Since the government’s announcement in late 2010 that a modern language will form part of the new English baccalaureate, many schools will be looking for support to help increase take up of languages at GCSE.

The English baccalaureate is a new benchmark of achievement based on the number of children who achieve A*-C in English, maths, science, a humanity subject and an ancient or modern language. The government hopes that this incentive will help to reverse the downward trend in the take up of language GCSEs, which has decreased by over 30% in the last decade.

With GCSE options time fast approaching, teachers hoping to increase participation in languages will be looking for ways to help students and parents to make informed decisions. CILT’s free Languages Work resources include fact sheets, posters and postcards which show how languages can improve employability and create opportunities for international travel.

The Languages Work website contains dozens of case studies of professionals using languages across a range of exciting careers, helping to raise teenagers’ awareness of how languages can help them to succeed in the world of work.

Language fans can publically show their support by signing the online Languages Work pledge. High profile supporters include British rowing champion Frances Houghton, whose language skills have opened doors. She said, “Speaking Spanish has enabled me to train abroad and to make great friends from around the world.”

If you would like to find out more about the English Baccalaureate, there will be a discussion of this development at the 14-19 Language Teachers’ Conference in London on Wednesday 23 March.

To order your free Languages Work resources, visit http://www.languageswork.org.uk/