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The Department for Children, Schools and Families is committed to encouraging the diversification of the study of modern foreign languages in this country.
This policy underpins an agreement with the education authorities in China, Japan and Russia to promote the development and enhancement of educational collaboration at the general education level.
It is anticipated that the delivery of certain aspects of the National Curriculum can be enriched through links with schools in the Arabic speaking world, China, Japan and Russia and that students and their teachers in these countries will also benefit from such ties.
DCSF has therefore agreed with the British Council a strategy for the support of the study of Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese and Russian through direct access to native speakers, school linking and collaborative activities.
As part of our strategy, British Council works in partnership with a network of organisations (CILT the national centre for Languages, Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, The Association for Language Learning, DCSF) to support the teaching of Arabic in England through a number of initiatives.
The Arabic network is maintained by Specialist Schools and Academies Trust as a tool to support all teachers and learners of Arabic. Resources and case studies can be found on the site as well as news of Arabic related opportunities. Find out more.
As part of our work within the Arabic network an annual conference is held on the teaching of Arabic. A copy of the programme for this year’s event held in March 2009 can be downloaded here(PDF doc)
The Arabic immersion course gives students in England a chance to develop and use their language skills in an authentic environment, and gain an insight into Arabic culture. The two week course usually takes place during one week of half term (February or October) and one week before or after. Courses have previously taken place in Bahrain, Egypt, Oman and Qatar.
Students attend Arabic lessons each weekday morning and cultural activities including lots of contact with young native speakers each afternoon and weekend. On completion of the course students are required to take Asset languages tests in speaking and listening skills.
Funding is available for schools to apply for- maximum of 8 places for students and 1 accompanying member of staff. The British Council is able to offer each student a grant to cover all in-country costs including tuition, accommodation & meals however schools/students are required to cover all travel costs plus an additional £100 contribution. Bursaries are also available.
Applications are welcomed from all schools who are interested in including Arabic on their curriculum in addition to those already delivering Arabic lessons.
“The people here are so caring and I’d like to think I’ve come back a slightly different person. A little more accepting; a little more knowledgeable; a little more open minded… But most of all I would like to think this has opened new doors for me and that maybe, one day, I will return.”
Student, Pilton Community College, Devon (Egypt, Feb 2007)
“I think my favourite part of trip was meeting people from other schools and meeting people from another country. I enjoyed visiting the school and going to the Egyptians home.”
Student, Stourport High School (Egypt, Feb 2007)
“I thought that Arabs were different people than they are - they are kind, loving people and the language is great”
Student, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (Qatar, Feb 2007)
“I really enjoyed my time in Alexandria.. and improved my Arabic speaking a lot.. The course also gave me a chance to meet new people and make new friends, most of whom I am still in contact with. The course allowed me to finalise my decision to further my Arabic and go on to A-levels.”
Student, Paddington Academy (Egypt, Feb 2008)
The next Arabic Immersion Course will take place from 24 October-7 November 2009 in Alexandria.
The deadline for the Arabic Immersion Course is Friday 31 July. Please re-visit the webpage in Autumn 2009 for new information.
If you would like to form a school partnership link with a school(s) in the Middle East you may be interested in our Connecting Classrooms Middle East programme.
The programme aims to develop a pupil community which enjoys greater connection with peers overseas and develops an informed perception of their culture and aspirations.
The programme is a joint initiative between the British Council in the UK and our offices in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Find out more.
Should you wish to receive information on future opportunities relating to our Arabic conference, our Arabic immersion courses or Connecting Classrooms Middle East, please send an email including full contact details to world.links@britishcouncil.org
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