NYCC subject leaders' day

Rather interesting and enjoyable day spent today with other (mainly) Heads of Languages from North Yorkshire at the Bridge Inn, Walshford. The theme was transition from primary to secondary and a number of enthusiastic teachers reported on events they had run, ideas they had and how local networks were functioning. There was a particularly enthusiastic and informative report on the new North Yorkshire scheme of work for French (Y3-Y6). Good to meet with colleagues who had some experience with languages specialism.

It looks like things are coming together at primary level and that by 2013 all pupil shpuld be arriving with a similar programme behind them. At least, that's the theory. I still have concerns that achievement will be variable and that we are going to be re-teaching a lot of material which some kids will find repetitive.

Anyway, the day was ably led by Simon Cowton who seems to get people networking very successfully. Looking forward to speaking further with Kirsty from Harrogate Grammar, Richard Miller from Ripon College and others. Second specialism looms.

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What is skill acquisition theory?

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Language Teacher Toolkit: Steve Smith's blog

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