MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide and 19 Entertainment, whose pop act credentials include The Spice Girls, have announced a new joint venture - Pop Goes English. The aim, says the channel, is to revolutionise the international English language teaching market.

An official release informs that the partnership will create a series of television programmes and other learning materials to encourage children across the globe to learn to speak English. The first 19 Entertainment band to feature in Pop Goes English will be a pop group. Music from new bands and artists will follow as the Pop Goes English format develops.

19 Entertainment is a UK music and television company and is renowned for its global innovation and cross platform entertainment properties. Drawing on a universal fascination with the world of showbiz and pop music to teach English was originally the brainchild of 19’s Simon Fuller, says the release.

Earlier in the year, BBC Worldwide launched its football-themed Goal TV programme and learning materials to coincide with the 2002 World Cup. For Pop Goes English, BBC Worldwide will develop a series of multi-media materials using the S Club brand, including mini television programmes, videos, books and CD-ROMs, all featuring a combination of lyrics, dance steps and karaoke graphics to make learning English simple and fun for children aged seven to 11.

The release states that young local music artists will host Pop Goes English, acting as interpreter and teacher alongside live S Club performances and songs, including international hits, Bring it all Back and Reach. The first development is already underway in China and Taiwan, with national pop artist e-Vonne, provided by Universal Music, Taiwan. Further developments of the concept with new and existing BBC Worldwide broadcasting and publishing partners around the world are anticipated shortly.

This project continues 19’s partnership with BBC Worldwide, which has led to S Club programming being broadcast in over 100 countries around the world, the release adds.

BBC Worldwide has also developed a new S Club Challenge book with band photos, facts and figures, combined with games, quizzes and challenges to solve, and even a chance to develop musical composition skills using the tips on song writing – all designed to make a lively, interactive challenge for S Club fans.

Click here for more headlines