This case study includes a toolkit (doc
42KB) so you can replicate the work.
Context
The College of Haringey, Enfield
and North East London (CONEL) is a large general further education
institution based in Haringey in London. It was the London
hub of one of CILT’s national 14 to 19 language learning networks,
collaborating with Enfield and Waltham Forest College to spread the
teaching of applied languages. As part of this development
they have developed a scheme of work and related resources specific
to teaching a language in the context of Health and Social
Care. To view the resources, go to the Vocational
Languages Resource Bank. The college also provides language
learning within a work-based setting for Metroline Bus staff and
Sainsbury's shelf-stackers.
How the programme is organised
- To launch the vocational courses, CONEL introduced taster
courses in 2006-2007. Two 15-hour courses (ABC Entry 2 Award in
Speaking and Listening) were delivered in the summer term using the
newly-developed resources. One 15-hour course (ABC Entry 2 Award in
Speaking and Listening) was delivered at Waltham Forest College
alongside a Travel and Tourism course.
- Following the success of the taster courses, CONEL expanded the
introduction of languages to various vocational areas in 2007-2008
and is now delivering languages alongside Business (9 courses),
Science (2 courses) and Early Years Education (2 courses). Now that
the language course has more hours attached to it, students are
working towards NOCN units.
- Enfield College delivers a year-long Spanish course alongside
their Level 3 Travel and Tourism, with 25 learners.
- The language element is compulsory.
- Students learn for 1 ½ hours per week throughout the whole
year.
- Courses are funded out of core funding.
- The language courses run by CONEL for Metroline Buses and
Sainsbury's were set up via the Trade Union learning
representatives. Courses are delivered in the workplace which makes
it easier for employees to attend.
Results/effect
- 41 students gained the ABC qualification as part of the taster
course, a 100% success rate. Whilst there was initial resistance to
the language element from some students, they soon began to enjoy
the course and appreciate the opportunity to gain an extra
qualification.
- Around 260 new learners, who would otherwise not have done so,
are taking a language.
- Languages now have a more positive profile within the colleges
involved, as the value of languages as an important skill in
today’s economy and world is better understood.
- Learners who had the opportunity to do a language expressed
interest in continuing, if given the opportunity.
Future developments
The success of the
courses is put down to good teaching within contexts relevant to
the needs and interests of the learners. The college recognises
that teaching languages in an applied context is the way forward in
preparation for the new Diplomas and that having language skills
makes employees more competitive in the global
market.
Download the replication
toolkit (doc 42KB).
Author: Torcato Coutino, Curriculum Manager for Languages,
CONEL