Workshops

Our workshops are generally given by Dawn Bowes, who joined us in 2001. Dawn brings a wealth of enthusiasm, knowledge and experience to this role: she has lived and worked overseas and, in 2004, was appointed to the steering group for the government-sponsored review of the National Standards in Interpreting.

Working in partnership with schools, educational groups and community organisations, we have developed a range of workshops that inspire children to learn more about language, culture and communication.

Language for All

A series of workshops for schools that we developed on behalf of the Knottingley and Ferrybridge Literacy Initiative (KFLI). “Language for All introduces pupils to language learning in a fun way by including quizzes, chat and questions,” says the KFLI’s Davis Bluett. “Children are fascinated by other languages and Dawn's enthusiasm and rapport with the pupils ensured that they are now eager to learn more.”

European Day of Languages

Since 2003, we have marked the European Day of Languages (26 September) with special events for schoolchildren. “Learning another language opens the windows of our minds,” says Terry Davis, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. “Language learning is a powerful tool for building tolerant, peaceful and inclusive multicultural societies.”

Career options in languages

We advise learners of all ages about the rewards and challenges of a career in the language industry. In May 2005, for example, our Chief Executive, Carolyn Burgess, gave a presentation at the University of Hull as part of the launch of the Regional Language Network’s ‘Languages Work’ campaign.

Football and languages workshop

Produced in association with Goole AFC, this educational workshop introduces children to the ‘global village’ of the 21st century, as exemplified by the multilingual, multiracial world of soccer. “Children love learning about other languages and other cultures, and football is a great way to introduce the subject,” said Dawn. “For example, we all have lots of fun trying to match well-known Premiership footballers with the language they speak, and then placing them on a huge world map to show where they are from.”

World Book Day

We encouraged children to take part in World Book Day 2005 (3 March) by giving away thousands of bookmarks to schools in Yorkshire and the Humber. The bookmarks feature inspiring quotations about language, such as the late Italian film director Federico Fellini’s “A different language is a different vision of life”.

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