Schools have to mind their language

More and more children are turning their backs on languages at GCSE, according to a survey for CILT, the national centre for languages.

Responses to a questionnaire sent to secondary schools show that a majority of maintained schools now have fewer than 50% of pupils studying a language at Key Stage 4. In nearly a third (29%), fewer than 25% of students continue with a language after 14.

Few schools have as yet hit the Government ‘benchmark’ of between 50% and 90% of Key Stage 4 pupils studying a language, the research shows.

Another survey of FE colleges found that students who study vocational courses such as Travel and Tourism or Business are unlikely to be offered the chance to study a language. Fewer than half of UK FE colleges offer languages with vocational courses and the proportion is declining. It is estimated that students studying a language represent less than 1% of all students on vocational courses.

“Young people need a strong basis in languages to be able to access international experience and to have confidence as players in a competitive jobs market,” said Isabella Moore, Director of CILT.

“There are advantages, and there are skills which should not be the preserve of an elite. Our research shows that where senior management, careers staff and outside speakers are involved in promoting this message, take-up for languages improves.”

Report summaries and statistical data are available at: www.cilt.org.uk/key/languagetrends/2006