Burton students get real life language lessons - 6 February 2008
Students from Paget High School in Burton learnt the true value of continuing with their language studies when they were visited by a local entrepreneur.
Angela Maxwell, former European advisor to UK Trade & Investment and director of Birmingham-based Fracino, the UK’s only manufacturer of espresso and cappuccino coffee machines, visited the school on 5 February 2008 to talk with students about the importance of languages in business.
During assembly Angela talked about her experience of using languages, including being honoured by the Queen at Buckingham Palace for her outstanding contribution to UK Trade and Industry. Pupils were then split into groups to question Angela about why they need languages and how businesses make use of such skills.
This project is part of the Business Language Champions programme, designed to increase uptake of foreign languages in schools.
The talks were well received and enjoyed by all, as Janet Nash, head of languages, said:
“Angela’s talk made students realise the importance of learning a language and that speaking another language is a vitally important business asset in a competitive world. We intend to introduce business-based language courses and challenges in the future and look forward to working with Angela again.”
Angela was delighted with the response from students:
“I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, as it became clear that by exploring the variety of options open to those that study languages offered the students a new perspective on the world of work.”
Click here for more information on the Business Language Champions programme.
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