MODERN LANGUAGE PUPILS at Keith Grammar School were given a unique opportunity to work with a local distillery recently.
The chance came after talks between the school and Gordon & Macphail, with the National Centre for Languages and DYW Moray also involved.
The pupils were shown how to create tour guide materials in different languages for tourist at the Benromach distillery visitor centre in Forres.
Moira Stickle, DYW Moray Manager said: “This really is a fantastic opportunity for the Keith Pupils to engage with industry whilst gaining work relevant experience – and to get the opportunity for their work and efforts to be displayed and utilised for the many tourists who visit the Benromach Distillery. DYW Moray are delighted to have helped to facilitate this opportunity.”
Lisa Bayliss is the principal teacher of modern languages at Keith Grammar. She added: “Making language learning relevant and accessible to our young people are among our top priorities as a department.
“It is essential that languages are not just seen as a tool for travelling abroad, but increasingly as an important skill that can be used in our local area to support our local economy especially tourism and also maximise the employment prospects of our young people no matter their destination.”
The pupils also had the opportunity to visit the Distillery to help them better understand the processes in operation and to increase their knowledge of the variety and nationality of visitors to this world class facility.
Following their visit Sue Liondaris, HR Manager, will deliver an employability workshop at the school – aimed at helping pupils further appreciate the value of modern languages in the world of work.
Sue said: “We are delighted to be taking part in this wonderful project. It also allows the pupils to have the opportunity to be involved and to gain knowledge in an industry which plays an important part of the economy.”