PRIMARY school teachers from across the Midlands are working with University College Worcester to improve their modern language skills.

Thirty-six linguists are learning how best to teach French to 7 to 11-year-olds as part of the Government's bid for Key Stage 2 pupils to study a language and its culture by 2009.

The four-month UCW course offers tutorials, workshops and group activities to build upon the current skills and talents of each teacher.

Sarah Carey, a teacher at Perdiswell Primary School, in Bilford Road, Worcester is involved in the "excellent" initiative.

"It offers you really practical information and everyday ideas on how to increase the use of foreign languages in the classroom across a range of subject areas," she said.

"It's a chance to improve your French, become involved in the latest classroom activities and to see the latest language resources, books and videos available to teachers."

Julie Gabet, from St Peter's Primary, in Droitwich, was equally impressed with the scheme.

"I have been on lot of courses in my career and this one has been the best it's been fun, pacey and inspirational," she said.

Areas explored include the latest computer programmes, presentations, music, visual aids and games available to introduce a new language to children.

The St John's college is one of 17 Higher Education institutions in the UK training primary teachers in the Teacher Training Agency initiative, which was first piloted last year.

Course organiser Alison Clarke, continuing professional development co-ordinator for UCW's Institute of Education said the course had been extremely well received.

"We're helping teachers to develop their own linguistic knowledge as well as their confidence in teaching a foreign language," she said.

"At UCW we see this course as a significant professional development opportunity for teachers and many have already indicated an interest in developing this current accredited work to build towards a Masters degree."

The teachers have come from Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and West Midlands schools to join the scheme.