Children and young people in schools across the region and the UK were treated to an inspirational talk from Newcastle native, June-Lowery Kingston, as part of the Festival languages and careers webinar series. In a one-hour webinar on 21st March, June shared her language and career journey, which has taken her from the banks of the River Tyne to working her current role at the European Commission in Luxembourg, via school exchanges with Germany, being an au-pair, studying at university, being a proof reader and an intelligence officer for the Ministry of Defence.
Originally a student at Dame Allan’s in Newcastle, June shared stories from her life and varied career, explaining the power that comes from learning languages, which opens doors to a world of opportunities. She talked about the benefits of speaking English well, the benefits of having another mother tongue, as well as learning other languages as key skills for improving life and career prospects.
June highlighted the wide range of job opportunities that are available now, as well as the key areas opening up for future linguists. She talked about the life-changing experiences that travel and languages can bring and how learning languages opens the mind to new perspectives and cultural understanding. The recording, presentation and pupil worksheet are available now to use in schools or beyond.
- Click here to watch the webinar recording with June Lowery-Kingston
- Click here to download the presentation
- Click here to download the pupil worksheet with answers for teachers
