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News
- SLNs celebrate success!
Many SLNs have held events to celebrate their achievement during Phase 1 of the Programme. These have involved teachers presenting resources and ideas to other networks in their region and pupils demonstrating what they have achieved and learnt during the year. This has been an excellent opportunity for teachers to reflect on the outcomes of their network meetings throughout the year. Find out about individual events.
- Transition remains a focus for Key Stage 3 languages
Transition between primary and secondary schools tops the list of subjects most commonly described as a key focus for language teachers involved in the Key Stage 3 MFL Dissemination and Development Programme. At the end of the first phase, over three quarters of the 355 learning networks established by the programme agree that they are on track with the aims that they set themselves regarding transition, both from primary and into Key Stage 4, and other key issues when the project began back in January 2007. Read the full press release.
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Ofsted publishes report on evaluation of language learning
Standards and achievements in modern language teaching and learning across England’s secondary schools have improved but speaking was the least developed skill among pupils, according to a report published today by Ofsted. Download the report from the Ofsted website (01/07/08) -
Renewal of Key Stage 3 Framework
The National Strategies are pleased to announce that they have been given the remit to carry out the renewal of the Framework for teaching modern foreign languages: Years 7, 8 and 9. Read more in Secondary Languages Direct. There will be more information for Lead Professionals of this Programme at the November network meetings. - Interim findings of the Cambridge University research to investigate language learning at Key Stage 3
Interim findings of this two year project are based on five objectives, including the impact of KS2 languages, the use of the KS3 Framework, SLCs' influence and how uptake at KS4 can be increased. Download the findings from the DCSF website (pdf, 84.4KB)
- Call for case studies
CILT is looking for new case studies from SLNs wishing to share their good practice with other teachers in this Programme. Read more on the case study page.
- Motivation and participation online module now live
The Motivation and participation 'nugget' helps all secondary schools engage, motivate and challenge language learners across all key stages. In addition, for schools where languages are now optional at Key Stage 4, it gives examples of how learners can be encouraged to participate in courses beyond the end of Year 9. Visit the National Strategies MFL resources to view all 16 nuggets. (17/03/08)
- Ofsted's report published - Every language matters
The report evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of initial teacher training in languages other than French, German, Irish, Spanish and Welsh. The report has been produced at a time when numbers of pupils taking languages at GCSE level are falling but schools are being encouraged to take on a wider range of world languages. It describes good practice in training and teaching. Download the report from the Ofsted website. (21/02/08)
- New evaluating and planning documents for the Programme (11/02/08)
Strategic Learning Networks are asked to submit an evaluation of their work for Phase 1 by 31 March '08 and a revised action plan for Phase 2 by 9 June '08. The evaluation and action plan documents can be downloaded from the SLN action plans page.
- The new secondary curriculum
The new secondary curriculum comes into force in Year 7 from September 2008. ALL is working with CfBT to provide support for language teachers, including a website with support materials and examples of good practice. The website includes a section comparing old and new level descriptions and Language Ladder can-do statements.
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CILT's secondary ezine
Have you registered to receive CILT's Secondary Languages Direct ezine? Once a term we publish an email which contains the latest news in the sector, links to good practice examples, information and advice. You could be featured in future ezines, details of how to submit a proposal are included in each issue. View the archive or register to receive the next issue. -
Continued funding to support Strategic Learning Networks (18/01/08)
Further to the announcement by the DCSF and Lid King’s letter to local authority Strategy Managers (16 November 2007) CILT, the National Centre for Languages, the Secondary National Strategy and the Comenius Network are pleased to confirm that there will be continued funding to support Strategic Learning Networks from 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009. Each SLN will receive £3180.
In February, a letter will be sent to Lead Professionals, Lead Teachers and Head Teachers of Lead Schools in the Programme. It explains that in preparation for Phase 2, all Strategic Learning Networks will carry out an evaluation of their work to date. Also, all SLNs are requested to submit an action plan for Phase 2 to help the SLN maintain a clear focus on the main purposes of the Programme. The evaluation and action plan will ensure that SLNs can make the best use of the funding throughout Phase 2. -
Coaching in modern languages (20/12/07)
The online module Coaching in modern languages is now available on the National Strategies MFL resources web pages, which house the other MFL nuggets. It is designed to develop over time teachers’ skills and strategies in coaching and other forms of collaborative professional learning, such as mentoring, class visits, joint planning, informal peer discussion, and small group sessions and meetings. - Learning networks to improve motivation to learn languages (29/10/07)
Boosting young people’s enthusiasm for language learning has been identified as a priority for new networks of languages teachers in England. Almost half of the 355 Strategic Learning Networks (SLNs) working to improve language teaching and learning at Key Stage 3 have decided to focus on motivating learners during this phase of their work. Increasing the numbers of students choosing languages post-14 also features on a third of the action plans. Download the full news release (pdf, 24KB)
