: 31 May 2017.
Read more...
21 February 2017 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection offers a number of opportunities for schools in the UK and Germany to develop and maintain partnerships. In their latest Spring 2017 newsletter they highlight the following:
- With the changing landscape of international relations, we want to make sure we're still offering you the right kind of support to keep your connections with Germany alive.We're currently reviewing the opportunities and services we offer and would like to invite you to tell us what you need now for your schools and pupils. Complete the short survey.
- Deadline reminder of 1 March for applications for the following summer courses in Germany:
For upcoming deadlines for the rest of the school year, download our calendar of opportunities for 2016-17.
For further information about UK-German Connection and their activities, visit their website.
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S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
German,
CPD,
Cross-Sector Working,
Foreign Language Assistants,
Funding,
Immersion,
Language Ambassadors,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Promoting Languages,
Study Abroad,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
12 February 2017 (Midlothian Advertiser)
Following the success of the French Modern Language Assistant (MLAs) last year, Midlothian has been lucky enough to employ six MLAs again this year.
They are working across all 32 primary schools, assisting with the implementation of the 1+2 initiative which means that French is being taught in all our primary schools from P1 to P7. Staff have already seen an increase in the confidence and language skills of teachers as well as enthusiasm and progress from pupils!
The MLAs completed a diary of their first impressions and experiences, excerpts of which are below.
Read more...
8 February 2017 (British Council)
Modern Language Assistants bring authentic language and culture to the classroom. In a recent survey of host schools, Heads of Languages reported improved exam results – raising standards in under-performing students and motivating talented students to achieve more. The support of an Assistant is particularly valuable with the on-going focus on languages in the 1+2 initiative, and can particularly help to complement the development of language teaching in primary schools.
The British Council Language Assistants programme draws on over 100 years of experience with overseas education authorities to provide a trusted, high quality service.
Applications are now open! For more information visit the
British Council website.
In 2016 the Erasmus+ UK National Agency awarded nearly €1.2m+ to Scotland’s schools and colleges for Key Action 2 (KA2) Strategic Partnerships, and 70% of Scottish applications for school-only partnerships were successful. The next Erasmus+ funding deadline is 29 March. If you are planning to apply, access our tailored guidance for
school-only applications and
school education applications;
pre-recorded videos; and
telephone support sessions.
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Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
Chinese,
French,
German,
Italian,
Spanish,
Scotland,
Foreign Language Assistants,
Funding,
Language Ambassadors,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Promoting Languages,
News from language & education organisations
9 December 2016 (British Council)
With year-long and six-month paid placements and light teaching hours, becoming a Language Assistant is a unique way to experience another country and make your CV stand out from the crowd.
Applications for the 2017-18 academic year are now open and will close on 28 February 2017.
Read more...
11 November 2016 (TESS)
Most schools still do not have access to a modern language assistant, new figures show, amid fears that the scheme will wither away if a key source of funding is stopped.
Native speakers of foreign languages have long come to Scotland to work in schools and help teachers to bring those subjects to life. But as local authorities cut budgets, their numbers fell as low as 72 by 2013-14.
Figures obtained by TESS show that the provisional number of modern language assistants (MLAs) has risen to 146 this year, including 23 in independent schools.
The data from British Council Scotland – which arranges for MLAs to work in the country – show increased numbers in all five languages that are part of the scheme: French, German, Italian, Mandarin and Spanish.
But there is still some way to go to match the 278 MLAs that were working in schools in 2005-06 – the highest number since existing records began in 2003.
The picture also varies markedly around the country: 18 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities have no MLAs, while Edinburgh has the most with 25, and even a small council like Angus has as many as 19.
Lucy Young, head of education at British Council Scotland, said that councils often used funding from the Scottish government’s 1+2 languages programme to recruit MLAs at an annual cost of about £10,000 per assistant.
Under the programme – being rolled out in all primary schools – pupils are expected to have knowledge of two languages other than their own by the time they reach secondary.
