The Barbados Language Centre (BLC) and the Springer Memorial School’s Modern Languages Department on Tuesday embarked on a new partnership aimed at enhancing the study of foreign languages.
Paul Blackman, director of the BLC at the Barbados Community College (BCC) made the announcement at the unveiling of a mural to foster a deep appreciation for modern language learning at the Government Hill, St Michael school as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.
“It is my hope that other schools will not only create such murals but impress upon their students the importance of being able to speak a foreign language,” said Blackman.
“We are reaching out specifically to schools in what I am calling our catchment area at all levels – nursery, primary and secondary. We ran a pilot project last year with the St Giles Nursery School and this was very well received. We are now seeking to engage with our first secondary school — the Springer School. All others will follow once they are interested and we get the necessary permissions.”
As part of the partnership, the BLC will offer its library and online resources to language teachers at Springer Memorial, along with access to training events relevant to modern language education.
Director of the Barbados Language Centre at the Barbados Community College, Paul Blackman.
(Photos by Jeffrey Bishop)
Blackman also outlined specific activities that would take place throughout the week to support language learning. On Wednesday, he will lead a French language tour of Bridgetown for students, while on Thursday, he and a team of tutors will engage with fourth- and fifth-formers about the BLC’s programmes and offer hands-on language learning activities.
“We hope to encourage all students of Springer Memorial and eventually all students across schools in Barbados to learn at least one foreign language . . . especially for those who do not intend to pursue a career in language as a teacher or interpreter but for whom language will serve as an asset in their future careers and their lives.
“Over the next few days, we will fine-tune the project as we look at how we can build capacity in modern language teaching and learning at the Springer School, strengthen ties with one of our neighbours and eventually extend the relationship to others. Consider this a 60th-anniversary gift from the Barbados Language Centre,” Blackman added.
Head of the Department of Modern Languages at Springer Memorial School, Glenita Wilson-Hall.
The mural, which was created by artist Samya Jones, a former student, symbolises the commitment of the school’s Modern Languages Department to fostering a deep appreciation for French and Spanish among students. Sponsored by the Barbados Public Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union Limited, the mural was described by Head of the Department of Modern Languages at Springer Memorial, Glenita Wilson-Hall, as “more than just an artistic creation; it is a story, a vision, and a promise.”
She said it told the story of “our vibrant language programmes and the dedication of our teachers who bring French and Spanish to life in our classrooms”.
“It reflects a vision of unity and diversity, where students embrace not only the beauty of these languages but also the cultures, histories, and traditions they represent. And it serves as a promise to continue nurturing linguistic and cultural connections that enrich our students’ understanding of the world in which they live,” Wilson-Hall added. (FW)
