“Next Steps” is the theme of Language World - the Association for Language Learning’s annual conference at Bath University, April 4-6. Speakers include:

* Lord David Puttnam (chairman), National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, on language learning in a globalised economy.

* Kate Green, Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

* Terry Lamb, Steven Fawkes and Bill Musk (past, current and future ALL presidents) on the Government’s National Strategy for Languages Sessions include ICT in MFL, working with the key stage 3 framework, learning Italian with films, aspects of change and stability in modern written Arabic, and 20 reasons for teaching community languages to primary pupils. Free entry to resources exhibition. Fee: pound;320; pound;155 members; day rates available; on-site accommodation from pound;23 a night.

ALL, 150 Railway Terrace, Rugby CV21 3HN.

Tel: 01788 546443Email: langlearn@ALL-languages.org.uk

www.ALL-languages.org.uk

The Centre for Information on Language Teaching (CILT) will hold a Primary Languages Show for all teachers at the Manchester Conference Centre, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, March 7-8.

Topics include models of provision; how language colleges and education authorities can work with primary schools to develop early language learning; practical ideas for achieving high standards, and smoothing transition from primary to secondary schools. Daniel Tierney, Strathclyde University and national development officer for modern languages in Scotland, is among the speakers. A free resources exhibition will be held on March 8, 8.45am-2pm. Fee: pound;280, pound;260 members; day rates available; accommodation from pound;50. Lucy Rutherford, CILT, 20Bedfordbury, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4LB.

Tel: 020 7379 5101, ext 229 Email: confs.direct@cilt.org.ukwww.cilt.org.uk

CILT is running these events in its Covent Garden premises (see above) except where otherwise stated: l Where next with Japanese? Tsugi wa? for native and non-native-speaking secondary teachers of the language. Japan Foundation Nihongo Centre, Knightsbridge, London SW7, February 12.

* Special educational needs (SEN): setting suitable challenges, March 5, 5.30-7pm, free.

* Strategies for excellence in the MFL classroom at KS3-4, March 12, 2-5pm.

* Spanish improvement day on language and methodology for KS3 teachers, March 13, 10am-4pm, run by the Consejeria de Educaci“n, Embajada de Espa$a.

* ICT for interaction: whole class teaching in the MFL classroom, Homerton College, Cambridge, March 20

* ICT and language in the primary curriculum, The Leicestershire Comenius Centre, Beaumanor Hall, Loughborough, June 16.

CILT courses abroad include: Modern languages and SEN, Centre International d’Etudes Pedagogiques in S vres, France, April 1-9, for non-specialist teachers of French Berlin Aktuell, Goethe Institut Berlin, April 10-18. Aimed at those teaching German to ages 14-19 Teaching Spanish in the secondary school, Universidad PNoblica de Navarra, Pamplona, May 25-June 7. Good knowledge of Spanish necessary. 1600 Euros.

Up to 1500 Euros can be paid through Comenius 2.2 funding Teaching French to young learners, Centre de Linguistique Appliquee, Besancon, France, July 20-August 2. Good knowledge of French desirable.

1650 Euros. Grants available.

French for the primary school for teachers with a basic knowledge, Le Chateau d’Ebblinghem, St Omer, France, July 26-August 1. pound;600 grants are available to cover most costs.

Contact CILT as above.

German Steps, an online BBC course at www.bbc.co.uklanguages set in vibrant Berlin is pitched at beginners and those wishing to brush up rusty skills.

Lighthouse Professional Development’s 2003 programme of courses includes: Teaching the new German GCSE effectively, Manchester, March 27, London, April 4 Teaching the new French GCSE effectively. Manchester, March 25, Newcastle, March 28, London, April 2 From GCSE to A Level French: involving learners and updating methodology, Manchester, March 26, Newcastle, April 1; London, April 3 Planning MFL teaching for secondary pupils with special educational needs in secondary school, London, February 5, Harrogate, March 11, Stratford upon Avon, March 13, Bristol, June 24, Leeds, June 26 Practical ideas for the Spanish GCSE teacher, Bristol, March 3, London, March 5 and June 25, Liverpool, March 21 Fee: pound;149 plus VAT. Freephone 0800 587 8880; www.lighthouse.tv

ALL is planning a National Languages Strategy day in February; a German day in the summer and Austrian and Spanish days in the autumn. Dates to be confirmed.