We're on YouTube!
Languages NSW has set up a new YouTube channel, with recordings of our past statewide staff meetings, including:

• - our top 10 favourite assessment tasks
• - language learning games
• - blended learning
• - assessment for learning.
• Please subscribe – we will add more recordings each year.

New TIPD module

• We have just released a new TIPD module on Languages and online collaboration, developed by teachers, for teachers, as part of our Languages Advisory Network Group (LANG). Set aside approximately 45 minutes to read the content and complete the reflection questions.

The module supports you to:

• - select relevant online collaboration tools to support syllabus outcomes in the languages classroom
• - connect students to other language learners
• - connect with teaching colleagues to enhance language learning opportunities and outcomes through collaboration.

You can access the module from our professional learning page.

We hope you're enjoying a relaxing break – we promise to re-post all this information at the start of Term 4, because even though we're posting in the holidays, it doesn't mean we expect you do to any work in the holidays!

In December last year, we advised you that the Languages Advisory Network Group (LANG) will be re-imagined in 2020, and here's your first opportunity to be involved!

Expressions of interest are invited from teachers/head teachers of languages from NSW public schools who would like to work with the Languages and Culture team to co-design our Term 2 statewide Adobe Connect session on quality feedback to students. To be eligible, you must be teaching languages in the 7-12 range.

We are looking for 2 teachers who are passionate about and have expertise in the area of feedback.

Successful applicants will be provided with up to 4 days' relief in Term 1. The initial planning day will be held on 19 March at Parramatta or Gateshead office (depending on the location of successful applicants). Subsequent dates and venues will be negotiated.

The Languages and Culture team will provide relief costs for participants. Travel and accommodation will also be met for rural and remote teachers, if required.

To apply, complete the attached EOI.

All applications require the endorsement of the applicant’s current principal. Please complete all areas on the expression of interest form and email to shanelle.ingram@det.nsw.edu.au by Friday 28 February 2020.

For further information, contact Shanelle Ingram, R/Languages Officer on 0421510838 or via email at shanelle.ingram@det.nsw.edu.au

The Languages Advisory Network Group (LANG) was established in 2016, with the goal of supporting language teachers 7-12 in applying for leadership positions and/or higher levels of accreditation.

In 2017-2018, the LANG had 12 members – 2 within the Languages and Culture team, and 10 school-based personnel. School-based personnel were released on a needs basis to co-design and co-deliver our team’s registered professional learning. Two of the initial LANG members were already in head teacher positions. One of these colleagues is now a relieving deputy principal, and an additional 7 members have moved into leadership positions.

This is why the LANG is one of our favourite projects, because it supports leadership opportunities.
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In 2019, the LANG evolved into 3 school-based personnel, released 0.2FTE for the year, once again to co-design and co-deliver our team’s registered professional learning, as well as to develop support materials for our website. We would like to thank the LANG Professional Learning Leaders for 2019 for their incredible dedication, expertise and professionalism in designing a range of professional learning and support materials:
- Amanda Singh (The Ponds HS)
- Deb Moore (Armidale Secondary College)
- Katherine Brownlee (Gosford HS – LANG for Term 4)
- Anna Brain (Peak Hill CS – LANG for Terms 1-3).

In 2020, we are moving to a new model of support. We will continue to co-design and co-deliver our team’s registered professional learning with school-based personnel – this ensures our professional learning stays fresh and relevant. The key difference for 2020 is that we will bring school-based personnel in to work with our team on short-term, targeted professional learning projects. This will ensure we continue to provide leadership opportunities for language teachers 7-12, whilst allowing teachers across NSW to express interest in our projects and be selected based on their expertise within a set field of interest.

​Keep your eyes on the blog in 2020 for opportunities.