LinkedUp Award Scheme
Collaboration for creative learning
Project themes
Applications for funding from the LinkedUp Award Scheme closed in 2010. The final round of projects reported in March 2011. All resources produced by LinkedUp projects were added to the LinkedUp resource finder by August 2011.
What topics and themes have been addressed?
Each project partnership chose from one of the ten themes below that reflected national priorities for language learning. No theme has precedence over another, and they are listed in random order.
The purpose of the themes was 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 were free to plan their own specific focus.
Theme 1: Re-engaging hard to reach pupils in language learning
Projects have developed 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 included 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 have helped 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 have prioritised 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 have brought together employers and young people to increase pupils’ enjoyment and achievement in language learning. Pupils have had 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 have enabled students to include language learning in a work-related course in a way that is relevant, engaging and leads to success. Language teachers have worked 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 have developed 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 have explored strategies to support pupils who have a range of different prior learning experiences.
Theme 7: CLIL (content and language integrated learning)
Projects have developed processes and learning activities to teach a language through one or more other subjects of the curriculum. Teachers have worked 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 have developed 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 have developed 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 have planned, implemented and evaluated a programme of intensive language learning; approaches have included communication through international links, immersion teaching and the use of new technologies.
Employer engagement projects
Projects that focus on employer engagement were supported by CILT’s Business Language Champions programme (BLC). These projects have some distinctive features:
- Each project received funding at a fixed rate of £3,000
- Projects focused on 11-16 year olds
- Projects did not have to meet the requirement for low take-up post-14
- Projects did not have to nominate a mentor (this was organised via the Business Language Champions programme)
