Language Ambassador
The MFL department hosted a Language Ambassador on Tuesday 5th January 2016. Stephen Way is a final year Language Studies student (studying Spanish and French) at Leeds Beckett University and in addition to his studies there, he works as a Language Ambassador through the Routes into Languages scheme which promotes studying languages at GCSE and taking them beyond the age of 16 and into the workplace. He visits a variety of different schools as part of his job.
Stephen lived in Dole, eastern France last year and worked as a Foreign Language Assistant (FLA) in two sixth form colleges there. He also offered private English tuition which is much sought after in France. He experienced a lot of French culture and learned a lot about the French way of life, as well as becoming fluent in the language.
He gave a very interesting and engaging 45-minute presentation to Miss Harwood’s 8B/EP1 class and to Miss Ashworth’s 8C/EP1 class. Each class also had the opportunity to ask 15 minutes of follow-up questions such as:
- Would you consider moving abroad?
- What do you want to do once you graduate?
- Are the stereotypes of French people true?
- What do French people think of us?
Unfortunately, the current government is thinking of scrapping funding to universities for the Routes into Languages scheme which means for future year groups these Language Ambassador visits (and other schemes such as the adopt-a-class initiative from which 9C/EP1 are currently benefitting) will not be possible. Please sign the petition below to show your opposition to these funding cuts. Your signatures are much appreciated by the MFL department here at Selby High.
Petition: Stop the Government from cutting funding for Routes into Languages.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/111879
Miss R Harwood
Curriculum Area Leader - Modern Foreign Languages
