Tag Archives: events

2025 Language Teachers’ Conference

Here at the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages, we are delighted to share details about this year’s Language Teachers’ Conference which will take place on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September 2025 at Somerville College, Oxford.

Our annual conference has developed out of the Sir Robert Taylor Society (named after the founder of the Faculty’s Languages Library), a network of teachers of Modern Foreign Languages in secondary schools, academics from the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages at the University of Oxford, and others interested in MFL.

2024 Teachers’ Conference

This conference is now a core aspect of the Faculty’s Schools Liaison work, and provides a unique forum for interaction and exchange between the University and teachers. It offers teachers the chance to spend a night in an Oxford college, to attend various taster lectures and discussions, and to ask our academics and admissions tutors questions about our courses, research, and supporting students’ applications to Oxford.

Conference Programme

2025 sees us re-invigorating our standard conference programme to make it more interactive and collaborative. For the first time, the Conference will have a theme – ‘Collaboration and Connections’ – which will underpin all of the sessions and talks that are taking place across the two days. We hope that, by creating more space for meaningful discussions, teacher-led content, and undergraduate student perspectives, the event will provide more useful opportunities for delegates and Faculty members to share best practice, network, and learn from one another.

We are pleased to be holding the conference at Somerville College once again after a successful event last year. Somerville was established in 1879 as a hall for women, who were barred from the university at the time, and throughout its history it has remained committed to equality. Today, Somerville marries beautiful architecture with a proud emphasis on inclusivity and diversity.

Prospective students and their families look around Somerville College

The full provisional event programme can be found here and more information about the conference is available here.

A particular highlight of this year’s programme is scheduled for Saturday morning – our ‘Collaboration carousel’ session will involve invited MFL teachers speaking about the exciting and innovative projects they have been working on within their school or local area to promote language learning.  

Delegate rates and booking

Below are the various rates and ticket options available for both state and independent school teachers.

State school rateIndependent school rate
Full conference, including accommodation and breakfast£150£300
Full conference, excluding accommodation£100£220
Friday only£50£110
Saturday only£50£110

Please visit our online bookings webpage to secure your place. You will need to create an account (or log in if you’ve used our website before) and select the right rate for your school type and length of attendance. Bookings will close on Monday 8th September.

We have a select number of fully subsidised places available for non-selective state schools. The Faculty has some funding set aside to cover the cost of the conference ticket and to reimburse reasonable travel expenses for teachers from these schools travelling to and from Oxford. Preference will be given to schools that either:

  • have never attended the conference before (or that have not attended in the last few years);
  • are located in areas of the country from which fewer students attend University;
  • have high proportions of students on Free School Meals.

If you wish to apply for one of these places, please fill in this very short form by Tuesday 1st July at midday.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact schools.liaison@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk.

We look forward to seeing you in September!

Oxford Admissions Webinar series

St Hilda’s College is embarking on a webinar series for state school students that will look in detail at the Oxford admissions process and is aimed at students at different stages in their applications.

People punting on the River Cherwell, St Hilda’s College

Whilst information about the University of Oxford will be given, please note that the first and last talks will also focus on university in general and how to make informed decisions about the future.

The series involves a number of different online sessions, as follows:

Wednesday 18th June (16:00-16:45)- ‘How to choose a course and a university’

Thursday 19th June (19:00-20:00)- ‘An overview of the Oxford admissions process (for teachers)’

Wednesday 9th July 2025 (16:00-16:45)- ‘An overview of the Oxford admissions process (for students)’

Wednesday 16th July (16:00-16:45)- UCAS personal statement

These are all aimed at state school students (Years 10-13) and/or teachers, depending on the talk.

More information and the registration forms can be found here:
St Hilda’s College Outreach Webinars | St Hilda’s College Oxford

Please direct any questions towards outreach@st-hildas.ox.ac.uk.

Reminder: Modern Languages Open Day!

