11 teachers from Newcastle primary and middle schools attended training at St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School last week on how to use the Primary French Project teaching scheme in their classrooms. Led by national project consultant, Catherine Cheater, the training introduced the step by step programme and classroom resources, tips and techniques for teachers, which help pupils learn French in a structured, but fun and engaging way.
“The Primary French Project is so easy to use in the classroom, especially for teachers who are non-specialist – I have been using it in school with great success. The lessons and resources are fantastic and free and we are encouraging all primary schools who teach French in the city to use this scheme.” Sarah Edgar, School Effectiveness Team, Newcastle City Council
This training was also a key step in the development of a new pilot project led by St Cuthbert’s involving their feeder schools on a pilot project, to support the transition of learners from primary schools into secondary school language learning.
“The pilot involves feeder schools using the Primary French Project and liaising closely with St Cuthbert’s so that as learners move up to secondary, their learning is supported and they are able to make progress and hopefully continue their language learning to a higher level. It will involve teachers working together more closely across primary and secondary level and secondary students visiting primaries, sharing their experience and inspiring the children around continuing with languages and primary pupils visiting our school.” Mark Wilkinson, St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School for Boys
“This pilot is a UK first for the Primary French Project and if successful, will be scaled up across the city and can be an exemplar for other areas in the UK. We hope it will support teachers and give learners confidence in the language, as well as encourage greater links between primaries and the secondary school. If successful, we will seek to scale up across the city with more schools taking this approach. It can also be an exemplar for other areas in the UK.” Declan Baharini, Director of International Newcastle
The roll out of the Primary French Project and the development of the pilot is supported by International Newcastle and Newcastle City Council, as part of the Newcastle City of Languages initiative, which seeks to promote the take up of language learning and support teaching languages. It has also been supported by Institut français, who provide the Primary French Project scheme and materials free to schools.
Further links and information
Resources and support for teachers of French: Click here for more information about the Primary French Project, as well as wider resources and support for all levels, including training and courses for teachers.
Modern Foreign Language Networks for language teachers in Newcastle: There are now two Newcastle MFL Subject Networks for language teachers in Newcastle schools, bringing people together, sharing good practice and introducing expert speakers and new resources. The Primary MFL Network is led by Alex Reid Milligan (Throckley) and the Secondary MFL Network by Mark Wilkinson (St Cuthbert’s). To sign up contact sarah.edgar@newcastle.gov.uk
Support for international links and activities: International Newcastle and the City Council also support schools and colleges with international links and have special partnership arrangements with Nancy, our twin city in France, as well as providing support for international visits and links to enhancement opportunities for schools. Click here to find out more and all the contact details.