The School of Modern Languages and Cultures (MLAC) at Durham University is delighted to offer two outreach opportunities for secondary schools this summer.
Through language, culture and creativity, these activities invite students to explore the value of multilingualism, develop confidence in using languages in new ways, and discover the opportunities that studying languages can offer at university and beyond.
These activities form part of Durham University’s commitment to Fair Access and Widening Participation, creating opportunities for students from a wide range of backgrounds to engage with higher education and experience the relevance, creativity and impact of language learning.
Friday 3 July 2026 | 10.15am–12.00pmLive online workshop via Microsoft Teams
Free workshop for secondary schools across the North East and the UK
Join bilingual poet, teacher and spoken word educator Michael Vidon for an inspiring online workshop exploring identity, creativity and self-expression through poetry in all the languages students know.
Students will discover how poets move between languages, experiment with multilingual writing and create original poetry celebrating linguistic diversity. Home languages are actively encouraged, making the workshop an inclusive and empowering experience for multilingual learners.
Format: Live online workshop via Microsoft TeamsDuration: 90 minutesCost: Free
Schools with higher proportions of Pupil Premium students will be prioritised where demand exceeds capacity.
Teachers can register a class by using the link below or by scanning the QR code provided on the flyer above.
REGISTRATION LINK (CLICK HERE)
Advance registration is required.
Monday 30 June 2026Registration closed
Our annual Discover Languages at Durham University event invites secondary school students to spend a day on campus exploring the many opportunities that language study can offer.
Through interactive taster sessions, cultural activities and conversations with staff and students, participants gain insight into studying languages at university and discover the diverse careers and pathways that languages can support.
Registration for this event is now closed.
We are delighted that five schools from across the region will be joining us on the day.
The School of Modern Languages and Cultures works with schools across the region and beyond to widen participation, promote language learning and showcase the value of multilingualism.
Our outreach activities encourage students to engage with languages as tools for communication, creativity and global citizenship, while supporting their aspirations for future study and careers.
These activities are delivered by the School of Modern Languages and Cultures as part of Durham University’s Fair Access and Widening Participation programme.
The programme aims to increase access to higher education, raise aspirations and create opportunities for young people from a wide range of backgrounds to engage with university learning.
By bringing multilingual creativity into the classroom, these activities encourage students to value the linguistic and cultural resources they already possess, while developing confidence, self-expression and a sense of belonging within higher education.
The outreach activities are organised by Dr Luca Malici (Italian Studies) and Penelope Johnson (Spanish Studies), who lead initiatives within MLAC to promote language learning, cultural awareness and widening participation.
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