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Window to our World - Language and Cultural Exchange
Start date: Sep 1, 2014, End date: Aug 31, 2016 PROJECT  FINISHED 

Window to our World - Language and Cultural Exchange Context/Background As a growing Primary School, we were seeking this opportunity to develop our school's international dimension. Prior to the project, we had only one specialist teacher to Spanish across the school, but as we develop to become a three-form entry school we would like to enhance our language and intercultural offering by encouraging a wider pool of teaching staff to include some Spanish teaching and learning across the curriculum. Furthermore, we also sought to develop key opportunities for learners to develop real partnerships with link schools in Spain. Through these links, learners will develop a insight to Spanish culture and language thus increasing immediate and latent motivation to maintain these interests. Key Objectives - To improve linguistic development of teachers' Spanish language skills and intercultural awareness - To provide opportunities for learners to develop real links with a partner school in Spain, thus establishing regular contact with Spanish learners - To make use of available ICT applications and provide learners with key opportunities to develop their ICT skills - To develop a greater language presence and awareness across the School - To enhance the School's international dimension Profile of Participants We planned to send 10 participants from across a range of departments. Participants were chosen using a select committee, based on a range of criteria, level of school responsibility and availability. Prior knowledge of the Spanish language was not compulsory, but interest in language learning and commitment to enhancing Springfield's International dimension was deemed important. Activities As well as sending up to 10 teaching professionals on an immersion course in Spain, we also planned to undertake a series of activities at our school in the UK, and in conjunction with one of more partner schools in Spain. These activities were planned to include enhanced teaching of Spanish language and culture; Spanish club to provide opportunities to communicate with partner schools; training sessions with wider teaching team; regular exchange between MFL Coordinator/teaching staff in UK and Spain. Methodology It was planned that the course provider assess participants' language levels before and after the mobility using Europass. Regular contact between the course providers and the school to arrange the practicalities of the visit(s) was planned, including full risk assessment. Participants were also asked ti develop a learning agreement, to underpin their involvement in the project, and enable them to set their own targets, based on individual needs. As a team, we held regular reviews of progress against these objectives, and collectively discussed possible improvements and modifications. At the end of the project, it was discussed that results would be disseminated to key stakeholders through a wide variety of activities. Results and Impact Successful implementation and fulfilment of the project would have a positive impact on participants, learners, the School and link school. All partners will benefit from improved linguistic competencies, enhanced teaching and learning opportunities and the opportunity to widen international links and dimensions. The use of variety of ICT applications will further develop ICT skills. Participants will be given the opportunity to enhance their teaching skills towards developing their CPD portfolio. In the longer term, learners will have gained a real and relevant experience of language learning, which could have a positive impact on their longer term secondary options, as well as even longer terms employment opportunities.
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