by Selby College, Barlby High School, Brayton College, Selby High School, Sherburn High School, The Snaith School, Novotel, RLN, Routes into Languages - University of Hull

Forget The Apprentice – teenagers in Selby are using their language skills to become entrepreneurs in a project celebrating the role of languages in business.

It all started when language teachers from Selby College and local schools got together to discuss how to motivate Year 8 pupils. They enlisted help and sponsorship from local businesses, the University of Hull and the University of York. The result was Eurofest, a simulated international trade fair with a languages twist.

During the last term of Year 8, pupils from five local schools worked in language lessons to create products to sell at the event. One group was chosen from each school to present their product at Selby College in June and another group to answer questions on a ‘tourist information stand.’

On the big day, pupils answered questions in French and German from a range of visitors, from local business people to university language students. At the end of the day, prizes were given for the best use of French, German and enterprise skills.

Teenagers also had a chance to chat to university languages students and spend time in Selby College – the main local provider of education post-16. This year the project is developing to include taster classes in Mandarin and Japanese and Q&As with local businesses.

All in all, the event showed that languages are not just for the classroom. According to one teacher, Eurofest is about ‘demystifying languages’ - particularly important in a community like Selby with little exposure to different cultures. Eurofest is also the recipient of the Euro London Appointments Business Language Prize of £1,000.

Language(s): French, German

Selby College is a small general FE College with a thriving A level provision. It also offers vocational courses in a wide range of subjects. Ofsted awarded Selby College “Outstanding” in every area - the first Outstanding College in Yorkshire and Humberside. In 2008 Selby College was awarded Beacon Status.