Europa UK’s beautiful chapel, dating back to the middle of the 19th century, was the setting of Europa UK’s first language conference, Making the case for languages from Primary. This brought together educators and linguists, bilingual and local schools, from across the country alongside Europa’s global language partners, the Instituto Cervantes, the Goethe-Institut and the French Institute. The event showcased Europa’s innovative approach to language learning and fostered networking among professionals and other key organisations promoting languages in education, such as the ALL and the BEA, in an exhibition fair which took place during the refreshment break. Discussing best practice was another underlying theme of the day. The event also took inspiration from recent efforts nationally to reverse the trend of the declining numbers of English pupils taking languages at GCSE and A-level, vital subjects for entries into professions such as teaching, diplomacy and business.

The conference featured a keynote speech by renowned author and speaker Michael Rosen, discussing the lifelong impact of language learning on children. Primary students had an opportunity to engage directly with Michael Rosen, who inspired them with his passion for languages. 

Attendees were treated to a tour of many of Europa School’s classes, where students demonstrated their linguistic prowess, developed through the school’s bilingual curriculum. It goes without saying that, as a school, we are always terribly proud of our learners who embrace such events with so much confidence and enthusiasm, supported expertly by their teachers. 

The afternoon sessions included workshop talks on:

  • Innovative materials and projects for lifelong language learning
  • Incorporating translation and digital creativity into primary classrooms
  • Encouraging children to embrace language learning through creativity and literature.

Mme Gaillard and Dr Havenstein were thrilled to welcome the following speakers: Mrs Black, Dr Ellison, Prof. Macleroy, Mme Merlet, Ms Rifeser, Dr Ryland and Ms Parry and Frau Wick. They were also extremely grateful for the support and presence from Europa UK’s global language partners, and the French, German and Spanish embassies.

Attendees shared their insights and experiences as follows:

  • Meghana, MFL lead from Wantage Primary Academy, said she was “inspired by the event.”
  • Zoe, from Thomas Reade School, Abingdon, felt “confident about using home languages more in the classroom.”
  • Paula, from Windmill Primary in Oxford, was “amazed by how proud Europa’s children were to speak the languages.”
  • Laura from Hampton Court House School said “I am leaving with lots of new ideas”
  • Laurence from Chandlings Prep School opined “It was great, very relevant. I met lots of other teachers teaching languages in primary school and met people from the French embassy and language association.“

Mme Gaillard summed up the consensus of everyone at the conference, and Europa’s underlying philosophy when she urged: ‘It is imperative to start learning languages earlier and with love’. Here at Europa we are keen to share our experience as language educators while also being inspired by our fellow lifelong language learners and partners.