New North West set up to promote all things German

The Northwest German Network is an initiative involving schools, colleges and universities from across the North West, including Lancaster, Manchester and Liverpool Universities and Cardinal Newman College in Preston.

The network is being launched with an inaugural writing and design competition to consider: ‘What is German in the Northwest?’, which has received entries from students across the region.

Youngsters, aged from nine to 18, have been taking part in the project to increase their knowledge of the links between Germany and the region.

Emily Spiers, Research Associate at Lancaster University’s Department of Languages and Cultures, is one of the organisers of the network launch and the competition, which has challenged students of all ages.

They’ve been asked to design posters, write poems and newspaper articles, produce short films, create songs and design games. These will all be on show at the launch event on Tuesday, March 10th at the Manchester Central Library in St Peter’s Square.

The organisers from Lancaster University are hoping to encourage more schools from around Lancaster to join the network.

Emily said: “We’re hoping to attract schools and colleges who are interested in Germany from across the North West. The network has been set up to link all things German, including teaching the language and culture.

“We’re think that the new body will particularly helpful to students who are interested in exploring and strengthening the links that exist between this part of the UK and Germany.

“We’ve been really encouraged by the response to the network idea, plus the fantastic entries that we’ve received for the launch competition. They highlight the talent and enthusiasm that exists in our classrooms today.

“From nine-year-olds to teenagers, the work and imagination that has gone into their entries is superb and visitors to the launch event will be amazed.”

Guests at the launch will include the Honorary Consul to the Federal Republic of Germany, Mark Green and representatives from the German Embassy in London and the British Council.

The prize-giving will be followed by an opportunity to view competition entries and the ‘Germans in Britain’ exhibition in the library.

Emily added: “Students will also get the chance to see a fantastic exhibition, which looks at the life and experiences of German migrants to the UK.

“Germans have had an immense impact on British life over the centuries and this exhibition looks at how many of our institutions and lifestyles have been shaped by this.”

For more information about the new Northwest German Network, please visit www.nwgn.co.uk. To attend the launch, see competition entries and visit the exhibition, please contact Emily Spiers: [email protected].