What is the European Day of Languages?
The European Day of Languages was set up by the Council of Europe and the European Union in 2001 to highlight the importance of language learning and protect the linguistic heritage. Since then, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe decided to make this day an annual event to be celebrated on 26 September.
Schools mark the occasion by organising activities, projects and workshops to celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe.
The general objectives of the European Day of Languages are:
- Alerting the public to the importance of language learning and diversifying the range of languages learnt in order to increase plurilingualism and intercultural understanding;
- Promoting the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe, which must be preserved and fostered;
- Encouraging lifelong language learning in and out of school, whether for study purposes, for professional needs, for purposes of mobility or for pleasure and exchanges.
How can taking part in the European Day of Languages benefit your pupils?
For schools, it’s the perfect opportunity to address cultural differences and diversity within the school and wider community, whilst boosting enthusiasm for learning languages.
Exposing pupils to different cultures will ultimately deepen their understanding and equip them with the skill set to become globally aware citizens. As students become more globally aware, they will also begin to assess their own cultural heritage and become more rounded individuals.
As cultural capital now forms part of the Ofsted framework, the annual event can be used to kickstart global education across the curriculum and evidence cross-curricular activities, cultural experiences and global connections.
How can schools celebrate European Day of Languages?
In celebration of European Day of Languages, True Education Partnerships are running Student Interaction Workshops between 26-27 September 2022 to establish real-time connections with students in France and Spain.
During the 2 hr 30 min online workshop, two classes are paired in a ‘breakout room’ with a TEP host. The itinerary includes introductions, presentations and exchanges, lessons about local culture and traditions, and a Q&A session. All schools will be on-boarded with a resource pack for teachers including a student workbook and an itinerary to support the delivery.
These experiences have proven to build student confidence in an environment where students feel comfortable discussing global themes with like-minded peers.
Prices start from £4.97 per student/per day for a class of 30.
