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Foreign languages teaching professional development
Start date: Jul 1, 2014, End date: Jun 30, 2015 PROJECT  FINISHED 

Victoria Park Junior school teaches children aged 7-11 in the North West of England. With language teaching becoming compulsory in September 2014, the school has evaluated its practice and provision and of foreign languages and developed a vision for the future. The ultimate aim of the school was to create a French curriculum that is relevant, interesting and enjoyable and it was believed that the school would be able to do that best with teachers who are passionate and knowledgeable about the subject and the country. This project would give the participants a unique experience which would build their confidence in their abilities to teach language lessons and develop their CPD as well as developing their language skills. After completing a staff audit in language teaching and updating the school development plan with regards to the teaching of languages, the school was made aware of the need for professional development for staff in the school, as the model of provision being used relied heavily on one teacher delivering French throughout Key Stage 2. Having established the development needs, we found a course provider who ran immersion courses in France designed to support primary schools in the teaching and learning of French. These courses combined cultural activities, language development and methodology and pedagogy. By sending members of staff on one of these courses the school aimed to improve staff involvement in the teaching of languages. This would then help to raise the profile of languages, make the teaching of languages more sustainable in the school and have a wider impact on both teaching staff and pupils. The cultural activities would help raise European awareness whilst the methodology sessions would allow the school to review their practice for language teaching and how it could be improved. The language lessons would improve participants' competence impacting on their confidence and therefore their willingness to become involved in delivering language lessons. Staff members that have attended the course would be provided with opportunities to share their skills and experience with other staff members and the school would arrange for whole school training sessions led by participants who would be supported by the Senior Leadership Team. The school had initially planned to send 2 participants on the training courses, however during the project this was reduced to one participant when the second became unable to attend. As a result of the effective mobility, commitment of the participant, opportunities to share skills and support of the Senior Leadership Team, the school aims to improve staff confidence, staff involvement and increase cross curricular opportunities were all met by our project. The school now has a relevant and engaging primary French curriculum with teachers and pupils who are enjoying their French lessons.
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