It’s not too late to register your place at our Modern Languages Open Day at the beautiful Examination Schools (75 – 81 High St, Oxford) on Saturday 17th May!

Modern Languages Open Day 2022
photo (c) John Cairns

This event is a fantastic opportunity for students who are interested in learning more about our language courses, or who are still considering their options, as all of our languages will be represented at this Open Day:

  • French
  • German*
  • Spanish
  • Italian*
  • Russian*
  • Portuguese*
  • Modern Greek*
  • Czech with Slovak*
  • Polish*.

*All of these languages can be studied here at Oxford from beginners’ level. 

Most of our Joint School degree combinations – languages with English, History, Philosophy etc. – will also be represented at the event.

Modern Languages Open Day 2022
photo (c) John Cairns

Our Modern Languages Open Day is aimed primarily at Year 12 students and their parents/guardians/teachers, but Year 11 students who are starting to think about university study are equally welcome to attend.

Modern Languages Open Day 2022
photo (c) John Cairns

The Open Day will offer an overview of our Modern Languages courses and a general Q&A for prospective students in the morning*, with individual language sessions and a Q&A session for parents’/guardians’/teachers in the afternoon. Tutors and current students from the Faculty will be available throughout the day to answer questions from prospective applicants and their companions.

*Please note that, due to restricted places, only one parent/guardian/teacher may accompany each student for the morning session.

You can view the event programme here.

Booking your place at this event is compulsory – you can register your attendance here. Bookings will close at midnight on 14th May 2025.

Any questions can be directed to schools.liaison@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk.

We look forward to seeing lots of you in May and welcoming you to Oxford!

GCHQ Language Outreach virtual sessions!

GCHQ are excited to invite teachers and their Year 8 & 9 students to participate in their upcoming GCHQ Language Outreach virtual sessions! 

Our program aims to inspire and encourage students to explore new languages or advance their existing skills.

Session Overview:

  1. Introduction to work at GCHQ

Discover the mission behind GCHQ and how languages play a significant part in our work.

  1. Taster sessions

Engage in interactive sessions for Spanish, German and French, designed to provide students with a glimpse into each language and its culture.

We believe that exposing students to different languages can spark interest and motivate them to pursue language studies further.  Please follow the guidance below if you feel this maybe of benefit to you and your students.

RSVP:

To confirm your participation, please fill out this Microsoft Form.

We understand that some school computer network policies may not allow access to hyperlinks so if you do encounter any issues, or would rather reply directly, please feel free to email Gordon54585@gchq.gov.uk with your attendance confirmation, choice of date and language.  The slide above provides a brief breakdown of the session but we are happy to respond to any questions you may have or give more details.

Virtual session dates & times:

Friday 6th June 2025, 11.30-12.30: French, Spanish, German

Wednesday 25th June 2025, 10.30-11.30: French, Spanish, German

Tuesday 15th July 2025, 13.30-14.30: French, Spanish, German

Oxford Admissions webinars

Keble College is running online sessions to provide information and guidance on aspects of the Oxford admissions process during the summer term. These offer opportunities to receive up-to-date advice and guidance on applying to Oxford, and have questions answered by University staff. All sessions are open to Year 12 (or equivalent) currently attending a UK state school or college, and/or those supporting a prospective student in this category.

Keble College and the Beecroft Building from University Parks

Please see the tables below for this year’s webinar schedule for prospective students and those supporting them.

Admissions Webinar Schedule: Summer 2025

Webinars for prospective students
Please note: sessions with the same title are duplicates

DateTimeSession
Tuesday 27th May2pmOxford Explained
Tuesday 27th May4pmSuper-Curricular Activities
Wednesday 28th May2pmPersonal Statements (new format)
Thursday 29th May2pmPreparing for Oxford Interviews
Monday 23rd June7pmOxford Explained
Tuesday 24th June7pmPersonal Statements (new format)
Thursday 26th June7pmAdmissions Tests at Oxford
Monday 28th July2pmSuper-Curricular Activities
Tuesday 29th July2pmPersonal Statements (new format)
Wednesday 30th July2pmAdmissions Tests at Oxford
Thursday 31st July2pmPreparing for Oxford Interviews

Register here for Admissions Webinars for prospective students

Parent, Carer & Supporter Webinars

DateTime
Thursday 29th May7pm
Tuesday 8th July7pm
Thursday 31st July7pm

Register here for Admissions Webinars for parents, carers and supporters

Registration is open until 8am on the day of each webinar. You will be sent joining details after this time, regardless of when you register.

