European+Award

The European Award for Languages recognises creative ways to improve the quality of language teaching, motivate students and make the best of available resources. If you are involved in an innovative language-learning project, which could benefit others, you may be eligible for an Award. The Award is a Europe-wide initiative supported by the European Commission through the [|Transversal programme]. [|CILT], the National Centre for Languages, assisted by an advisory group, is the UK coordinator of the initiative which has recognised over 1,000 innovative projects across Europe since the end of its pilot phase in 1999. Eligible projects can be based around any language other than English and are expected to have an international dimension. Award-winning projects provide a potential source of inspiration for other, in different languages, contexts and even different countries, underlining the importance of the criteria that the project be replicable. To date, over 134 UK projects have proved that such criteria can be met and that creative thinking can lead to improved teaching provision and learner achievement. What are the prizes? In addition to the European Label, which can be used on corporate stationery, winners receive prizes books, teaching resources or vouchers from a range of sponsors, including embassies, publishers, public bodies and private companies. All winners receive a certificate signed by the European Commissioner for Education and Culture and UK Ministers. The Awards are presented by Sir Trevor McDonald at a special ceremony in the Summer. [|Special awards] are also made for the best projects involving community languages (£1,000 cash prize), French, German, and Spanish as well as primary and adult learners, languages for business and initial teacher education. All winners receive a certificate and prizes of books, vouchers or teaching materials from a range of [|sponsors]. The award for the best project initiated by initial teacher trainees and for business languages this year each have a prize of £1,000. Each year one of the winning projects is selected by the [|Mary Glasgow Language Trust] to receive its annual award (£2,000) – the winner of which is announced at the Award ceremony. Mary Glasgow Language Trust Winner 2008 What is the application procedure? Applications are invited from schools, colleges, universities, businesses and other institutions engaged in foreign language initiatives, which are innovative, effective and replicable. Visit the applications section and either apply on-line or download the application form and send by e-mail or post.
 * What is the European Award for Languages?**


 * Application deadline**:30th January 2009.

(sourced from http://www.cilt.org.uk)