Policy

Read here about policy with relevance for language learning among those aged over 19 years of age and not involved in main degree study of languages in higher education.

Policy articles in this section include the report of the Nuffield Inquiry into Languages, published in 2000, the National Languages Strategy, which featured an increase in demand for adult language learning as a success measure, and a summary of initiatives from the Council of Europe which describes how instruments such as the European Languages Portfolio are promoted in the context of migration.

Select policy articles from the listing below to find out about important developments affecting further and adult education and what these mean for you.

Policy articles:

Promoting Language Learning and Linguistic Diversity

01/07/03

[Policy] The European Commission’s plan proposes 45 actions to be undertaken from 2004 to 2006 in three areas:

Opportunity and Excellence

01/03/03

[Policy] Among other developments the Green Paper set up an independent Working Party on 14-19 Reform, chaired by Sir Mike Tomlinson.

The future of higher education

01/01/03

[Policy] The White Paper heralded a series of interlinked and continuing reforms to Higher Education.

Languages for all, languages for life

01/12/02

The National Languages Strategy for England.

Schools - achieving success

01/09/01

[Policy] With relevance for the whole range of curriculum content, including languages, this government policy document initiated debate about a new and more coherent offer for learners aged 14-19.

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment

01/01/01

[Policy] The CEFR: a key policy document underpinning language teaching, learning, assessment

Education and training work programme 2010

01/01/01

[Policy] The jointly agreed programme of strategic actions has 4 priorities...

Skills for life

01/01/01

[Policy] This national strategy is intended to improve adult literacy, language (ESOL) and numeracy skills in England.

Nuffield Inquiry into Languages

01/05/00

[Policy] The Nuffield Inquiry into Languages made 15 recommendations for change, the better to meet the UK’s requirements for languages in the 21st century.

Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs

01/03/00

[Policy] European Union (EU) leaders set out a new strategy to modernise Europe. This became known as the Lisbon Strategy.

Declaration on higher education

01/06/99

[Policy] The Bologna Declaration marked the introduction of new enhanced level of European cooperation in higher education.

Committee of Ministers, Recommendation to Member States no. R (98) 6 concerning Modern Languages

01/03/98

[Policy] The document sets the scene for development of languages policy in member states of the European Union and further afield for the foreseeable future.