HEADLINES

Go above and beyond
Reward your headteachers PA!
Young linguists win Chinese visit
Put your school on the map
Free European resources
Russian links are back
Free booklist celebrates Indian writing

Go above and beyond

Want to find out about the latest issues in international education and discover how to embed international work in your curriculum? Above and Beyond 2009, the British Council’s annual conference for all those working with young people in schools, is now open for registration.

Themed on creating a curriculum for global citizens, the event will explore ways to embed an international dimension within the curriculum, to engage and motivate learners. Delegates will discover how to help their pupils find out about the world first-hand from their peers in countries from Chile to China. Relevant to all phases and subject areas, the event will appeal to a broad cross-section of educators, especially those who are just beginning to introduce international work.

The conference will be held on Wednesday 18 November at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London’s Westminster, as the centrepiece of this year’s DCSF International Education Week. On offer this year is an exciting mix of inspirational plenary speakers, hands -on workshops and a major exhibition of leading education organisations, as well as a chance to network and share good practice. Delegates can also access a wide range of programmes providing funding and free support for international school partnerships and professional development.

To find out more and reserve your place, visit www.britishcouncil.org/above-and-beyond

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Reward your headteacher’s PA!

The fourth annual SecEd Headteacher’s PA of the Year Awards are open for nominations from secondary school leaders across the UK.

The awards recognise the unsung work that so many PAs do in schools right across the UK. They give headteachers the chance to say thank you to their PAs for their dedication, hard work and loyalty. Every year, SecEd selects up to 40 finalists for the grand final at the stunning Landmark Hotel in London. Every nomination is recognised with a special certificate.

This year, the finals will take place on Friday 20 November, and the awards are again being supported by the DCSF International School Award, which is managed by the British Council.

The awards are open to every secondary school in the UK. To nominate your PA for an award, simply write a testimonial of up to 700 words explaining why your PA is vital to the school and community. For more details, visit www.sec-ed.co.uk/seced/awards

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Young linguists win Chinese visit

Nine talented pupils recently enjoyed an action-packed visit to Beijing after coming first in the final of the British Council Mandarin Chinese Speaking Competition.

The competition – now in its sixth year – offers secondary and sixth form students the chance to prove their Chinese language skills through speeches, drama, translation and general knowledge. Supported by the HSBC Global Education Programme, the contest showcases the results of Mandarin language initiatives and UK–Chinese school partnerships, which are funded by the DCSF and HSBC, and managed by the British Council.

This year a record 220 pupils turned up at X-Factor-style regional heats in London and Leeds. Competition was fierce and only 92 made it through to the final. The nine winners used their linguistic skills for real in the Chinese capital, getting to know local students before giving drama performances in English and Chinese. They also visited the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and the Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium.

“It was really fun and enjoyable – I loved it!” said Mathew Arnold from Calday Grange Grammar School in the Wirral. “I learnt lots about Chinese traditions as well as experiencing modern Chinese life.” To find out how you can apply, please visit
www.britishcouncil.org/ schoolpartnerships-chinese-speaking-competition

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Put your school on the map

Want to put your school on the international education map? Get the word out about your international activities in International Education Week, which will be held from 16 to 20 November.

International Education Week (IEW) 2008 was a great success with schools and local authorities from across the UK and beyond holding a wide variety of events and activities. IEW 2009 will be even bigger and better – and now’s your chance to get involved! Whether you’re an old hand or just starting out in internationalism, IEW is a great time to show other schools, parents and the wider community the work you’ve been doing.

So visit www.globalgateway.org/iew to get some inspiration, register your activities and join in the fun. You can also share ideas and discuss your international work using the IEW2009 eLanguages project – see www.elanguages.org

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Free European resources

A range of free teaching resources is being offered to all UK schools by the European Commission’s representation in the UK. The resources are available free of charge to help schools to support a European dimension in the curriculum as well as language learning.

Among a huge wealth of materials, their “Passport to the European Union” provides information and interesting facts on all 27 member states, while “Languages take you further” offers a taster of each of the 23 official EU languages. Elsewhere, there are posters, maps and stacks of information that cover various aspects of the EU.

The full range of resources for both teachers and children can be ordered at www.ec.europa.eu/unitedkingdom/ information/publications  

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Russian links are back

The British Council is restarting the DCSF’s Anglo–Russian schools’ programme, for schools with links in the city and region of Moscow.

The programme offers up to £5,000 for schools embarking on a curriculum project with a Russian school and up to £1,000 for teachers to undertake two weeks of research with their link schools.

All schools with links in Moscow are encouraged to apply. We are currently unable to extend this programme to other parts of Russia, but this is subject to review so please keep checking our web page for updates.

For more details, visit www.britishcouncil.org/ schoolpartnerships-russia or if you have any queries e-mail ruth.cocks@britishcouncil.org or stephen.hull@britishcouncil.org or call 020 7389 4465

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Free booklist celebrates Indian writing

A new free booklist from the British Council could get your students fascinated by the rich diversity of Indian writing. Entitled Of Glance and Lotus Hand, the list covers a wide range of genres, and features the greatest classics alongside new Indian talent. Compiled with expert input from Professor Sanjukta Dasgupta, the Dean of Arts at Calcutta University, the list is intended to stimulate interest in, and excitement about, the range and depth of Indian writing. The list was commissioned by the British Council’s literature department to celebrate the Market Focus India programme at the London Book Fair and the British Council’s India 09: Through Fresh Eyes literature programme. Download the booklist for free at www.britishcouncil.org/arts-literaturelondonbookfair

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