Through the cross-phase project we aim to address a number of challenges.

Creating a coherent curriculum 
Secondary schools, colleges and teachers are faced with the major challenge of planning a coherent curriculum in languages across ages and stages. This involves:

• Revisiting content and skills without repeating what has been done before.
• Building on prior knowledge and understanding.
• Keeping learners interested and motivated.
• Creating new age and stage appropriate content.
• Avoiding duplication in the eyes of learners and, indeed, parents and carers.

Supporting transitions to Higher Education
HE tutors have the challenge of building on what has been done at A level whilst moving students into a different, more autonomous way of working. There has traditionally been little communication across this divide but greater understanding on both sides could improve motivation and retention rates.

Developing intercultural understanding
Intercultural understanding is a key strand of language learning across all phases. It offers preparation for the global society in which we live as well as for the world of work. However, teaching intercultural understanding can easily end up reinforcing stereotypes.

We want to use this opportunity of working cross-phase to produce linguistic content and teaching and learning activities that will support developments in language learning strategies and knowledge about language. 

This is a complex area in which teachers can feel uncomfortable and often express the need for support in using and developing appropriate resources.