The Training and Development Agency for schools (TDA) has commissioned a consortium to carry out research into issues surrounding the delivery of languages in schools in England, with specific reference to lesser taught languages.

The consortium, which comprises the Institute of Education, the University of Sheffield, the University of Wolverhampton and the Association for Language Learning, will use the findings to inform the development of a long-term strategy for the sustainable, equitable, and high quality delivery of all world languages in schools in England.

This two year project aims to have a positive and permanent impact on the field of language teaching so that language departments will be able to effectively support and develop teaching and non-teaching staff of all languages taught in the school. It will also ensure that those who deliver, or want to deliver, world language teaching in schools will have opportunities to gain the relevant qualifications to allow them to progress in their career.

Ultimately, as a result, schools will be able to offer any world language that the market demands, in a creative and integrated way, and children will have access to high quality teaching of all world languages.

Throughout December and January the TDA is asking people to go to www.tda.gov.uk/worldlanguages to complete an online survey; it will take just 20 minutes. Once collected, the evidence will inform a first draft of the strategy, on which there will be consultation events in the autumn.

Please forward the link to colleagues who you think might be interested to encourage them to take part and make sure their voice is heard as well.