Press Release

Search begins for UK’s top language projects

12 January 2006

Language-learning initiatives have a chance to prove they can represent Britain on the European stage as the application period for the European Award for Languages opens today. Schools, colleges, business and other institutions across the UK have four months to provide evidence of creative, motivating and inspirational projects for a chance to win an Award, resources and cash prizes totalling over £3,000.

Shortlisted projects earn the right to present their work to the judges before the list of the UK’s most outstanding language projects is finalised. Winners will receive their Award from Sir Trevor McDonald at a prize-giving ceremony in Edinburgh on the European Day of Languages (26 September), where one of the winning projects will be selected by the Mary Glasgow Trust to receive its annual award, now £2,000.

The European Award for Languages recognises new, motivating language-learning initiatives, which serve as inspiration in other contexts, languages and countries. Prizes include resources and materials from a range of sponsors, including an Award of £1,000 from the Training and Development Agency for Schools for the best project in initial teacher education.

Special awards will also be made for the best projects involving community languages, French, German, Italian and Spanish, as well as primary and adult learners. A business language prize will be awarded to the best project developing language provision to match real needs in the workplace.

Projects can involve any language other than English and should be based in the UK. Eligible projects must demonstrate that they are innovative, effective and replicable. The application process is straightforward and details can be found at www.cilt.org.uk/eal. 

The Award is an annual, Europe-wide initiative supported by the European Commission. CILT, the National Centre for Languages, assisted by an advisory group, co-ordinates the Award in the UK. The deadline for applications is Thursday 13 April 2006.