This project is a result of an initiative from the consortium-members (the upper secondary schools in North- Trøndelag).Background of the project:A foreign-language teacher teaches both the language and the culture of the country in which this language is spoken. He/she needs high competence and has to be a resource, both in terms of the language and other aspects concerning the foreign country.English is the most important foreign language in Norway, and is taught at the highest level of all foreign languages in the country. Consequently, it makes sense that the demands to an English teacher are particularly high, in terms of language, literature and cultural knowledge.Since the working plan for upper secondary school-English teachers does not include regular follow-up studies in English speaking countries, the consortium (Nord-Trøndelag fylkeskommune), through Network for English, has acted according to this initiative and is now able to offer the possibility for such studies. This complies with the Political Platform in Nord-Trøndelag and The Competence Plan for Upper Secondary Education (see attachments).Objectives of the project:To provide English teachers with knowledge and competence which they will need in their professional practice. This includes cultural, social, literary, political and historical knowledge as well as linguistic competence.Number and profile of participants:There will be 24 participants distributed over 2 years, all of whom have competence in and experience from teaching English in upper secondary education, both general studies and vocational training.The participants will have different ages, teaching experience, and in-dept knowledge. The aim is that both genders should be equally represented.Description of activities:There will be lectures/seminars covering culture, social issues, history and politics, as well as literature and linguistics. The courses are planned to take place during week 44, 2017 and weeks 25/26, 2018.All themes will be related to the national curriculum, particularly with the emphasis on multiculturalism, tolerance, democracy, and equality. This is also stated in The Knowledge Promotion (Kunnskapsløftet) , The Political Platform and The Competence Plan for Upper Secondary Education in North-Trøndelag (see attachments).In addition, there will be excursions with professional guides to places of interest, e.g. Hawort and York Minster.Methodology:One-way and two-way communication and facilitation of experiencing England of the past and today.Description of results and impact envisaged:The participants will acquire higher competence in English, and will be updated on UK society in the fields of politics, culture, economy , and social issues, and they will experience new approaches and new ideas of teaching.We are convinced that this project will increase the participants' competence on British culture and consequently also the competence of their pupils. When pupils acquire more knowledge and understanding of another culture, they will be more motivated for studying this culture and its language in greater depth.There will be extended effects as a consequence of such a course. Our teachers are used to cooperating, and sharing new competence and new knowledge with colleagues and pupils is a prerequisite for participation.Potential longer term benefits:Being taught by knowledgeable foreign language teachers who are in close contact with the culture of the foreign country, will give the pupils invaluable support in their intellectual progress.In the work towards a peaceful world, competence in foreign languages and foreign cultures is basic. The better people understand the cultures of other nations and master their national languages, the easier it will be to cooperate across borders. Such insight contributes to increase the pupils' tolerance and understanding of multicultural cooperation, and emphasizes the value of the European dimension.