10 March 2010
Sheffield expert honoured by French Prime Minister
An education expert from the University of Sheffield has been commended by the French Prime Minister for his work on establishing a joint Anglo-French qualification and his longstanding services to language teaching.
Dr Terry Lamb, from the University of Sheffield´s School of Education, was awarded the title of Chevalier dans l´ordre des Palmes Académiques which translates to Knight in the order of the Academic Palms.
The medal was presented to Dr Lamb by the French Ambassador, Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, at his official residence in London.
In his speech, the Ambassador presented the reasons why the French Government was awarding this honour, referring to Dr Lamb´s work both nationally for the University of Sheffield and internationally as President of the Fédération Internationale des Professeurs de Languages Vivantes (the International Federation of Language Teacher Associations).
In particular, he referred to Dr Lamb´s collaboration with the French Government on the development of a joint Anglo-French qualification (a Diploma-Baccalauréat) which will be available from 2011 to post-16 learners as an alternative to A-levels. This initiative arises from an agreement between Gordon Brown and Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008 to explore the possibility of common accreditation for language learners. In 2008, Dr Lamb was offered a personal appointment by Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Education, to develop a new 14-19 Diploma in Languages and International Communication, therefore opening the door to this joint qualification.
One of the world´s oldest civil awards, originally created by Napoleon in 1808, the `Ordre des Palmes académiques´ rewards distinguished members from the field of education notably for their contribution towards the expansion of French language and culture throughout the world. It is the most significant award in academia in France.
Dr Lamb said: "I am honoured to receive this award by the French Prime Minister. It is recognition of the importance not only of French but of language learning generally, and shows a genuine desire for our countries to work more closely together and to offer our young learners the opportunity to have their learning recognised by both countries. This is a highly significant step which will hopefully lead to similar collaborations with other countries."
Professor Jackie Marsh, Head of the School of Education at the University of Sheffield, said: "The School of Education is delighted that Dr Lamb´s work in the area of language learning has been recognised by the French Government and it is a testament to Dr Lamb´s excellent national and international reputation in this field. Language learning in schools is becoming increasingly important in a globalised world and research at the University of Sheffield is informing the development of curricula and examinations that are relevant to today´s pupils."
For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk
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