ERW Pupil Language Ambassador Conference returns to Swansea University for the second year running

In February we hosted the ERW (Education through Regional Working) Pupil Language Ambassador Conference for the second year running

The one day event brought over 500 pupils and teachers from 44 schools located across South West Wales to the Great Hall to explore the benefits of language learning.

The conference was opened by Professor Iwan Davies, Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Swansea University and included keynote sessions from Steve Davies, Welsh Government Director of Education, Eduardo Castaneda Bracho, Managing Director, Orlegi Media Relations and Betsan O’Connor, ERW MD, who delivered her speech in no less than five different languages!.

The principal aim of the conference was to train pupils in leadership skills to enable them to promote language learning in their schools and to increase their knowledge of the importance of languages for enhanced career opportunities. This forms part of ERW’s campaign to support the Government’s Global Futures plan, which aims to increase modern foreign language uptake at all levels and sets the Bilingual plus 1 ambition for Wales.

As well as hearing from key figures in education and language learning, during the event pupils also had the chance to try taster sessions in Mandarin, Spanish and Germank, and to explore opportunities for language learners such as studying STEM subjects with languages and multilingualism.

The conference was a resounding success leaving pupils and teachers alike inspired and energised to spread the word about the many benefits of multilingualism through clubs, campaigns, blogs and even Youtube Channels.

Conference Coordinator and ERW’s MFL Coordinator, Anna Vivian Jones said:

”The response to the conference has been phenomenal and the excellent organisation has been praised everywhere. I can’t thank Swansea University’s Event Services team enough for their amazing input. The 2018 event is already pencilled in!”

Find out more about ERW here

Find out more about the event here.