LinkedUp Award Scheme
Collaboration for creative learning
Project themes
What topics and themes can be addressed?
Each proposed partnership must choose from one of the ten themes below that reflect current national priorities for language learning. No theme has precedence over another, and they are listed in random order.
The purpose of the themes is to ensure a good range of different types of project and to steer projects towards aspects of the languages curriculum which are in most need of further development. Within their chosen theme, partnerships are free to plan their own specific focus.
Theme 1: Re-engaging hard to reach pupils in language learning
Projects will develop imaginative and innovative approaches to learning, designed to engage pupils who would not otherwise learn a language, or who are at risk of disengaging from learning. Projects are likely to include elements of learning beyond the classroom and engagement with the wider school and local community.
Theme 2: Supporting and recognising pupils’ home languages and/or plurilingual approaches to language learning
Projects will help pupils to improve their linguistic competence in a home or heritage language, build connections between learning a new language and knowledge of one or more other languages, and help all pupils to develop plurilingual awareness.
Theme 3: Developing pupils’ linguistic independence and confidence in speaking
Projects will prioritise the development of pupils’ skills, confidence and independence in speaking, including opportunities to use language creatively in a range of contexts.
Theme 4: Employer engagement in language learning (supported by CILT, the National Centre for Languages)
Projects will bring together employers and young people to increase pupils’ enjoyment and achievement in language learning. Pupils will have opportunities to understand how languages are used in real-life business contexts, and to relate this experience to realistic scenarios in the classroom.
Theme 5: Building languages into work-related learning 14-19
Projects will enable students to include language learning in a work-related course in a way that is relevant, engaging and leads to success. Language teachers will work with colleagues teaching Diplomas and other applied courses to develop an integrated approach.
Theme 6: Creating a smooth pathway of progression between key stages
Projects will develop processes and learning activities that help learners to build confidently and successfully on their prior learning when they move from KS2 to 3, KS3 to 4, or KS4 to 5. Where relevant, projects will explore strategies to support pupils who have a range of different prior learning experiences.
Theme 7: CLIL (content and language integrated learning)
Projects will develop processes and learning activities to teach a language through one or more other subjects of the curriculum. Teachers will work with subject colleagues to devise units of learning focused on a subject or cross-curricular theme.
Theme 8: Supporting learning for alternative accreditation and the new GCSEs
Projects will develop schemes of learning and resources to meet the requirements of a chosen qualification, including new elements such as the assessment of speaking in the new GCSEs.
Theme 9: Developing key concepts, processes and learning strategies in relation to intercultural understanding
Project partners will develop their understanding of the concept of intercultural understanding, exploring aspects such as its relationship with personal, learning and thinking skills, links with other subjects, and the potential for creating pathways of progression.
Theme 10: Developing and trialling intensive models of language learning
Project partners will plan, implement and evaluate a programme of intensive language learning; approaches might include communication through international links, immersion teaching and the use of new technologies.
The theme chosen must be the main focus of the proposed project. If none of them seems to fit, please contact us for advice as there may be instances where a different focus could be accepted. Where several themes are relevant, we recommend that you choose the one that is most central to the outcomes you are trying to achieve. Please note that each application should choose just ONE theme.
Employer engagement projects
Projects that focus on employer engagement will be supported by CILT’s Business Language Champions programme (BLC) and it is hoped that two projects will be completed in each region. The projects have some distinctive features:
- Each project will receive funding at a fixed rate of £3,000
- Projects must focus on 11-16 year olds
- Projects do not have to meet the requirement for low take-up post-14
- Projects do not have to nominate a mentor (this will be arranged via the Business Language Champions programme)
Priority will be given to applications that include schools that do not currently have an employer engagement programme.
If you are interested in this option, please contact Michelle Brassell (Michelle.Brassell@cilt.org.uk) or get in touch with your regional BLC manager - click here for contact details
CILT can help you to find an employer to work with if you don't already have one in mind. The LinkedUp team is also happy to talk through your ideas for the project - contact us on linkedup@all-language.org.uk or 0116 229 7454.
