Language Trends 2006 - Key Stage 4

Following on from the 2003, 2004 and 2005 surveys of languages at Key Stage 4, CILT, the National Centre for Languages has expanded its language trends research. The Key Stage 4 survey itself has also been expanded to give a picture of languages in secondary education.

The 2006 Language Trends Key Stage 4 survey highlighted the following key findings:

• There is a continued decline in the number of pupils studying a language in Key Stage 4.

• Although 73% of maintained schools which responded to the survey are aware of the Government’s requirement to set a benchmark of between 50% and 90% of pupils taking a language qualification at Key Stage 4, only 17% have done so.

• Provision and take-up for languages is better on almost all counts in the independent sector than in the maintained sector.

• The promotion of languages as an option is largely left to the Languages department with very little involvement of those in a position to influence teenagers positively, such as governors, local business, universities or parents.

• In independent schools, there is more support from careers staff and parents.

• There is some evidence of innovation in terms of new languages offered, and some interest in Content and Language Integrated Learning.

• Provision and take-up for languages in sixth forms is relatively stable with evidence that the declines seen over the last decade have bottomed out.