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About the European Award for Languages | 2007 winners |
Crossing cultures: A modern languages programme for gifted and talented youth, The University of Hull
The crossing cultures project aims to expand the knowledge and enthusiasm of students with an existing high level of language skills. It has developed and shared effective teaching practices and provided interesting and challenging new perspectives on the study of languages. The programme is delivered in three strands: a series of face-to-face events, an on-line learning programme and on-line language and culture study groups.
The crossing culture series consists of three major annual events and workshops in a variety of different languages. Most sessions are partially bilingual to enable participants to stretch and challenge their linguistic abilities. They cover topics from art and cinema to business and professional opportunities for linguists.
The popular on-line study groups have enabled over 600 Gifted and Talented young people to communicate in foreign languages across schools and age groups. This has resulted in the emergence of a learning community. The project has encouraged and developed peer support through its online tandem learning scheme with language exchanges between two native speakers who want to learn more about each other’s language and culture.
The University of Hull’s Department of Modern Languages has a strong track record in teaching and learning, and cross sector outreach activities to promote and enhance the profile of languages. It is involved in several Widening Participation initiatives including a recent submission under the HEFCE-funded Routes into Languages Programme.
Language(s):French, German, Italian, Spanish and Russian (face-to-face and online programme) – Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Japanese, Portuguese and Swedish (only face-to-face events).