Any questions can be directed to outreach@keble.ox.ac.uk.

History and Modern Languages Study Day!

The Faculties of History and Medieval and Modern Languages along with St Hilda’s College, Oxford are delighted to be offering a Study Day dedicated to Year 12 state school students looking to study History and a Modern Language at University/Oxford!

This event will take place on Thursday 29th May at St Hilda’s College.

People punting on the River Cherwell, St Hilda’s College

The Study Day will offer students the chance to:

  • experience academic taster sessions in both History and a Modern Language (that they are studying at A-level or in a brand-new language that they might wish to take from scratch* alongside History);
  • meet and ask questions to current History and Modern Languages students;
  • hear about the History and Modern Languages course and admissions process;
  • meet other students who are interested in studying History and a Modern Language at University/Oxford;
  • visit an Oxford college and learn more about Oxford’s collegiate structure.

Please note, students do not need to be studying History or a Modern Language at A-level in order to attend the event but must have a serious interest in studying the two subjects as a joint degree at University in order to apply.

There is no cost for attending the Study Day and participants will receive a free lunch at the college. We are committed to ensuring that students are not prevented from attending this event due to costs. Therefore, we are pleased to be able to offer financial support to students for reasonable travel expenses to and from Oxford for the Study Day.

Students who are interested in taking part can apply via this form by Sunday 27th April.

In the case of oversubscription to the event, priority will be given to applicants who are currently under-represented in higher education. More information about this and the University’s commitment to increasing access can be found here.

Any questions can be directed to outreach@history.ox.ac.uk.

* Our beginners’ languages courses offer an exciting and rare opportunity for students to engage with a new language and culture for the first time, or to pick up a language they studied at GCSE. The courses are challenging yet rewarding, with many designed to bring students up to A-level standard within the first year.

‘Try Before You Buy’ Days!

Balliol College is running a series of free ‘Try Before You Buy’ Days over the course of May and June 2025.

These are an opportunity to experience a taste of Oxford undergraduate teaching, with participants taking part in a tutorial having completed and submitted work prior to the event. Students will also take part in an admissions session and college tour with undergraduates. A free lunch will also be provided in the Balliol Dining Hall.

Balliol College, Oxford

The Days are aimed towards prospective applicants of a variety of subjects, but in terms of languages, are open to Year 12 students hoping to apply for degrees with French (starting in 2026). Under-represented groups will be prioritised for this event.

These events are in great demand so applicants must ensure that they are able to attend and can complete the work and return it by the deadline which is usually a week before the event.

More information about the days can be found here and students can register for the sessions at the links below:  

Modern Languages Summer School

Applications are now open for Wadham College‘s annual five-day Modern Languages Summer School. The residential will take place at the college, based in the centre of Oxford, from 18th to 22nd August 2025.

Summer schools are designed to give UK pupils studying in Year 12 a taste of what it’s like to be an undergraduate studying at the University of Oxford.  Pupils will take part in an academic programme, live in College, meet student ambassadors studying at Oxford, and receive information, advice and guidance on applying to university. Wadham’s Summer Schools are free and the college will provide financial support to pupils to cover their travel costs.

Wadham are delighted to be able to run these events in-person allowing participants the best experience of life at the university.  The feedback from last year’s Summer Schools was hugely positive with over a third of participants subsequently securing offers to study at the university.

