The development of speaking skills in MFL continues to be a key focus for secondary schools. Encouraging the spontaneous use of language in the classroom and group discussions in the target language are both critical in the drive to improve pupils' oral skills. Group Talk is a language learning project which develops pupils' ability to take part in authentic minidiscussions and debates in the target language. Its impact on learning has been significant and, in 2008, it gained a European Award for Languages and the Mary Glasgow Award. More recently it has featured on Teachers' TV and been showcased by the European Commission Molan Project.

Over the last couple of years, an ever-increasing number of languages departments across the UK have embraced the Group Talk ethos. Teachers who have introduced the project speak enthusiastically about its positive effect on the language learning environment and pupil attainment.

During the course, delegates will learn how to introduce Group Talk and make a difference to their pupils' language skills and take away practical ideas and strategies for active and dynamic language learning.