The search is on for the most innovative language learning projects in the UK with applications now being invited for next year’s prestigious European Language Label. The competition recognises and celebrates new ways to inspire and motivate language learners at all levels and schools, colleges, adult education, business and community projects are all invited to take part.

This year, the Europe-wide award highlighted all sorts of wonderful initiatives, from a primary schools project in Devon where pupils combined language learning with PE to a project where local businesses enabled pupils to use their language skills in a real-life business situation. This year’s focus for the awards is on languages that can be used in a career and on language learning in the community.

Kate Board, Chief Executive of CILT said: “Language learning is important to our future as global citizens and for the UK to be able to compete in the global economy.  This award is a fantastic way of encouraging language learning and showing others how much fun it can be.  I am continuously impressed by the exciting and innovative projects languages students come up with”.

To qualify for a European Language Label award, projects must provide an inspiration to others, be replicable, and involve any language other than English. Shortlisted projects will be visited by a panel of expert judges, who will compile a list of the ones they found most innovative and effective. Winners will attend a prize-giving ceremony in July at the new European Commission offices in London, where they will be able to display and share their projects.

There will be special prizes available, including the annual Mary Glasgow Award of £2000. You can find out about all of last year’s winning projects and download an application form from www.cilt.org.uk/label

Applications need to be submitted the 31st January 2011.

For further information contact:

Erika Cook,
CILT, the National Centre for Languages
erika.cook@cilt.org.uk 
020 7633 3312