Time is running out to nominate an outstanding language initiative to receive a European Award for Languages. The deadline for this year’s Awards is 1 February 2008. The most innovative language initiatives will receive one of the prestigious awards, which recognise creativity in improving the quality of language teaching, and the ability to motivate students and maximise available resources.

What is the European Award for Languages?

The European Award for Languages recognises creative ways to improve the quality of language teaching, motivate students and make the best of available resources. If you are involved in an innovative language-learning project, which could benefit others, you may eligible for an Award.

The Award is a Europe-wide initiative supported by the European Commission. CILT, the National Centre for Languages, assisted by an advisory group, is the UK co-ordinator of the initiative which has recognised over 600 innovative projects across Europe since the end of its pilot phase in 1999. Eligible projects can be based around any language other than English and are expected to have an international dimension.

Award-winning projects provide a potential source of inspiration for other, in different languages, contexts and even different countries, underlining the importance of the criteria that the project be replicable. To date, over 100 UK projects have proved that such criteria can be met and that creative thinking can lead to improved teaching provision and learner achievement.

What are the prizes?

In addition to the European Label, which can be used on corporate stationery, winners receive prizes books, teaching resources or vouchers from a range of sponsors, including embassies, publishers, public bodies and private companies. All winners receive a certificate signed by the European Commissioner for Education and Culture and UK Ministers. The Awards are presented by Sir Trevor McDonald at a special ceremony in the autumn

Special awards are also made for the best projects involving community languages (£1,000 cash prize), French, German, and Spanish as well as primary and adult learners, languages for business and initial teacher education. All winners receive a certificate and prizes of books, vouchers or teaching materials from a range of sponsors. The award for the best project initiated by initial teacher trainees and for business languages this year each have a prize of £1,000.

Each year one of the winning projects is selected by the Mary Glasgow Language Trust to receive its annual award (£2,000) - the winner of which is announced at the Award ceremony.

How do you apply?

Applications are invited from schools, colleges, universities, businesses and other institutions engaged in foreign language initiatives, which are innovative, effective and replicable. Visit the applications section and either apply online or download the application form and send by e-mail or post. The application deadline is 1 February 2008.

Categories: 1, Events in languages, competition