The Key Stage 3 Strategic Learning Network programme builds on the achievements and successes of the Key Stage 3 Dissemination and Development Programme. Its aim is to disseminate and embed the renewed Key Stage 3 Framework for languages across England.

The programme is funded by the Department for Education and managed and supported by CILT, the National Centre for Languages.

Its aims are:

• To continue to develop good practice in teaching and learning
• To meet the requirements of the new secondary curriculum
• To strengthen transfer and transition in modern languages teaching between Key Stages 2 and 3 and from Key Stages 3 to 4
• To raise standards in Modern Foreign Languages at Key Stage 3
• To help schools provide a secure foundation for Key Stage 4 languages entitlement.
  

The programme comprises:

• an opportunity for local authority advisers to establish and develop local networks to support the exchange and development of good MFL practice
•  development of an area of interest: Transition between KS2 and KS3, transition between KS3 and KS4 or developing school/ITT partnerships and mentoring
• support from an experienced CILT Regional Trainer
• electronic discussion groups providing a forum for discussion and wider dissemination of SLN work in each of the areas of interest
• A national start-up conference in London on Wednesday 7^th October 2009.
  

Lead MFL Professionals and the CILT Regional Trainers are establishing up to 150 Strategic Learning Networks (SLNs) in England. Each SLN is made up of between 4 and 15 schools. Each network will complete an interim evaluation in February 2010 and a final evaluation in June 2010, together with a case study about their work. The SLNs finalised their action plans at the end of June, showing how the schools will work together to achieve the new objectives they have set themselves, within the overall aim of the programme to disseminate and embed the renewed KS3 Framework for languages. SLNs will receive the first tranche of funding for the period September 2009 – February 2010. Successful completion of the interim evaluation will release a second tranche of funding for the period from February 2010 to June 2010.