Welcome to the fifth edition of Netword Languages Direct, the ezine for teachers who work in adult and further education.

Adult education news

CILT has a new website!
We're proud to introduce our new website which was launched on 9th September. The site has been designed specifically to reinforce our position as a national centre of expertise. Easy to navigate, full of innovations and brimming with information on a wide range of subjects, products and services, it’s a definitive source of knowledge on why languages matter across all aspects of our society. 
Take a look at the new further and adult education section here.

CILT's successful summer conference 2009
'Is the world our oyster? Languages for life'
CILT’s Summer Conference for teachers and managers of adult languages in adult and further education took place on Wednesday July 8th 2009 at the Institut Français, London.
The conference gave teachers and managers of language programmes the opportunity to come together to consider the way forward for adult language learning. Plenary panel sessions with keynote speakers led the debate and their presentations can be downloaded by visiting the resources section of the new website.

Adult language survey
As part of their Adult Learners' Week, The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) conducted their annual survey of adult participation in learning and this year CILT commissioned them to include some language questions. To read the full report please visit the research and statistics section of our website.

Invitation to a Focus Group on the Review of the National Language Standards
CILT is currently reviewing the National Language Standards and we would like your help to make sure we get the content of the standards right, and to ensure that they are written in a way that is clear to everyone who uses them. Please contact Katherine Evans if you would like to attend one of these meetings:

• London - Tues November 3rd
• Cardiff - Weds November 11th
• Belfast - Weds November 25th
• Glasgow - Thurs November 26th
  

Click here for further information on the standards review

Inquiry into the Future for Lifelong Learning Report
Learning Through Life - the definitive report on the future for lifelong learning in the UK - was launched in London on 17th September. Sponsored by NIACE, the report presents an overview of the current state of learning in the UK, radical recommendations for long term change and the first authoritative and coherent strategic framework for lifelong learning in the UK for the next 10-15 years. To find out more visit the NIACE website

National Awards for Excellence in Language Learning
CILT is introducing some brand new awards for students in the 14-19 age group.  There will be five different categories including the National Award for Excellence in Advanced Language Learning for students aged 16-19. Deadline for entries is April 2010.
Visit the website for further information.

Call for business volunteers
CILT's Business Language Champions programme helps businesses and schools to work together through language learning. Research shows that messages to young learners from business people who are using languages for work can help young people realise the benefits of continuing to study languages. Business Language Champions from around the country are working with schools to inspire young language learners. If you use languages in your job and want to share your experiences with young people, why don't you join them?
Please go to www.cilt.org.uk/blc for further information.

Featuring your initiatives from across the country

Mothers and Daughters learn Spanish at Franklin College, Grimsby
This family learning project is a good example of the college’s approach to removing barriers to learning. Spanish was offered to parents and their children through primary school links – and five mothers and their daughters chose to learn Spanish together.
Result:
• childcare problems solved
• an ABC qualification in Listening and Speaking for the mothers
• a good start in language learning for the daughters
• lots of fun had by all!

For further information please contact Louise Hotson at the college.

Upcoming event

Global learning for local outcomes
This one day seminar for ACL providers hosted by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) in partnership with NIACE is taking place on 12th November in London. This event will look at what ACL can do to work to optimise relevant, local learning opportunities for adults. For further information and to book your place please visit the LSIS website.