The document discusses creative ways that a school's Modern Foreign Languages department has promoted language learning and engaged students. Some examples provided include holding a whole-school European Day of Languages with activities like a photo quiz and book trail, organizing a World Cup-themed tournament with tutor groups paired with participating countries, and planning a cross-curricular day with the English department around the film Amelie with sessions taught in both French and English. The goal is to get students and staff excited about language learning and remind everyone that the MFL department is actively working to engage pupils.

1. Creativity St Cuthbert’s Catholic Community College for Business & Enterprise

2. In case my name came out of the randomiser during the second session, I planned to just talk about a few of the ways we have tried to promote languages at my school. The MFL department is very small, and in the past we’ve struggled to get noticed by Senior Management and pupils choosing their options. Here are a few of the things we’ve done to remind everyone we’re here! alison.smith@sthelens.org.uk

4. Exploring cross-curricular links

6. World Cup, Germany 2006 Before the tournament began we held our own World Cup draw: Tutor Groups were paired with a team playing in the finals. The draw was a ‘glitzy’ affair with live satellite link-ups in target lang to some of the managers (played by various staff with language skills). During the tournament, groups took their register in the language of their team & departments planned football/linguistic/geographical themed lessons. In 2010, we developed the project with the PE department to include a five-a-side football tournament. My tutor group were paired with Germany (pure co-incidence), and were runners up (I was a proud coach!)

8. Scoop: pupil stook part in a treasure hunt around school to find clues to put together a newspaper article) French session

9. Newsround: pupils made a 3 minute news report about Princess Diana’s death. English session

10. Gossip: a look at the impact of tabloid media. English session