Paris break

We spent a few days in Paris last week and had a lovely time, although it was rather cold! Paris has always been one of my favourite cities and it was lovely to be back.
As well as the usual Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, we also saw the great views from the Arc de Triomphe and visited the most important building in Paris for me, the Pantheon.
I have a hotel recommendation - the Hotel Flor Rivoli - not the biggest or most luxurious hotel, but very conveniently situated with a great breakfast.

Young Enterprise

Last week, I took part in two 'Our World' programmes with Young Enterprise: a morning at Chruch Lane School in Sleaford, and an afternoon at Winchelsea School in Ruskington.
Children from several schools took part and learned a lot about International Trade. I know I enjoyed it and I think the children did too. They were certainly very enthusiastic about the tasks they had to undertake.
HS Language Services is sponsoring a competition, the winner of which will receive a set of French readers, and some French games for their school.

French Readers

At the moment, the Book People (google it!) have several French reader sets on offer at a very reduced price. The hide and speak books are particularly good.

European Day of Languages

Schools and workplaces in over 40 countries celebrated European Day of Languages yesterday. The intiative was set up in 2001 in order to create an awareness for languages and language skills.
I had another stint on the radio. Judy Theobold invited me onto her show to talk about languages and to teach her some useful phrases in French and German, and I also pre-recorded an interview with Lincs FM.
The schools we visit all received posters, stickers and balloons, and we were also involved in the Languages for lunch sessions organised by the Regional Language Network in the East Midlands.
I have noticed a definite increase in awareness of EDL over the last 2 years, and I hope this is spreading awareness and interest in languages and language learning. I certainly had a great discussion with the year 5/6 group I was with on Friday morning about why languages are useful to us.

Young Enterprise Volunteer

This week, HS Language Services became a volunteer for Young Enterprise. I will be going into Primary Schools to help with their programmes. I am very much looking forward to it, having been a 'Young Enterpriser' in the past, and I also very much agree with their 'Learning by Doing' approach.

Language Classes

Well, the language classes got off to an excellent start this week. The French Conversation classes have been the most popular, but I am delighted to say that we also have learners on the Italian, Spanish and German courses.
I will be organising January's classes next week, so watch out for changes on the website.

On the radio again - Friday 5th September

I was a sofa guest on Rod Whiting's breakfast show (BBC Radio Lincs) in May, I have been invited onto Judy Theobold's show on Friday to talk about languages.
I'm sure I will enjoy it, and I hope it brings the business some good coverage.