But this key funding is due to be stopped in 2020 – putting schools’ access to MLAs at risk.
Read the full article on TESS online, 11 November 2016 (subscription required).
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Posted in:
Chinese,
French,
German,
Italian,
Spanish,
Scotland,
Foreign Language Assistants,
Funding,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Languages in the press
2 November 2016 (Consejería de Educación)
The Consejería de Educación and the Spanish Academy of Language and Translation (SALT) offer Spanish Immersion Days for pupils studying at Higher and Advanced Higher level.
Trained MLAs are ready to visit schools and spend a day with students giving them the opportunity to practise Spanish meaningfully with native speakers through oral communication activities, workshops and games.
Visit the website or see the attached flyer for more information and the procedure to book.
Read more...
30 August 2016 (SCILT and British Council)
Every year language assistants try to make languages really come alive for young people in Scotland's schools, e.g. by initiating a pen pal exchange, participating in language competitions, or by implementing interdisciplinary projects. In this blog you can browse through the work of last year's assistants. You can search the slides either by language or by school year group. Enjoy, and we hope you will be inspired to follow in their footsteps!
Read more...
20 June 2016 (British Council)
In 1989 Mark Milarvie worked as an English Language Assistant in Spain. Now, he is the Principal Teacher of Modern Languages at St Margaret’s High School, North Lanarkshire and has over 20 years’ experience teaching foreign languages. This year he is working with Rafael, a Spanish university student and Modern Language Assistant. Rafael’s time is split between St Margaret’s High School and one of the local feeder primary schools. He is very active in both, helping to enhance the curriculum, and implement the 1+2 language policy.
Read more on the British Council website where you can also find out how to apply to host a language assistant in your school.
Read more...
Host a primary-trained French Language Assistant - New for 2016-17
11 March 2016 (British Council)
The British Council would like to make as many primary colleagues as possible aware of a brand new opportunity for securing a primary-trained French Language Assistant in 2016-17.
The British Council and the French government have agreed to make it easier for primary schools to benefit from having a French Language Assistant.
- Assistants will be primary-trained (either recently qualified primary teachers in France, or trainee teachers) and there will be sustained support and training for the trainees and for schools from the British Council
- Up to 6 schools can now share a single assistant (up from 3 schools), greatly reducing costs
- The British Council are waiving the £2000 'finders fee' for organising the placement
The attached flyer gives more details. We're really excited about this initiative and we hope colleagues will consider getting involved.
Local authorities/schools would need to apply by early April, so any colleagues who might potentially be interested are invited to get in touch with us (ideally before the Easter break) to explore the various options.
Please contact Claudia Donati at the British Council: claudia.donati@britishcouncil.org or Philip Harding-Esch on philip.harding.esch@gmail.com.
26 February 2016 (British Council)
Employing a British Council language assistant is a unique way to broaden your students understanding of the world, improve their language skills and increase their cultural awareness.
Language assistants are dynamic, enthusiastic native speakers of French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Russian, and are usually undergraduates or recent graduates. As we recruit language assistants directly from their home countries, their language is up-to-date, the classroom resources they provide are relevant and authentic, and they will be well placed to connect with students on their own level . Simply put, employing a language assistant provides the kind of learning experience that cannot be found elsewhere.
The deadline for applications has been extended to 31 May 2016. Visit the British Council website to find out more and to apply. Follow the relevant section on the webpage to find out specifically about employing a Chinese language assistant.
Read more...
11 February 2016 (British Council)
There are three entry points to the International School Award: Foundation, Intermediate and Accreditation. The level your school is at will depend on how much international work you have already done.
Hosting a language assistant automatically qualifies you for the Foundation Level of the International School Award.
Visit the British Council Schools Online website for more information.
Read more...
3 February 2016 (British Council)
Mandarin is a vital language of the future - the Chinese economy is expanding rapidly, almost a quarter of internet usage is in Chinese, and it is the most widely spoken language in the world.
