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Modern Languages Blog

From Beijing to Edinburgh

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British Council Scotland has introduced a new induction day for the latest group of Chinese language assistants arriving to work in Scottish schools.

http://www.britishcouncil.org/scotland-learning-language-assistants-china-induction

eTwinning Weeks Go Live!

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To celebrate the new school year, eTwinning is running its annual ‘eTwinning Weeks’ campaign. Learn more about how eTwinning can benefit your school and take part in activities across Europe.

All through October, eTwinners old and new can take part in a variety of competitions, training opportunities and events across Europe organised through the eTwinning Portal. This is the ideal way to find out how eTwinning can benefit your school, meet new colleagues and get started on an exciting new eTwinning activity.

http://www.britishcouncil.org/scotland-learning-etwinning-weeks-campaign

GFT ‘Extras’

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The GFT have an ‘Extras‘ area on their website to support their year-round programme of films and events. You can read interviews, articles and programme notes to support film screenings and seasons and also see video and photo coverage of events.

http://www.gft.org.uk/content/default.asp?page=s90

French film + French lesson Package

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The GFT and the Alliance Française have teamed up to launch a unique and enjoyable learning experience for all cinemagoers, whatever your level of cinema or French. Each month the Alliance Française will host a language lesson immediately after a French film at the GFT. Cultural and linguistic aspects will be covered at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

 To reserve a place, please call the Alliance Française on 0141 331 4080.

http://www.afglasgow.org.uk/spip.php?article436

BBC Languages – Quick Fix

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The BBC are looking to make some tweaks to their Quick Fix pages and want YOU to help!

Teachers, how do you use the phrases in class? How could they be improved so students get more practice from them? Let the BBC know your views: email languages@bbc.co.uk

NT Live – Live theatre broadcast to cinema screens

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NT Live is an exciting initiative to broadcast live performances of plays from the National Theatre onto cinema screens worldwide.

On 25 June the performance of Phèdre was filmed in high definition and broadcast via satellite to approximately 70 cinemas and arts centres, reaching a widespread audience live across the UK. Over 200 venues around the world also screened the production.
Read about the rest of the NT Live season

Broadcasts will also feature behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with artists.

http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/45462/home/nt-live-homepage.html

News from Alliance Française

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The latest news and events from Alliance Française is  now available online. Highlights include the latest podcast episode and details of their upcoming courses.

Alliance Française are hosting an illustrated talk discussing Jules Verne’s ‘forgotten’ Scottish novel – The Green Ray.

As well as a debate around Towns as characters in works of modern fiction – a panel of authors from twinned cities Glasgow, Nüremberg and Marseille will discuss the identity of their town and the influence it has had on their literature.

http://www.afglasgow.org.uk/

Funding for Gaelic education

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The Scottish Government has announced there will be more school places and increased resources for Gaelic-medium education across Scotland thanks to investment from the Gaelic Schools Capital Fund.

Minister for Gaelic Michael Russell announced on Friday that Glasgow City Council will receive £500,000 to increase provision in its area and Argyll and Bute Council will benefit from £150,000.

The funding will be used to renovate classrooms in the Glasgow Gaelic School and contribute towards a new modular building which will be installed at Bowmore Primary; both areas which have seen an increased demand for early years places.

 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/09/04112636

Nova Scotia Study Visit Announced

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LTS is inviting applications from Scottish teachers for a SCIPD group study visit to Nova Scotia, Canada, in October 2009.

The theme is Homecoming, and the teaching of culture and history, and takes advantage of the shared history and cultural expression of Scotland and Nova Scotia. This visit complements the Scottish Government’s Homecoming 2009 programme.

Full details from the International Education website.

International education work underway in schools

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Minister for Schools and Skills, Keith Brown, visited Fintry Primary School in Stirlingshire and Bishopbriggs Academy in East Dunbartonshire yesterday to see the innovative, international education work underway in both schools.

Mr Brown said:

‘By working with the Gambia, pupils at Fintry Primary are developing a good range of global citizenship skills.

‘…Last year, Bishopbriggs Academy signed an agreement with the Goethe Institute which aims to make the school a centre of excellence for the teaching and learning of German and become a model for other schools in Scotland and throughout the globe.’

Read more on the Scottish Government website

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/08/25094448