The European Language Label (ELL) is an award for innovative language-learning projects.  It rewards creative ways to improve the quality of language teaching, motivate learners and make the best of available resources.

To be successful, projects must demonstrate creative thinking and lead to improved teaching provision and learner achievement.  They must be innovative, effective and replicable by others in the UK and other countries.  This year the judges are particularly looking for projects that involve:

· Language skills as a preparation for work

· Language learning in the community


If this describes your project, why not apply for an award?  Applications are invited from schools across the UK.

The deadline for application for the European Language Label 2011 is 31 January 2011.

In addition to the European Label, which can be used on corporate stationery, all award winners receive prizes of books, vouchers or teaching materials from a range of sponsors as well as a certificate signed by the Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth.  The awards will be presented at a prize-giving ceremony in summer 2011.

More information, including details on how to apply, is available from http://www.cilt.org.uk/home/valuing_languages/european_language_label1.aspx

Happy New Year! Register now to watch Authors Live with Jacqueline Wilson on the 27th of January !!

http://bit.ly/e7S1G4

To celebrate Scottish Book Trust’s next Meet Our Authors broadcast on 27 January 2011, they are offering one lucky child the chance to meet Jacqueline Wilson, be part of the live audience at the BBC studios, have their very own short story published in the Sunday Herald, and win £100 worth of contemporary children’s books for their school!

Here’s how to enter <http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/childrens-authors-live/meet-jacqueline-wilson-competition>

Enjoy creative writing?  Not sure where to start? A look at some of the thousands of amazing works of art from the national collection is a great place to begin.

Inspired? Get writing! creative writing competition is now in its sixth year. It is a joint venture between the National Galleries of Scotland, the Scottish Poetry Library and The English-Speaking Union, supported by the Scotsman. There are five categories for school pupils and adults: under 12; 12-14; 15-18. Entries can be in the form of prose or poetry but should be no longer than 1,000 words.

The closing date is Friday 21 January 2011. An award ceremony with public readings of the winning works will take place on 21 April 2011.

For full details of how to enter please download the rules and entry form from the National Galleries of Scotland website (link to http://www.nationalgalleries.org/education/competition/6:3740/19851/)

The strange and fantastical stories of Scotland have inspired writers, artists and poets for centuries. Scotland’s Stories website aims to inspire children and young learners to explore this rich vein of literary and cultural heritage.

It provides a variety of beautifully illustrated classic Scottish tales, with background information, transcripts of all stories as well as fantastic audio and video versions of the stories as told by some of Scotland’s finest storytellers.

Browse the variety of classic tales suitable for all ages at the Scotland’s Stories website.

Full-length videos of all the Authors Live events so far can be watched and downloaded now on the Scottish Book Trust website.

Michael Rosen Primary Schools event <http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/podcasts/video/michael-rosen-authors-live-full-primary-schools-event>
Michael Rosen Secondary Schools event <http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/podcasts/video/michael-rosen-authors-live-full-secondary-schools-event>
Julia Donaldson Event <http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/podcasts/video/authors-live-with-julia-donaldson>
Michael Morpurgo Event <http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/podcasts/video/authors-live-with-michael-morpurgo-full-session>
Charlie Higson Event <http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/podcasts/video/authors-live-with-charlie-higson-full-session>

Shared Practice for Creative Teachers – Scottish Book Trust Online Teacher in Residence is an online community aimed at teachers in Scotland with a particular interest in creative approaches to literacy, language and writing within Curriculum for Excellence.

Here, at the hub of the community, teachers will be able to access and share ideas, resources and various CPD opportunities with colleagues from across the country.

Visit the Online Teacher in Residence Blog for the latest ideas and resources.