Give your students an opportunity to practice, improve and enrich their language skills with a native speaker. There is nothing as satisfying or rewarding as communicating in Mandarin and being understood by someone who speaks the language.
Support your students in becoming effective communicators and prepare them to be global citizens.
Read more...
Glasgow’s 27 Modern Language Assistants recognised at Scottish Parliament
14 December 2015 (Scottish Parliament)
S4M-15120 sees Anne McTaggart celebrating Glasgow’s 27 Modern Language Assistants:
That the Parliament commends Bailie Cameron, an Executive Member on Glasgow City Council for Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning, for bringing together the 27 modern language assistants (MLAs) in Glasgow to celebrate their contribution to Glasgow’s secondary schools; understands that these native French, Spanish, German and Italian speakers help students learn the valuable skill of language through the use of up-to-date songs, news and current affairs; recognises that the meeting will show appreciation and support for these MLAs working to teach both language and culture to pupils in Scotland; recognises the Glasgow 1+2 approach for funding what it considers a commendable effort to promote the beneficial skill of language in secondary and primary schools; considers that Glasgow is at the forefront of language learning, which can lead to improved job opportunities around the globe, and wishes success to the 27 MLAs in the coming year as they work to help Glasgow’s youth be the best that they can be.
Supported by: Gil Paterson, Sandra White, Jackie Baillie, Colin Beattie, David Torrance, Richard Lyle, Drew Smith, David Stewart, Malcolm Chisholm, Liam McArthur, Patricia Ferguson, Hanzala Malik
British Council news
30 November 2015 (British Council Schools Online)
The British Council has a number of resources and partnership working opportunities they offer to schools in the UK. Below are some of their forthcoming developments with a language or international element which may be of interest to teachers:
- Shakespeare lives - Designed as a cross-curricular activity pack which could also be part of project with a partner school overseas, this resource will be available mid-December and will be available in Welsh, Chinese and Arabic.
- Teaching the core skills - In today’s globalised world children not only need to be able to communicate and collaborate; they also need to be prepared to do so interculturally, in diverse and often multilingual settings. More information about teaching the communication and collaboration module can be accessed on page 14 of the brochure: Unlocking a world of potential. Sign up to Schools Online to access the training package.
- Employ a language assistant in Scottish schools - Employing a British Council Language Assistant is a unique way to broaden your pupils' understanding of the world, improve their language skills and increase their cultural awareness. See the online video. Applications open 4 January 2016.
- International School Award (ISA) - Read about Portlethen Academy's cross-curricular project which took them to France and earned them an ISA in recognition of the global dimension of their work.
Posted in:
Awards,
Celebrating Languages,
Citizenship,
CPD,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Cultural Diversity,
Curriculum for Excellence,
Foreign Language Assistants,
International Education,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Partnership Working,
Teacher Education,
News from language & education organisations
3 November 2011 (British Council)
With year-long, paid placements and light teaching hours, becoming a Language Assistant is a unique way to experience another country and develop essential transferrable skills. Applications for the 2016-17 academic year are open.
Find out everything you need to know below and hear from Language Assistants placed all around the world on the British Council website.
Read more...
22 October 2015 (British Council)
As a cultural relations organisation, the British Council believes that competence in and use of several languages is an essential tool to ensure better understanding and cohesion between and within societies. We are currently reviewing all of the work we do to support the teaching and learning of languages in the United Kingdom, and would greatly appreciate the views of serving language teachers in Scotland. You are invited to share your thoughts to help inform our work by completing a short survey.
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21 September 2015 (UK-German Connection)
Do you want to inspire your pupils by providing authentic contact to young people in the other country, whilst also improving your own intercultural skills? Then apply for the FLA/ELA Ambassadors Network 2015-16.
The FLA/ELA Ambassadors are a network of language assistants who are working in schools in the UK and Germany. They run small projects, activities, events or clubs in order to inspire and motivate young people in their schools for the language and culture of the other country. Projects should address themes that are of educational value as well as interesting and relevant for the target group.
