International Newcastle took part in one of the three two-hour discussions on the national Teacher’s Talk Radio twitter show, which are now all available online to listen to.
The series of sessions were sponsored by Pearson Edexcel and involved expert speakers and teachers from across the country exploring different elements of supporting language learning and teaching. The discussions focussed on: addressing the relevance of language teaching; building cultural capital; and the one our Director, Declan Baharini, took part in, on how international links and connections supporting language learning and teaching.
You can access all three recordings at the links below, as well as finding out more about the opportunities to engage in discussions about topics which interest teachers. You can find out about how we support Newcastle schools with languages, international links and intercultural awareness in our guide for educators here or in the activities section of our website.
A wide ranging discussion hosted by teacher Darren Lester about how international links and connections can benefit language learning, teaching and the passion for understanding other people, cultures and exploring the world.
The discussion also explored the challenges and opportunities around establishing and maintaining international connections and running international visits, as well as some of the issues to think about when organising these and introducing cultural and language elements and virtual collaboration.
Speakers include:
- Fiona Pryce from Pearson, MFL Product Manager
- Rebecca Waker from Pearson
- Karine Harrington, pearson MFL trainer and teacher
- Esme Salgado
- Declan Baharini, Director at International Newcastle
- Two A level students – Alice and Victoria
Darren Lester hosts a broad discussion around bridging the cultural gap in language learning.
Darren asks why is there a cultural capital chasm and why does it exist? What are the implications of this on learners now and in the future? How can languages become more accessible and inclusive for learners (regardless of their background, ability or reason for studying). What are the practical steps schools, awarding bodies and others can take to bridge the gap?
Speakers in this session:
- Fiona Pryce – Pearson MFL product manager
- Katy Lewis – Head of qualifications and curriculum for Pearson
- Adam Lamb – Subject Lead in a UK State School for MFL
- Olga Pelaez Alvarez – Profesora en la Eoi de Tarazona (Zaragoza, Spain)
Darren Lester hosts the discussion of how to promote the relevance of language learning to pupils and address the worrying low level of take up of languages at GCSE level and the decline in language progression to A Level. There is a decline in people studying languages at University and teacher training and recruitment in Modern Foreign Languages. This also explores the potential of the new National Consortium of Language Education national language hubs to address these issues.
Speakers in this session:
- Fiona Pryce – Pearson MFL product manager
- Katy Lewis – Head of qualifications and curriculum for Pearson
- Mike John, Senior Qualifications Manager at Pearson
- Karine Harrington, Pearson MFL trainer and teacher
- Adam Lamb, MFL subject lead at a school in Hackney
- Alicia – Head of French in an inner London school
Teachers Talk Radio is a community radio station for teachers and educators. It is the biggest audio platform for educators in the UK with an expanding international listenership. There are more discussions available and lots of discussions ongoing with language educators and across all subjects. You can follow them on social media: twitter, instagram, linkedin and youtube.
Find out more about Pearson Edexcel’s new MFL GCSE qualifications for French German and Spanish and other language related qualifications and support here. You can also follow them on social media: twitter, facebook, youtube and linkedin.