Carmarthenshire languages boost
Secondary school pupils across Carmarthenshire have been learning about the benefits of learning a new lingo during the European Week of Languages.
The West Wales European Centre, part of Carmarthenshire County Council’s regeneration department, has been raising awareness of the variety of languages spoken in Europe and the opportunities being bilingual can lead to.
European networking officer Lorena Prist visited schools in Llanelli, Carmarthen, Gwendraeth, Burry Port and Whitland.
She explained how it could enhance their career prospects and equip them with all they need for exciting travels across the continent.
Year nine pupils were encouraged to take up a foreign language as part of their GCSE studies, and current GCSE pupils learned about opportunities to improve their language skills whilst boosting their CV - including participating in a volunteering project, becoming a language assistant or doing a work experience placement in another EU country.
“Both groups are about to make life-changing decisions and it is important to have the right amount of information before doing so,” said Lorena.
“Year nine pupils in particular are now faced with a range of options to choose from and it is sometimes difficult to know what they could lead to in terms of employment.
“The information sessions gave the pupils an overview of careers options and an opportunity to ask questions.”
County council executive board member for education, Cllr Gwynne Wooldridge, said: “We want to let pupils know that languages can take them far in life. They are faced with so many choices in schools these days, that languages may not immediately jump out, but hopefully they’ll now realise what doors could be opened to them if they are able to speak another language. It’s been a very worthwhile exercise.”
The Carmarthen-based West Wales European Centre promotes the European Week of Languages each year, as part of its commitment to strengthening links between Wales and the EU.
The centre is also a member of the EU-wide network of information centres - Europe Direct, which aims to raise awareness of the European Union and its institutions.
For further information about the centre, or to find out more about opportunities in Europe, visit www.wwec.org.uk, or call Lorena Prist, European Networking Officer, on 01267 242360.
European Networking Officer Lorena Prist talks to year nine and GCSE/A level pupils at Glanymor School, Burry Port. Pictured, from left, are students Heidi Burns and Ffion Edwards, Lorena Prist, student Alex Clarke-Jones and teacher Amanda Clarke. Pic Jeff Connell
The West Wales European Centre, part of Carmarthenshire County Council’s regeneration department, has been raising awareness of the variety of languages spoken in Europe and the opportunities being bilingual can lead to.
European networking officer Lorena Prist visited schools in Llanelli, Carmarthen, Gwendraeth, Burry Port and Whitland.
She explained how it could enhance their career prospects and equip them with all they need for exciting travels across the continent.
Year nine pupils were encouraged to take up a foreign language as part of their GCSE studies, and current GCSE pupils learned about opportunities to improve their language skills whilst boosting their CV - including participating in a volunteering project, becoming a language assistant or doing a work experience placement in another EU country.
“Both groups are about to make life-changing decisions and it is important to have the right amount of information before doing so,” said Lorena.
“Year nine pupils in particular are now faced with a range of options to choose from and it is sometimes difficult to know what they could lead to in terms of employment.
“The information sessions gave the pupils an overview of careers options and an opportunity to ask questions.”
County council executive board member for education, Cllr Gwynne Wooldridge, said: “We want to let pupils know that languages can take them far in life. They are faced with so many choices in schools these days, that languages may not immediately jump out, but hopefully they’ll now realise what doors could be opened to them if they are able to speak another language. It’s been a very worthwhile exercise.”
The Carmarthen-based West Wales European Centre promotes the European Week of Languages each year, as part of its commitment to strengthening links between Wales and the EU.
The centre is also a member of the EU-wide network of information centres - Europe Direct, which aims to raise awareness of the European Union and its institutions.
For further information about the centre, or to find out more about opportunities in Europe, visit www.wwec.org.uk, or call Lorena Prist, European Networking Officer, on 01267 242360.
European Networking Officer Lorena Prist talks to year nine and GCSE/A level pupils at Glanymor School, Burry Port. Pictured, from left, are students Heidi Burns and Ffion Edwards, Lorena Prist, student Alex Clarke-Jones and teacher Amanda Clarke. Pic Jeff Connell
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