Visit the UK-German Connection website to find out more about the Ambassador Network and to apply by 19 October 2015.
Read more...
30 July 2015 (British Council Scotland)
British Council Scotland is recruiting a Language Assistants Project Manager post (deadline 7 August) for their Edinburgh office.
Candidates should apply via the British Council job portal (please search for Pay Band 7 jobs).
See the attached job specification for further information about the role. Full details about the job and application process can be found on the job portal website.
Read more...
12 May 2015 (British Council)
There are still 2 weeks left to apply for a Language Assistant for 2015/16!
With up to date language, cultural awareness, experience and materials, there is no substitute for a British Council Language Assistant. Giving your students the opportunity to learn with a keen educator who will be speaking in their first language offers benefits that simply cannot be found elsewhere. Unlike local or non-native alternatives, British Council Language Assistants arrive trained and prepared to deliver the highest standards of language teaching and teacher support. Additionally, by working with the British Council your school will benefit from administrative assistance from our dedicated team.
The deadline for applications is 29 May 2015. Don’t delay get your application in today!
Read more...
13 January 2015 (British Council)
Language assistants help bring culture alive in schools across the country and are an ideal way to improve language learning for students and to increase their global awareness, as well as support the implementation of a 1+2 approach to language learning.
Applications to the latest round of the language assistant programme open on January 26 and bids from schools are encouraged to be submitted by the end of March. To help spread the cost, each language assistant can be shared between three schools.
Visit the British Council website for more information and to apply.
Read more...
Apply now for a Language Assistant. Bring language and culture alive with a native speaker in the classroom
20 March 2014 (British Council)
Support implementation of the 1 + 2 languages policy by hosting a Language Assistant in your school.
The British Council team is on hand at every step and our dedicated online support offers everything you need to get your pupils’ learning experience off to a great start. Our free service includes careful selection of the best candidate to suit your school, guidance on administration and training courses for Language Assistants.
How can Language Assistants help?
Their responsibilities can be tailored to suit your school’s requirements. Assistants can support the teaching of a first (L2) or a second (L3) modern language by:
- supporting teachers’ language acquisition and improving their cultural knowledge
- developing lesson plans and delivering classes on topics to complement different subject areas
- running extra-curricular activities for additional support (e.g. lunch time clubs)
- working across different areas of the Curriculum for Excellence to develop projects based on cultural themes
- setting up an international partnership with a school overseas.
Where are they from?
Assistants are native-level speakers of French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Russian. They come from 15 countries in Europe and beyond.
You can also apply for a Chinese Language Assistant for free (by 31 January) or at a heavily subsidised rate (by 28 March). They work from mid-September 2014 to 26 June 2015.
What do I do next?
Visit our website to find out more about the programme and apply. If you are a local authority school, your local authority should apply on your behalf.
Contact the Languags Assistants programme directly: assistants.uk@britishcouncil.org.
You can also read an assistant’s blog on her experience of teaching French in an Angus primary school.
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
Chinese,
French,
German,
Italian,
Spanish,
Foreign Language Assistants,
News from language & education organisations,
Russian
19 March 2014 (Engage for Education)
Schools in Edinburgh are implementing the Scottish government’s new education policy with the support of Language Assistants in the classroom. With the 1+2 language policy, students must learn two languages in addition to English, providing a unique approach to language learning in the UK.
As a result, local authorities are using additional funding from the Scottish government to support the ‘1+2 languages model’, recruiting Language Assistants and making them accessible across their network schools.
Read more...
30 January 2014 (Edinburgh City Council)
During a ministerial visit to Tynecastle yesterday on Thursday 30th January, British Council and Scottish Government promoted foreign language assistants. Dr Alasdair Allan, Minster for Skills and Lifelong Learning (including 1 + 2 languages) met with Mei Ling, Chinese Language Assistant who taught a S1 class.
