Support for language learning

Head Start course: A one-day basic introduction to Japanese combined with examination of the issues associated with introducing it in schools. Designed for secondary heads of MFL, primary languages coordinators and senior managers from schools wishing to introduce Japanese - whether fully timetabled or as an extra-curricular subject. (Japan Foundation London Language Centre - JFLLC)

Japanese teaching resources can be borrowed by teachers of Japanese from the extensive library and via the Centre's website, which includes resources produced mainly by teachers of Japanese and JFLLC language advisers, as well as resources produced specifically for GCSE. All are readily available/downloadable for shared use. Teachers are welcome to visit the Centre for tailor-made advice from Japanese language advisers.

Materials donation programme: All UK institutions teaching Japanese are eligible to apply for free teaching resources (including textbooks, dictionaries, flashcards, even word-processors) from the JFLLC.

Foreign language assistants: Schools can apply to host a language assistant from Japan for one year. Language assistants work with the teacher in the classroom or on their own with small groups of students in order to help them gain confidence in Japanese. (British Council)

eLanguages: Developed for the Department for Education and Skills by the British Council, a new, easy-to-use, collaborative tool enabling teachers around the world to exchange classroom resources and build and present structured, reusable, curriculum-relevant projects. Ideal for language teachers, eLanguages promotes the principle of internationalism in education and nurtures in teachers and students a greater understanding of other cultures by allowing them to work closely with counterparts overseas. Available in 18 language versions including Japanese.

Professional development for teachers

Courses in Japan: The Japan Foundation runs teacher training and language study courses in Japan, mostly ranging from 1 to 6 months, giving teachers a chance to improve their language skills and teaching methodology and producing resources, whilst deepening their knowledge of Japan. Training programmes are being offered to teachers of Japanese and Japanese native-speaking teachers from all sectors.

Salary Assistance Programme available for full-time teachers of the Japanese Language - 3 years part-funding to help establish new teaching posts. (Japan Foundation)

Courses in London: The JFLLC runs an intensive one-week Summer Refresher Course for primary and secondary teachers who teach or are about to start teaching Japanese at UK schools. Other courses are also available; for a list of courses which are coming up please see the calendar of courses and events.

Teacher INSET days: A programme of regular workshops for teachers is offered throughout the country. They aim to provide teachers with a wealth of practical curriculum-related ideas which can easily be translated to primary or secondary classrooms throughout the UK. (Japan 21)

Support for school partnerships

Partner Finding: Japan 21 locates partner schools in Japan and supports both UK and Japanese schools as they develop their exchange activities, both through conventional methods and by utilising Japan UK LIVE!, a bilingual internet site which enables pupils to communicate freely and creatively.

District links: This funding exists to help the development of strategic area links. An area link may be between a local authority, an education action zone, a cluster of schools or any other group of schools working with an equivalent grouping in Japan. Funding is available for up to ten people to visit the partner area to develop educational partnerships at both an institutional and a strategic level, and to discuss future joint curriculum work between specific institutions. (British Council)

School partnership visits: Funding is available for one member of staff to visit their Japanese partner school to establish and develop curriculum links which will enable collaborative work between the students. (British Council)

The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation provides support for curriculum-based student exchanges between schools in the UK and Japan. Funding is primarily through the Daiwa Foundation Small Grants programme, which makes available awards of £1,000-£5,000 and typically covers travel and subsistence costs.

The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation gives modest grant support to schools teaching Japanese language and/or studying about Japan as part of the humanities curriculum. They particularly welcome applications for funding towards school link or partnership visits but are happy to discuss other suitable projects with potential applicants. Full application details are on the website but contact by phone or e-mail prior to application is encouraged.

Other

Educational resources for schools (Embassy of Japan): Resource Packs contain maps, posters, fact-file leaflet, informative booklet, colourful magazine and other useful information to help bolster a school's resources on Japan and add colour and authenticity to lessons. Free to download. School Artefacts Chests provide an opportunity for students to get a feel for Japan. They are ideal for Japan Days or supplementing lessons/projects on Japan. They contain items such as: yukata (summer cotton kimonos), happi festival coats, traditional toys; educational videos; music CDs etc. Japan Now Z-card contains a
quiz and useful facts and images to enable young people to learn about Japan in a fun and accessible way.

Club Taishikan: This aim of this workshop is to introduce various aspects of Japan to young people. The participants try origami, calligraphy and have an opportunity to wear yukata. (Embassy of Japan)

Japan in your Classroom: Japan 21's popular school visit programme offers schools in various parts of the UK the chance to host visits by Japanese volunteers. In areas where there are no volunteers, the Access to Experts list helps schools identify other speakers.

Japan 21 Awards are grants to support small-scale projects and events. Priority is given to educational, regional and
community projects, particularly those involving active participation and exchange.

StepOutNet School Visits Programme exists to create links between schools and Japanese-speaking volunteers, who carry out school visits across the UK to introduce students at any level to the Japanese language, often as part of an International or Japan day. Should the school wish to start offering Japanese, either as an extra-curricular or fully timetabled subject, the JFLLC will provide advice and support.

Resources: Japan 21 has a wide range of materials for loan to schools, such as Japan Activity Chests, bursting with Japanese artefacts, and is engaged in continual development of new teaching resources and schemes of work, linked to required programmes of study.

Networking and sharing information: The JFLLC provides a popular venue for training days and events, where teachers and language advisors can exchange ideas and advice related to the teaching of Japanese. Everyone interested in Japanese language education is welcome to join the JLE-UK e-mail discussion group, the best way to keeping up to date with news and staying in touch for instant advice from fellow teachers throughout the year.

Global Gateway can help you take students outside the four walls of the classroom to real communication with their counterparts in other countries. It offers the materials to put lessons into a modern, topical and global context, and access to great online projects where you share your work with teachers and pupils from all over the world. And there's a fantastic school partner-finding service with 6,000 schools from every continent signed up!

Montage Japan is an internet-based programme to link schools in the UK and Japan. It's open to all teachers and pupils at primary and secondary schools. Through Montage Japan schools can work on joint projects to motivate pupils and create more effective learning.

Broaden your school's horizons, deliver effective, inclusive school development, enthuse parents and governors, and involve the wider community in your area. It's all possible with international school links.