The University hosted its fourth Interactive Languages Weekend for gifted and talented linguists in years 11 – 13 from across the country on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th March.
Students attending the residential weekend, which attracted 50 high achieving linguists, were introduced to the concept of international marketing and worked on mini projects developed by academics from the School of Languages & Social Sciences. Students had to design marketing campaigns for typically English products in order to introduce them to their target language country.
In the evening students enjoyed a welcome break from their studies with some language themed social activities including a salsa session and an evening meal in a French restaurant.
The weekend aims not only to develop students’ language and communication skills and understanding of international business but also to improve their confidence, helping them to raise their aspirations and attainment by enabling them to sample undergraduate level teaching in an authentic environment. Students were able to find out more about university life first hand, meet like minded people and work with academic experts.
Sunday culminated in a presentation from a guest speaker working as an international fraud investigator for Microsoft which encouraged students to consider the incredible opportunities available to them at university and beyond.
The event was offered as part of Aston’s provision for the West Midlands Excellence Hub under the Young, Gifted and Talented Programme.
Words by Angela Morris and Louise Russell
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