The University of Westminster

Professional Language Networks (PLN) allowed language teachers to share ideas and approaches to teaching. It provided them with the opportunity to update their professional skills as well as their subject knowledge in languages, linguistics and language teaching methodology.

Teachers took part in termly Learning Cycles, priority themes were identified through a needs analysis carried out by a project mentor. Support delivered included: one-to-one mentoring with school visits to provide bespoke help, peer lesson observations, borough workshops, language upskilling classes at the university, and summer schools. Teachers benefited from the chance to reflect on their practice and share this with their mentor. There was an opportunity to report this ‘learning journey’ in an action research project with MA credits awarded by the University of Westminster.

At end of project teachers reported a significant increase in their subject and pedagogical knowledge, in self-efficacy, and in confidence. Evaluation showed that the participating teachers in primary schools experienced significant perceived increase in their pupils’ second language proficiency overall.

Seeing the pupils engaged and making progress was definitely the most rewarding part. I found the support from my mentor and the workshops invaluable in enabling me to make my own progress in planning and teaching.

The University of Westminster was awarded further funding through the Subject Knowledge Hubs programme.