Languages Project
The Aimhigher Kent and Medway Languages Project was initiated in 2005 in response to the growing concern in Kent and Medway about the fall in numbers of school students choosing languages at GCSE and continuing with post-compulsory language study. This concern was shared by teachers, industry, universities and the government.
Some of the aims of the project were:
- To raise awareness of the potential of language learning and the career possibilities available to Modern Foreign Languages students
- To improve students’ general linguistic skills as well as their intercultural awareness
- To increase motivation and self-confidence
Led by the Open University and the University of Kent, the project worked with schools to deliver a programme of workshops and activities relevant to the curriculum to raise language aspiration and awareness. One of the outcomes of the project has been a resources pack with a range of activities based on the materials created for the workshops delivered in schools. The aim of these resources is to raise motivation and interest in languages among KS3 students but some of the activities can be easily adapted to younger or older students too.
