Language entries for GCSE have declined for the ninth year
running, confirming the findings of the annual Language Trends
survey that it is difficult for languages to prosper in a context
of free learner choice. Our survey found that this has now less to
do with student disaffection than with the structure of post-14
education and performance table pressures.
Languages are seen as difficult and, with an
array of other subjects on offer, there is little incentive for
either schools or learners to make languages a priority for option
choices. Unfortunately, those whose horizons are most in need of
broadening are often the least likely to take the subject and this
has led to a widening gap between schools where languages remains
strong and those where the subject is being steadily eroded.
There is a widespread consensus, shared by
employers, educationalists and politicians of all persuasions, that
we are letting our young people down by allowing so many of them to
opt out of language learning as early as 13 or 14. Even if – as
some believe - we could be successful in the global economy by
limiting ourselves to the ‘Anglosphere’, our educational provision
is severely impoverished without the intellectual and cultural
benefits of language learning, and its contribution to overall
literacy and communication skills.
The change of Government offers a new
opportunity to review policy and to open the debate on whether
there should be greater compulsion to learn languages beyond 14.
This debate should recognise that good teaching, appropriate
qualifications and careers advice, and opportunities to see the
relevance of languages outside the classroom, are all essential
elements in improving young people’s attainment and commitment to
language learning. It is not simply a matter of a ‘quick fix’
return to compulsion.
The languages community must play a full role
in this autumn’s curriculum review. Meanwhile, to prevent further
slippage, we would like to see the Government give a strong message
to schools that it expects to see language provision given a higher
priority in future.
Click here to read recent news
coverage about GCSE languages.