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Links into Languages news
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Links into Languages East Midlands Launch Party
Region: East Midlands [More East Midlands news...]
Posted on: Friday, 29 Jan 2010
The East Midlands centre of a nationally coordinated programme which supports teachers, educators and all those working in the world of languages, was launched at Nottingham Trent University on Thursday 10 December.
A team from the University's Nottingham Language Centre are leading the new regional centre of government-funded programme Links into Languages, with Professors Marianne Howarth and Murray Pratt co-heading the East Midlands centre as regional directors.
The University was chosen as the regional centre for Links into Languages in the East Midlands due to its reputation for excellence in both languages and education. It also complements the University's involvement in sister programme, Routes into Languages – which focuses on supporting language learners - as well as European Union funded projects promoting language learning.
Primary, secondary and further education language teachers from across the East Midlands attended the launch event, where they met with colleagues from language colleges, universities, local authorities and regional organisations, and learnt more about the scheme.
Links into Languages has nine regional centres, all based at universities. They are supported by a network of local centres where language professionals can take Links training professional development courses, network and access the latest resources.
Links into Languages East Midlands are coordinating a number of training events across the region in the coming months, such as Integrating languages across the curriculum and Update on Qualifications. To see which events are applicable to you please visit the website.
Murray Pratt, Professor of French and International Studies at Nottingham Trent University's School of Arts and Humanities, said: "Links into Languages supports continuing professional development and networking among language teachers, ensuring that excellent practice in language teaching and learning is encouraged and recognised across the region."
The launch event was held at the University's DICe building on the City campus, home to the Nottingham Language Centre. It began at 6pm and ran until 7.30pm and was hailed as a success by all in attendance.
Professor Pratt introduced the East Midlands team and the programme of events. Kathy Wicksteed from the Association for Language Learning provided information on the LinkedUp Award Scheme, and the Links into Languages programme manager, Fiona McConnon, provided an update on Links nationally.
For further information please contact Bronagh Marlow on +44 (0)115 848 6843 or bronagh.marlow@ntu.ac.uk
