.png)
Linguaphone Group congratulates Kingston University for their International achievement.
Linguaphone Group has developed an extensive working relationship with Kingston University, just ranked by Times Higher Education in their 150 under-50 listing. In fact, in May 2015, the Group announced plans to collaborate with the University’s School of Education to develop an international curriculum for young children using Pingu’s English – the educational and entertaining children’s franchise for language training.
This 18-month project saw participants engage in a well-planned, structured English language curriculum, supported by academic experts at the University and managers at Linguaphone Group.
This unique preschool franchise is a 3-level centre based programme for young children of 3-7+ years. It provides all the necessary resources to support early years’ practitioners in giving children the skills, knowledge and understanding they need for developmental progression through play.
Pingu’s English delivers a framework consistent with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), delivered in English, and will be released in mid 2017.
The Pingu’s English course also provides valuable lessons in socialisation, numeracy and computer skills all based on the hugely popular television character, Pingu™ – the mischievous, but loveable penguin –centring on his true-to-life everyday adventures in the South Pole.
Originally founded in 1899, Kingston Polytechnic became a University in 1992. Rated by The Guardian league table as the top teacher-training provider in London and consistently ranked in the top six in the UK, it is now on the Times Higher Education’s 150 under-50 listing and chose to collaborate with the Linguaphone Group based on their renowned experience and reputation.
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr David Mackintosh said that being named one of the world’s best young universities demonstrates the strength of Kingston University‘s global impact:
“This is an especially noteworthy achievement, given that we are one of the younger institutions in this table – celebrating our 25th birthday next year. It demonstrates how far we have come since becoming a university in 1992.
Being ranked as one of the world’s top universities under 50 years old is a key milestone and will serve as a springboard for our future ambitions.”
Derek Price, CEO, Linguaphone Group said:
“Our partnership with Kingston University’s School of Education makes us early players in the growing market for International Kindergartens and, combined with the inherent strength of the Pingu’s English branding, will be an exciting opportunity for all our partners.”
The Linguaphone Group operates under the internationally recognised Linguaphone, Direct English and Pingu’s English brand names. With over 115 years of experience in English Training and Education, it has an extensive network of learning centres and distributors worldwide.
Ends
For all enquires, please contact
Debora Mondella, International Brand Manager, Linguaphone Group
debora.mondella@linguaphonegroup.com
Notes to editors:
About Linguaphone
The Linguaphone Group is a world-leading provider of language training solutions, operating under the internationally recognised Linguaphone, Direct English and Pingu’s English brand names. With over 115 years of experience, the Group has an extensive network of learning centres worldwide. The Group has also helped millions of people learn a new language through their wide-ranging portfolio of self-study products sold in over 60 countries.
For more information visit: linguaphonegroup.com
About Pingu’s English
Pingu’s English offers an array of creative learning activities and exercises using high quality, multimedia materials and teaching resources. Developed by leading English language and child education specialists, each student will receive a course pack consisting of DVDs, study books, song and story books with CDs plus interactive online learning materials.Our unique children’s English language program offers flexible business models for franchisees and a comprehensive range of business and marketing support at your fingertips. And with global franchising opportunities available now is your chance to join our expanding global Master Franchisee network and capitalise on the lucrative children’s English training market in your country.
For more information visit: www.pingusenglish.com
About Direct English
Created in 1997, Direct English is based on a unique learning system, developed by the world-famous English language learning expert, Louis Alexander, and is one of the most effective English language training franchises available today. It has already proved to be a huge success across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. With the global English teaching market currently believed to be worth $15 billion and growing, we are now looking for new Direct English Master Licensees as part of our global expansion plan for the coming year. Direct English is already in over 20 countries worldwide.
For more information visit: www.directenglish.com
About HIT Entertainment
HIT Entertainment is one of the world’s leading independent children’s entertainment producers and rights-owners. HIT’s portfolio includes properties, such as Barney™, Bob the Builder™, Thomas & Friends™, Pingu™, Fireman Sam™, Angelina Ballerina™ and Rainbow Magic™. HIT represents Chapman Entertainment’s Fifi and the Flowertots™ and Roary the Racing Car™ in North America, as well as Wallace & Gromit™, Shaun the Sheep™, Timmy Time™ and Aardman Classics from Aardman Animations. HIT also acts as representative for The Wiggles® in the UK. Launched in 1989, HIT’s lines of business span television and video production, content distribution, publishing, consumer products licensing and live events and has operations in the UK, US, Canada, Hong Kong and Japan. HIT is a part-owner of US-based preschool channel, PBS KIDS SproutSM.
For more information visit: www.hitentertainment.com