To all Headteachers of Middle Schools/Special Schools

Dear Headteacher

Since 2000, the LEA has been twinned with the Académie de Toulouse in South West France to promote links between establishments and to collaborate on educational projects.

As from September this year, all primary school teachers in France are obliged to teach a modern foreign language. Colleagues in Toulouse have asked us to organise a language skills course for a group of 20 practising teachers at the start of the summer term.

The teachers will spend the first week all together in Norwich following an intensive English language course and learning about language teaching methodologies. During the second week we propose placing them in schools throughout Norfolk to assist in language lessons, consolidate their language skills and gain insight into the education system in this country.

The scheme is a reciprocal one. Schools which host a French teacher this year will be able to nominate a member of staff to undertake a similar French language course in Toulouse next year. In the light of recent proposals for a modern foreign language to be introduced into the primary curriculum, this is a timely opportunity for professional development.

The French are applying for funding through the Comenius programme and we would use the same source for the return visit. In order to keep costs down, and to assist the language skills of participants, we are looking at an arrangement whereby during the second week teachers will be accommodated in host teacher families.

We are initially giving this opportunity to Middle Schools where non-specialists currently teaching French would most benefit from an intensive language skills course.

If your school is interested in being considered for this programme please contact Alison Cunningham who will arrange to visit and discuss the scheme with you in more detail.

Yours sincerely

Director of Education