This new project aims to implement, track and evaluate an innovative methodology that invites teachers, artists and learners to explore languages across modes, media and creative sources of culture. Teaching and learning English successfully in a multilingual world requires innovation, creativity, the ability to draw on all linguistic resources and a sense of identity - local and connected to the wider world.

This project led by CR&DALL core member, Dr Lavinia Hirsu builds on a community-of-practice approach whereby groups of primary and secondary teachers will work in collaboration with local creative artists, researchers and community stakeholders. The project builds on previous expertise developed as part of pilot research funded by the Glasgow Knowledge Exchange Fund (University of Glasgow), British Council and an ESRC Impact Acceleration Account award, as well as international collaborations with colleagues in Kazakhstan and Canada.

The grants have enabled Dr. Hirsu and colleagues to create a Toolkit which will be used in the current project as well. As part of the UK team, Dr. Julie McAdam and another CR&DALL core member Professor Evelyn Arizpe will add their expertise and resources, building on their work in an AHRC network focussed on children’s literature and the use of multimodal picture books to create safe and imaginative spaces.