Languages in the News
For ease of reference news items are grouped according to sector. They include any national, regional and local news items of relevance.
The most recent news are listed at the top.
Business
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Recognition of the value of languages
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has made specific reference to
languages in two of the four priorities in its Annual Statement. The
priorities set the focus for the organisation's work and investment in
2007/08.
The first priority is concerned with raising the quality and choice of
learning opportunities for all young people. Language skills are
recognised as an important asset to employers to improve their global
competitiveness and providers are key to stimulating demand and
revitalising the curriculum to reverse the decline in student numbers.
Priority two aims to raise the skill base of the nation. Language
capabilities for all will be addressed with support from the LSC for the
virtual languages academy.
To download the Statement of Skills Priorities for the North West, visit
LSC NW
Education
High Level Skills Consultation
The Minister of State for Higher Education, Bill Rammell, launched a consultation to build stronger links between business and universities.
The High Level Skills consultation aims to gather the views of employers, students, colleges and universities on how to raise the skills of those already in work and also ensure graduates have the ability to help businesses compete on a global market.
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CILT is launching The Languages and Film Talent Awards (LAFTAs). This is a video-making competition aimed at 13-21 year olds to get them thinking about the reasons for learning a language...
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Only 17% of secondary schools have so far acted on the Government's requirement to set a benchmark for participation in language learning after fourteen. Over half of secondary schools now have fewer than 50% of pupils continuing with a language in Key Stage 4, and those with the lowest take-up are the most reluctant to set targets to improve.
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Public sector
McInally Cup 2006 - North West Winner
The Chartered Institute of Linguists (IoL) Educational Trust was recently donated a prize by Mrs Jan
Cambridge. This prize, called the McInally Cup for Innovation and
Leadership in Interpreting, attracted a number of very worthy
nominations. A small committee was formed to discuss these and it was
decided that the McInally Cup 2006 should be awarded to Mr Mahtarr
Samba, Area Diversity Manager for HM Prison Service for his innovative
and varied work raising the profile of the interpreting profession
within the Prison Service.
The Regional Language Network NW would like to join the IoL in congratulating Mr Samba.
To visit the IoL website click here
Other news
Funding for English classes to be retargeted to aid integration
Public funding for English language teaching should be targeted where it will have the biggest impact on community cohesion and integration, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills John Denham announced...
To read full article, click here
News section at CILT
Find out the latest developments in the world of languages.
This link will take you to the news area of the CILT website, where you can find out about languages in the news as well as the latest developments at CILT, the National Centre for Languages and its Regional Language Networks.
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