Donna McGinley, CL Modern Languages for Edinburgh City Council on Monday, was interviewed.
Mei Ling was recorded for BBC Radio Scotland and the link to the broadcast is below.
Read more...
17 January 2014 (British Council)
Support implementation of the 1 + 2 languages policy by hosting a Language Assistant in your school.
The British Council team is on hand at every step and our dedicated online support offers everything you need to get your pupils’ learning experience off to a great start. Our free service includes careful selection of the best candidate to suit your school, guidance on administration and training courses for Language Assistants.
How can Language Assistants help?
Their responsibilities can be tailored to suit your school’s requirements. Assistants can support the teaching of a first (L2) or a second (L3) modern language by:
- supporting teachers’ language acquisition and improving their cultural knowledge
- developing lesson plans and delivering classes on topics to complement different subject areas
- running extra-curricular activities for additional support (eg lunch time clubs)
- working across different areas of the Curriculum for Excellence to develop projects based on cultural themes
- setting up an international partnership with a school overseas.
Where are they from?
Assistants are native-level speakers of French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Russian. They come from 15 countries in Europe and beyond.
You can also apply for a Chinese Language Assistant for free (by 31 January) or at a heavily subsidised rate (by 28 March). They work from mid-September 2014 to 26 June 2015.
What do I do next?
Visit our website to find out more about the programme and apply. If you are a local authority school, your local authority should apply on your behalf.
You can also read an assistant’s blog on her experience of teaching French in an Angus primary school.
Read more...
13 December 2013 (British Council)
Chinese Language Assistants are native-level speakers of Mandarin. Qualified and experienced teachers in their home country, they bring Chinese language and culture alive in the classroom and through extra-curricular activities. Hosting a Chinese Language Assistant offers the entire school community an opportunity to learn about one of the world’s fastest- growing economies, while gaining language skills and an international perspective. Apply by 31 January 2014.
Read more...
CISS Newsletter Autumn 2013
12 December 2013 (CISS)
The latest edition of the CISS newsletter has been published. This edition highlights the promotion of Chinese language and culture around the country. Please download the newsletter if you'd like to find out more.
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
Chinese,
Scotland,
1+2,
Celebrating Languages,
Community Languages,
CPD,
Cross-Curricular Working,
Foreign Language Assistants,
Language Learning,
Language Learning - Primary,
Language Learning - Secondary,
Minority Languages,
Partnership Working,
Promoting Languages,
Study Abroad
6 September 2013 (The Herald)
Plans to expand foreign language teaching in Scotland face being undermined by the lack of overseas assistants in the classroom, it has been claimed.
The warning follows figures that show a lack of progress in boosting the numbers of native language speaking staff in schools. Now the British Funding Council has called for funding for the assistants to be ring-fenced in an attempt to improve the uptake. Councils have employed only 70 foreign language assistants for the 2013/14 school year despite a campaign to increase their use.
Before the onset of council cuts, Scottish schools employed hundreds of the assistants - native speaking staff who work to bring language learning alive, as well as fine-tuning comprehension and pronunciation.
The foreign language assistant programme, run by British Council Scotland, is funded by the Scottish Government, but the money is no longer specifically set aside and most councils have decided to use funding elsewhere.
Read more...
30 August 2013 (UK-German Connection)
If you have a language assistant from Germany in your school this year, then do encourage them to apply to be an FLA Ambassador. They can run a project of their choice in school to enthuse and interest pupils in the German culture and language, and through a small project fund we offer financial support for projects. Deadline: 22 October.
Once they complete the necessary documentation this could 'double up' as their British Council project, and if successful, would be included in the national British Council/SCILT showcase event at the end of April/beginning of May next year.
Read more...
20 August 2013 (British Council)
International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to promote the importance of building an international dimension into the education of young people in the UK at primary and secondary levels. We know that familiarity with other cultures and modern foreign languages skills are an essential part of preparing young people to work in the increasingly globalised economy.
