1. All images © Mat Wright www.britishcouncil.org 1 A Language Assistant can help you prepare for 2014 when languages become a compulsory subject for key stage 2

2. How this webinar will work How will this webinar work? Please ensure your microphone/phone is on mute The webinar will be recorded Please refrain from asking any questions during the webinar. There will be a Q&A section at the end of the webinar About the British Council? The British Council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide. We are on the ground in six continents and over 100 countries bringing international opportunity to life, every day. www.britishcouncil.org/schools/language-assistants

3. Aims of this webinar Develop an understanding of government expectations about language learning at key stage 2 Discover what a Language Assistant is and what kind of work they do in primary schools Consider benefits of having a Language Assistant in the primary context Understand the financial implications of employing a Language Assistant Learn about the support available to schools who employ a Language Assistant Help primary headteachers and their schools to plan for the next steps in working with a Language Assistant www.britishcouncil.org/schools/language-assistants

4. Government expectations Compulsory languages at key stage 2 From September 2014 Focus on French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Latin or Ancient Greek Development of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills underpinned by an understanding of basic grammar An overview of the consultation about Making Foreign Languages compulsory at key stage 2 can be found herehere The Department for Education summary of the Consultation Report on Foreign Languages at key stage 2 published in February 2013 can be read by clicking here here www.britishcouncil.org/schools/language-assistants

5. What is a Language Assistant? (1) Native speakers of French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian or Mandarin Usually between 20 and 30 years old Generally have strong command of English Many have some prior teaching experience or experience of working with primary-aged children www.britishcouncil.org/schools/language-assistants

6. What is a Language Assistant? (2) Model authentic pronunciation, intonation and usage of the language children are learning Provide the school with a living cultural and linguistic reference point Role model for broadening the schools cultural provision and perspective www.britishcouncil.org/schools/language-assistants

7. What Language Assistants do in schools Work alongside class teachers or with small groups of children Model of authentic pronunciation, intonation and usage of the language children are learning Give children the opportunity to use the language they are learning for real purposes Provide a living cultural reference point Plan lessons and prepare resources www.britishcouncil.org/schools/language-assistants

8. How a Language Assistant can benefit a whole school Enrichment across the curriculum Contribute to schools inspection readiness with particular reference to cultural aspects of the curriculum Strengthen the international perspective of children and teachers Build capacity to teach languages across key stage 2 www.britishcouncil.org/schools/language-assistants

9. How a Language Assistant supports childrens learning of language Increase confidence and accuracy of childrens use of the target language Improve pronunciation Build language learning strategies and knowledge about language Support development of literacy skills Build intercultural understanding into language learning Raise the profile of language and culture at all key stages in the school www.britishcouncil.org/schools/language-assistants

10. How a Language Assistant supports teaching of languages Model native speaker pronunciation Provide support for developing teachers language skills for the classroom Develop teaching resources Offer a cultural reference point for teachers Help organise whole school language events www.britishcouncil.org/schools/language-assistants

11. Cost of a Language Assistant Contract period: 1 October – 31 May From 12- 18 hours contact time per week Can be shared between up to three schools Salary set by Department for Education (slight variations for the London area) Full details available by clicking herehere www.britishcouncil.org/schools/language-assistants

12. Additional benefits of a Language Assistant Contribute to school gaining British Council International School AwardInternational School Award Enrichment of social, moral, spiritual and cultural [SMSC] dimension of school life Possible additional responsible adult for relevant extra-curricular activities Help to establish partnership links with other countriespartnership links www.britishcouncil.org/schools/language-assistants

13. Support for Language Assistant programme British Council SchoolsOnline websiteSchoolsOnline website Some countries run face-to-face induction and training before Language Assistants depart for the UK Training hosted by the British Council and / or cultural institutes (e.g. Institut Français, Goethe Institut, Instituto Cervantes, etc.) Language Assistants team at the British Council www.britishcouncil.org/schools/language-assistants

14. Language Assistants: planning the next steps Find out what children think about having a Language Assistant (click here for sample questions)here Use self-evaluation to make the case for a language assistant Ensure that a Language Assistant is part of your schools strategic plan for compulsory languages from September 2014 Use the annual appraisal cycle to identify teachers CPD needs in relation to language learning and plan how to use the Language Assistant to address these Work with your languages coordinator to write a detailed action plan for key stage 2 languages and share it with your staff and governors Present Language Assistant good news to children, parents, teachers and school governors Apply for a language assistant on the British Council website by 7 June 2013website www.britishcouncil.org/schools/language-assistants

15. Question time Contributions will form part of a FAQ for primary headteachers available on the British Council website www.britishcouncil.org/schools/language-assistants