The Primary Languages Show!
Friday 29 February and Saturday 1 March 2008
Manchester Conference Centre.

The 12th CILT Primary Languages Show took place on Friday 29 February and Saturday 1 March at the Manchester Conference Centre, and was a resounding success, attracting record numbers of delegates from the UK and beyond. The sell-out show opened with a Chinese dragon circling the conference during the plenary session, striking a note of enthusiasm that characterised the whole show.

With more than 80 sessions to choose from over the two-day conference, delegates were able to select the workshops most suited to their specific needs and experience. While some were discovering strategies for progression in years 5 and 6, others were learning tips for getting started with primary languages in their schools. Languages covered included Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin and Bengali, reflecting the broad spectrum of interest in this rapidly developing sector.

As in previous years, the exhibition was a very popular element, with more stands than ever before. With 70% of primary schools now taking up the languages entitlement, and this number on the rise, the range of teaching resources available has grown rapidly over the last few years to meet increasing demand.

Feedback has come in from delegates via the ELL forum who enjoyed the great variety of workshops, discussions and resources available at the conference:

'Absolutely outstanding…I got such a lot out of it, as usual. I really appreciate the opportunity to hear from so many people with so much expertise, and this has a real impact on my work.'
Lorna Harvey, County Advisor for Primary MFL in Staffordshire

'A fantastic opportunity to see and learn so much but so little time! Huge thanks to Nigel and Katja for their Magic workshop this was FANTASTIC! Thanks CILT for a buzzing opportunity for all!'
Carole Nicoll, The Language Factory

'That’s the other great thing about the PLS; you get the opportunity to bounce ideas around with like-minded people.'
Jan Lewandowski, Independent primary languages consultant

Next year's show is provisionally scheduled to take place on 6-7 March 2009, venue tbc.