The British Council is an authoritative voice on language learning, through our English teaching around the world, and we bring an intercultural dimension to foreign language learning in the UK through sharing our experiences, providing research and data and bringing in examples of international best practice.
This year IEW will support a major policy shift in UK schools. From September 2014 primary schools in England will be required to teach a foreign language to pupils at Key Stage 2 (upper primary). There is also increasing policy support in other UK countries for language learning at primary level.
International Education Week will form the starting point of a longer-term campaign to promote language learning in UK schools, with events taking place throughout the academic year.
Read more...
Posted in:
Primary,
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
All Languages,
Foreign Language Assistants,
International Education,
Language Ambassadors,
Language Learning,
Policy,
Promoting Languages,
News from language & education organisations
24 June 2013 (Evening Times)
THE kids at All Saints don't need to be convinced that foreign languages are important. Because they hear them every day.
Scots-born pupils at this Glasgow comprehensive – thanks to a decade of steady immigration – are now routinely exposed to the chat in an estimated 30 languages.
And, say teachers, it is starting to rub off on them.
So much so that the school is expanding its capacity to teach languages amid solid demand.
Read more...
Posted in:
S1-S3,
Senior Phase,
French,
German,
Spanish,
Scotland,
Cultural Diversity,
Foreign Language Assistants,
Language Learning,
Language Teaching,
Languages in the press,
Russian
28 May 2013 (British Council)
A British teacher and a Canadian language assistant explain how the British Council’s language assistant programme has benefited their classrooms and careers. UK teachers can apply by 7 June 2013 to have a language assistant next academic year.
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1 May 2013 (The Herald)
The number of Chinese language assistants in Scottish schools is on the increase after several years of decline. The British Council Scotland (BCS) said there had been a doubling of requests from schools for dedicated staff as part of an expansion of Mandarin and Cantonese language learning. This year, there were just five Chinese language assistants working in Scotland with cutbacks blamed for the decline. It was feared numbers might drop further, but councils have so far requested 10 for next year. Although the numbers are small, the impact such assistants can have is significant because they work across a number of schools in a council area.
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12 April 2013 (British Council)
How can you increase your schools language attainment levels and prepare your pupils for working in a global economy? The British Council is hosting a free one off webinar on 17 April that you can dial into from the comfort of your desk. For more details and to register, visit the website.
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2 April 2013 (British Council)
We are delighted to announce that you can now apply for foreign language assistants to work in schools across your local authority from September 2013. Foreign Language Assistants can support the Governments new 1+2 model for language learning as well as helping to raise the standards of language learning in the classroom and preparing your students to work in a global economy.
To apply, please first register with Schools Online and to find out more information please see our webpage.
In addition, check out the fantastic projects that our assistants completed last year:
FLA project case studies
The deadline for applications has been extended to 7 June 2013. If you need further information, please email assistants.uk@britishcouncil.org.
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Related Links
Attend our free webinar on
25 April 2013 to find out how a Language Assistant can help you prepare for changes to the curriculum in 2014 (changes refer to England). The benefits of a Language Assistant will also feature on the agenda, so if you need ammunition to convince your headteacher,
register your attendance now!
6 November 2012 (British Council Scotland and SCILT)
Since November 2010 The British Council Scotland and SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages, have worked collaboratively to improve the experience of Foreign Language Assistants (FLAs) based in Scotland. The initial focus was on the organisation of the national FLA training day, with additional support from other bodies such as Education Scotland, the cultural organisations and local authorities.
However, despite the evident satisfaction with the support being given by all parties concerned we were faced with dwindling numbers of FLAs. We therefore decided to pull our joint expertise in marketing and promotion in order to raise the profile of FLAs and highlight the value they provide. At the FLA induction meetings in late August and early September 2011 we invited FLAs to consider doing a project. A separate FLA projects booklet provides further details of the successful projects by the FLAs themselves. This can be found on the British Council Scotland website:
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