1. Two reasons for this message being earlier today: one, because I’m taking the afternoon off (eventually!), the other so that more of you will be able to catch this concert in celebration of International Women’s Day from St John’s Smith Square at 20:00 UK time this evening: https://www.sjss.org.uk/century-music-british-women-1921-2021-directed-madeleine-mitchell The concert is free; contributions are welcome but not required. One of my favourite music venues in normal times!
2. A request from my colleagues in the English for Education Systems Research and Insight team, who are currently embarking on an investigation of English as a global language. “We are interested in the views and opinions of people on trends and movements in English from those who work in English language education in a variety of contexts. The results will be used to stimulate thought and discussion about the ever-changing position of the English language in the world. We are aware that some of you may already have completed a survey towards the end of last year. This is a follow-up survey and we would be grateful if you could complete this one too, as it is using a more country focussed lens. The survey is completely anonymous and will take around 10 minutes to complete. If you would like to take part please click on the link below: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TY9TYQB The survey will be open until 18 March 2021.” Money back guaranteed if it takes you more than ten minutes!
3. A good clear presentation on the use and protection of data (which I think might work quite well with older students as a basis for discussion) by the UK Information Commissioner, Elizabeth Denham: https://youtu.be/Pzk7qOKP8lU
4. An invitation to take part in the webinar “Covid-19 and language education: Making home schooling motivating and fun” that Deirdre Kirwan is delivering on behalf of the ECML at 15:00 UK time on Thursday, 11th March: https://www.ecml.at/Resources/Webinars/tabid/5456/language/en-GB/Default.aspx Please note that you need to register in advance – well worth the effort! Deirdre’s an engaging speaker and used to be the inspirational leader of a primary school in Ireland – with 320 pupils and more than 50 home languages – where plurilingualism was both celebrated and normalised.
5. And, finally, free to watch until March 15th, The Man behind the Microphone, a musical family detective story film about Hedi Jouini, the Tunisian ‘Frank Sinatra’, made by his granddaughter, Claire https://youtu.be/SWf2GjpOGnQ
And here’s the playlist of the soundtrack: https://www.themanbehindthemicrophone.com/music
Roy Cross's Blog 