This case study includes a toolkit (doc 57KB) so you can replicate the work.

Institution: Language Networks for Excellence

On one of the networks one of the teachers commented 'I feel I know much more about the CBLC, the different levels and the expectations at each stage'. Another colleague commented 'I'm much more confident now with regard to requirements and exam entry etc'. These are just two of the teachers who clearly valued the network coming together and the support on offer through the network. We feel very strongly that through the sharing of good practice, and the dissemination of lessons learned by practicing teachers will lead to continuous improvement and further development.

Context
Language Networks for Excellence, the Midlands Curriculum Centre for Languages, has developed from the successful and nationally renowned 14 to 19 Black Country Pathfinder. Now operating on a national basis capacity and sustainability has been developed through which four key strands have emerged: publications; training and CPD; accreditation; dissemination and research. Activities include the development of innovative curriculum and delivery models, resource creation, partnership working, networking and teacher training and support. Strategic partnerships and collaborative networks, operating across educational sectors and providers are developed and expertise from teachers, lecturers, training providers, business representatives and many more help to ensure that activities and developments match closely the needs of young learners and other stakeholders.

The regional centre
As a key strand of activity the regional centre has grown considerably in recent years and is currently one of the largest UK centres for OCR's CBLC (Certificate in Language Business Competence). CBLC is a vocationally related qualification which makes a tailored approach to accreditation possible in a variety of languages. CBLC currently exists for French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Japanese. The course offers a practical approach to developing relevant business language and cultural competencies in the target language. Learners are able to be examined in units they feel confident in and at a time that suits them. The CBLC qualification builds confidence by allowing a step-by-step approach to accreditation and is available at a variety of levels. Link to table of performance points for CBLC.

Aims and objectives
The aims and objectives include:

• Bringing staff together from institutions across the region to identify and share best practice in relation to CBLC teaching and learning;
• Identifying innovative teaching methods and resources to prepare students for examination and progression routes;
• Sharing best practice in teaching and learning.

Actions taken
Network events were held in December 06, April 07 and October 07. These were well attended by almost 50 teachers over the 3 dates. Events were open to all those teaching, examining or interested in CBLC and focused on the following areas:

• Moderation and quality control of CBLC examining
• Opportunities to network with colleagues
• Collaboration between colleagues and schools within similar and different sectors and age phases
• Sharing of good practice
• Identification of innovative teaching methods
• Sharing of ideas and potential for replication
• Identification of resources needs and ideas
• Identification of training and CPD needs
• Dissemination in schools

Results and effect
The events were very well received by those attending and feedback in terms of usefulness was very positive. It is clear that the networks developed have built sustainable relationships which continue to flourish. Collaborative working as a result is also evident and dissemination outside of the region has occurred. This has resulted in a number of new and innovative CBLC delivery models being developed and piloted. Replication of such a network is relatively simple, and, as is often the case, it is the facilitation of a venue and the bringing together of relevant people that is so important. 

Future developments
The network has also resulted in further reaching developments in order to meet needs identified through the meetings and events. These include associated training courses and CPD events, local authority pilot projects and new publications such as the recently launched Japanese Entry Level CBLC teaching resource.

Download the replication toolkit (doc 57KB).