“After the summer school I am much more confident that I would fit in at Oxford and feel like I am more ready to move away from home”

– Summer School participant, 2022

For Modern Languages more specifically, pupils will engage in a seminar series led by Wadham’s language tutors, including language classes in their selected language of study (French, German or Spanish) with opportunities to try other languages as beginners (including German, Portuguese and Russian). Students will complete an assignment on a main topic with feedback from tutors. Pupils will also be able to receive support from current undergraduates and from the College on making successful applications to top universities.   

A Summer School French class

For more information and to apply, click here: Wadham College Summer Schools. Pupils should be studying French, German or Spanish at A-level or equivalent to apply. Applications close on 5th May.

If you have any queries, please contact access@wadham.ox.ac.uk

Balliol College Modern Languages Taster Day 

Balliol College, Oxford is delighted to be running a Modern Languages Taster Day on Tuesday 27th May 2025, 10.15 – 15.45!

Academic Taster Days are a great opportunity for students in Year 12 to spend a day exploring a subject they enjoy and might pursue at University, meet with some current students, experience a taste of academic teaching, and enjoy lunch in the dining hall.

Balliol College

This specific event is designed for Year 12 UK state school students who are currently studying a Language A-Level or equivalent, and who intend to apply to study French, Italian or Spanish, or Modern Languages and Linguistics as a single honours (on its own) or a joint-honours (with another language/subject) degree at Oxford University. Balliol will prioritise applications from disadvantaged students and from groups which are under-represented at the university. This event will include academic sessions, admissions information, and a demonstration interview. You will have the opportunity to speak to tutors and current undergraduates. 

Before submitting an application, please ensure you can attend the day in its entirety. For many schools this event will fall in the half term holiday. The event will be held in person at Balliol College in Oxford. 

You can apply here. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 6 May 2025.

Please contact outreach@balliol.ox.ac.uk with any questions.

Humanities Study Day for BAME Students

Oxford’s University College, Magdalen College, and the Faculties of History and Modern Languages are delighted to announce that the virtual BAME Humanities Study Day will return for 2025 on Tuesday 15th April!

This event offers UK state school students with Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) heritage an exciting opportunity to engage with academic taster sessions from across the Humanities subjects, and also to access insight into Oxford student life and support with the admissions process.

This year, the day will open with a welcome and an introduction to the humanities subjects from current students followed by the opportunity to attend two humanities subject lectures. Students will learn more about the Oxford application process in our subject-specific admissions workshops. The day will conclude with a live student life Q&A where you will have the opportunity to ask your questions to current Oxford students from BAME backgrounds.  

Screenshot of the Q&A with undergraduates from the 2021 Humanities Study Day

For the academic lectures you will be able to choose from the following subjects:

  • Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
  • Classics
  • English 
  • History
  • History of Art
  • Modern Languages
  • Music
  • Linguistics
  • Philosophy
  • Theology

You will be able to specify your preferred lectures on the application form.  All lectures will be recorded and available to watch after the event. If you are unable to attend live on the day but would like access to the recordings and resources, then please still submit an application via the form below.  

Before attending the subject day, I had no prior ideas about attending Oxford, nor was I really interested. This was mostly because I thought Oxford was an unreachable place for someone like me, a coloured girl who does not come from a highly prestigious background, which I believed Oxford to be the opposite. Attending the study day made me realise Oxford is actually a very accessible and open place for someone of my background…

–  2023 Study Day participant

Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Year 12 
  • Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME) Heritage 
  • Attend a UK State School (unless you have extenuating circumstances or meet several of the priority criteria listed below) 
  • If spaces are limited, priority will be given to students who meet one or more of the following: first generation in your family to attend university, have experience of being in care, are a young carer, are eligible for Free School Meals/Pupil Premium, are from an area of deprivation or area with a low rate of progression to university.

Applications are now OPEN and will close on 26th February 2025. You can apply via this online form.

If you have any questions about this event please email one of the organisers, Nuala, at outreach@magd.ox.ac.uk