Festival of languages offers A-level students a taster in Mandarin and an insight into university life
It was a very insightful day which made me realise the many opportunities available to you when you learn a language.” A-level Student, Eleanor Toft
Students at Coleg Sir Gâr studying modern foreign languages (MFL) at AS and A-level have been given an insight into learning languages at university level and a taster of Mandarin.
Visiting Swansea University’s Festival of Languages, the group took part in a packed programme designed to inform, motivate and expand students’ ambitions.
For one student, it really influenced her choice of study at university. “This visit really made me want to carry on with French at university,” said Ffion Williams, 16, who is studying French, history and English at AS-level.
During the visit, learners took part in a taster session in Mandarin, met current undergraduates and alumni to discuss pathways and career opportunities, and attended a panel Q&A.
The panel highlighted the growing importance of learning languages today, from enhancing employability, improving your communication skills and fostering cultural understanding.
The group also benefited from exam-focused masterclasses, providing practical guidance and strategies to support their Spanish and French A-level studies.
AS French learner Eleanor Toft said: “It was a very insightful day which made me realise the many opportunities available to you when you learn a language.”
Nina Theodoulou-Evans is a Coleg Sir Gâr lecturer who teaches MFL at the college, she is passionate about showing students where languages can lead and helping them make the right choices for them. “The visit was really enjoyable and very impactful and it was great to attend such a well organised event which really promoted languages,” said Nina. “It showed them how important continuing their language learning journey is in their next steps at university.”
Swansea University’s Festival of Languages is an annual outreach event designed to inspire school pupils including year 11s to explore world languages, culture and future study opportunities.