Best Language Practice of the Year Award 2005

In 2001 the European Year of Languages (EYL) generated a lot of enthusiasm about the teaching and learning of languages. EYL 2001 involved millions of people across 45 countries in activities to celebrate linguistic diversity and the benefits of being able to communicate in languages others than one's own. Indeed, thanks to the EYL, languages and language learning have a higher profile in Europe than ever before.

As a result, September 26 of every year has been declared European Day of Languages. The idea is to continue to celebrate and share good language practice on a European level. The aims of the European Day of Languages are threefold: (a) to alert the public to the importance of language learning (b) to increase awareness and appreciation of all languages spoken in Europe and (c) to encourage lifelong language learning.

To commemorate the occasion, for the third year running, the Education Division, through the Department for Curriculum Management in conjunction with the National Curriculum Council, organised the Best Language Practice of the Year Award. The aim is to celebrate good language practice in general and to reward the schools with the best language practices in particular.

The competition was open to all schools, from kindergarten to secondary. Sixteen schools took up the challenge. These were asked to send a detailed write-up of their language project. Schools were judged on organisation at school and community level, teacher and learner output, imparting of knowledge, skills and attitudes as laid out in the National Minimum Curriculum, innovative approaches, transferability and use of multimedia and ICT.

All 16 schools were then visited by members of the panel, which was made up of Chev. Frank Gatt (chairman) and Anthony Degabriele, Ray Facciol, Ninette Lucia and Frank Muscat.

During the award ceremony at the National Curriculum Centre, all the participating schools were presented with a certificate. The winners received prizes amounting to Lm510 committed from the funds of the National Curriculum Council chaired by Ray Camilleri, director, Curriculum Management. The first prize winners were also presented with a trophy.

The following is the list of prize winners and the titles of their projects: three joint first prizes: Albert Valletta Primary A, Birkirkara (Once upon a time... Mela darba), G.F. Agius de Soldanis, Gozo (The Environment) and Filippo Zammit Primary C, Qrendi (EXCEL); two joint second prizes: St George's Primary A, Qormi (Fables, Legends and Myths) and Dun Guzepp Xerri Primary C, St Julian's (The World of Insects); two joint third prize winners: St Monica, Gzira (Bridging the Gap: Literacy for All) and Professor Guzé Aquilina Primary and Special Unit, Sannat (The Gingerbread Man). Two other Gozitan schools received special mention: Kercem Primary, and Sir Arturo Mercieca Primary, Victoria.

The other seven schools taking part were: Mgr G. Andrea Vella Primary, Zebbug, Gozo; Karmni Grima Primary C, Gharb; St Joan Antide, Gudja; Anton Cassar Primary C, Ghajnsielem; Rosa Magro, Primary C, Xewkija; President Anton Buttigieg Primary C, Qala; and Dun Salv Portelli Primary C, San Lawrenz.

The audience, which included representatives of the participating schools, pupils and students, was addressed by Chev. Frank Gatt, assistant director Training and Staff Development and chairman of the award, Ray Camilleri (Director Curriculum Management), Dr Cecilia Borg, Director-General of Education, and Frans Borg, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment, who also presented the prizes and certificates to the schools.

Detailed descriptions of the projects could be viewed either at the National Curriculum Centre, Hamrun or on Website: curriculum.gov.mt.