LOCAL classrooms could soon be buzzing with more than just French verbs and German grammar as a new festival puts language learning in the spotlight.
Language Fest North-West launches this month, with a mix of competition, culture and career inspiration for secondary schools across the region.
The festival opens on Thursday (February 5) with Transforming the Future of Language Teaching at the Chairman’s Club at Manchester City Football Club’s Etihad Stadium.
The free event is aimed at teachers and school leaders, offering professional development and a chance to hear from leading voices in language education.
Among the keynote speakers is Bernardette Holmes MBE, Director at the National Centre for Excellence for Language Pedagogy (NCLE), alongside several North West language leaders including Michelle Massey of The Blue Coat School, Catherine Woodward of Cranmer Education Trust, Tom Coltman of The Laurus Trust, and Sophia West of Keswick School.
“Language learning is central to both cultural understanding and future opportunity,” said a spokesperson for Language Fest North-West. “This festival engages learners and teachers alike, offering both inspiration and practical pathways for language engagement.”
For students, the focus is less on exams and more on real-world use. Planned activities include a “classroom restaurant” challenge where pupils use their language skills in realistic scenarios, as well as creative writing and songwriting competitions.
There will also be webinars highlighting how languages link to future careers and sessions tied to International Mother Language Day, celebrating the diversity of languages spoken in local communities.
The festival is being made freely available to all secondary schools in the North West by Cranmer Education Trust, which runs several schools in and around Oldham and Saddleworth.
These include Saddleworth School, The Blue Coat School and Sixth Form, Brian Clarke Academy and The Radclyffe School in Chadderton, along with several primary schools.
Organisers hope the programme will widen access to language learning at a time when national uptake in modern foreign languages has faced challenges. By mixing culture, creativity and practical communication, the aim is to show pupils that languages are about more than textbooks – they are a gateway to travel, work and understanding other cultures.
Registration and further details are available via the festival website here.