Thursday 22 March 2012

The good, the bad and the ugly

The latest Language Trends research has now been published by CfBT and was launched last night at the House of Lords. This valuable annual research contains mixed news for language learning in schools.

The 'good' is that more schools now have pupils learning a language in Year 10. In 2011/12, 51% of maintained schools have 50% or more pupils studying a language,  up from 36% in the previous school year. The research also reports that 60% of maintained schools in the middle quintile for attainment and 45% of those in the second-lowest quintile have 50% or more pupils studying a language in Year 10. This is up markedly from 23% and 19% respectively in the previous school year.

As CfBT reports, this is positive sign that the gap in uptake of languages between different school types and different pupil characteristics is beginning to close.

It appears that the introduction of the EBacc is having an impact on this increase in take-up. Interestingly, the report states that 46% of schools surveyed have not made changes in response to the introduction of the EBacc. Factors in this decision include a satisfactory level of uptake of languages, uncertainty around the value of the EBacc or a concern that the EBacc is contrary to an ethos of free subject choice. 

The 'bad' is a continued level of concern around the GCSE and A Level examinations. There is widespread criticism of controlled assessment, with schools reporting it as 'demotivating for students' and 'a test of pupils' ability to memorise'. There is also concern about an 'unstimulating' syllabus at GCSE level. Teachers are keen to move away from qualifications with a rote learning approach, and to a qualification that allows them to raise standards in language teaching and learning. Teachers also report that pupils are put off by 'the sudden increase in difficulty between GCSE and A Level', and by how difficult it is to obtain the highest marks in languages in comparison to other subjects.

This brings us to the ugly - the barriers to language teaching and learning. At Key Stage 4, performance tables now only allow for language learning via GCSE to count, preventing pupils from studying languages using more stimulating qualifications or even gaining a qualification in less widely taught languages.

Universities still value languages as an entry subject, yet teachers report  take-up post-16 is being threatened by inconsistent marking in comparison other subjects and the difficulty in obtaining an A* grade required by so many universities for entry.

The other barrier reported in the survey is curriculum time: time available for languages is the change most requested by teachers. They are concerned by the number of lessons and teaching hours available for languages, as it prevents pupils from making in-depth progress with their language learning due to the lack of practice time available.

The research shows there is positive news for languages, with take-up increasing at GCSE. But take-up post-16 is still vulnerable, and curriculum time and examination structures still pose a problem for teachers in English schools. Language Trends 2011 shows we still have a lot of work to do to raise awareness of these issues and campaign for greater support for the subject and its teaching in the National Curriculum Review.

32 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You might be left a class and got the homework of writing an essay. You can take best essay writing help from online. If you think, you should be befuddled about writing an essay as it ought to be important, fascinating, and syntactically right.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good and bad feelings of the man are discovered by the entry of the goals for all people. THz sequences of the online java help are brushed for the goals. The scene is invited for the mid of the offered data for the style for the approach for the field work or the team.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It’s good to know you are using this platform to encourage others, share their road stories and about car stuffs as well. I have a lot of fun stories about my road experience and I have no one to tell them to which is why I am really glad I found your website because I can now share my thoughts with other people. I am sure this blog will reach many people write my assignment which will also make allow them to share their thoughts and express their opinions about car related things. You are indeed an angel sent from above because of this.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That is one of the main reasons that I am very much interested in knowing the history of the things. As most of the time their names are greatly Suede Leather Shirt related with their history. Also sometimes you can realize the importance of the thing just by knowing its name like this one here shows its importance by its name that is “cure all”.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You're family farm looks really wonderful. I never knew that your family owns huge land that has a farm on it. I never find you as someone that has been raised on a farm. I thought you were born and raised in the city. help with dissertation writing Anyway, I hope that I would be able to visit this farm house of yours. It must really be amazing to live in a farm house and be part of something that your family really values.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is a really decent site post. Not very numerous individuals would really, the way you simply did. I am truly inspired that there is such a great amount of data about this subject have been revealed and you've help with assignment put forth a valiant effort, with so much class. On the off chance that needed to know more about green smoke surveys, than by all methods come in and check our stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I trully appretiate your work and tips given by you is helpful to me. I will share this information with my family & friends. This is a great website, keep the positive reviews coming. This is a great inspiring .I am pretty much pleased with your good work. You put really very essay writer uk helpful information. I am looking to reading your next post. !!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Just an understudy knows how testing an understudy's life is. It appears to be miserable particularly when your instructive educator allocates a scholarly composing errand and you realize very well that you would not have the option to do it all alone. I can relate as I endured similar difficulty few years back. Quick Assignment Help, Thinking about how I handled the circumstance

    ReplyDelete
  11. Most importantly admire your offer, similar to <Deadwind Pihla Viitala Cotton Coat your site, The trust can impart to you more magnificent blog and Thanks for such post and keep it up. has made a decent showing here to put all the data substance and data at one spot.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Having superb correspondence through verbal and composing abilities has an adequate comprehension among you and your customers. Essay Editing And Proofreading, Recollect that English is the worldwide language that generally utilized in the business internationally.

    ReplyDelete
  13. What did you acquire from that experience, something of significant worth? On the off chance that it is difficult for you to build up an explanation on you, Do My Essay For Me.you should buy individual articulation. It is accessible for you at truly moderate costs.

    ReplyDelete
  14. The change from discretionary school to class is a gigantic steep tendency. Gone are the days at whatever point you had palatable opportunity to examine for your last, most critical tests and figuring out some approach to have a decent open development nearby passing marks wasn't tricky.toys for kids

    ReplyDelete
  15. Christmas is an ideal chance to applaud the party of families and doing lots of fun. As you are happy with the effervescent soul of the time frame, Ph.D. understudies need to push ahead in their own style. While searching for a Ph.D. understudy is fun, it will in general be a mind-boggling position to find those ideal Christmas outfits. best assignemnt writing company

    ReplyDelete
  16. HP had been first, in 1982, with their first LaserJet. Back in 1982, the printer text based styles weren't even flexible, and they came in express sizes. There were a predestined number of unequivocal measures, and 12 focuses was a sensible all around supportive alternative from among those sizes. professional home cleaning by Clean and Shine

    ReplyDelete
  17. I will always let you and your otis milburn satin jacket words become part of my day because you never know how much you make my day happier and more complete. There are even times when I feel so down but I will feel better right after checking your blogs. You have made me feel so good about myself all the time and please know that I do appreciate everything that you have

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is a really decent site post. Not very numerous individuals would really, the way you black widow white Leather jacket simply did. I am truly inspired that there is such a great amount of data about this subject have been revealed and you've put forth a valiant effort with so much class. On the off chance that needed to know more about green smoke surveys, than by all methods come in and check our stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  19. It was a very good post indeed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it in my lunch time. Will surely come and visit this blog more often. Thanks for sharing. There are so many fun and exciting things to do and experiences expert assistance service around the world that I thought I ‘d put together a list of favorite things to do for all travelers.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Their assignment writers across. pay for assignment the globe are well trained in their chosen field of study which reflects in multiple offer. It is important to choose the best one among the many.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Our doctors has a personable and intimate rapport with her patients throughout their inner Hormone for Weight Loss and outer health journey. She has enjoyed counseling patients and has addressed patients beyond the scope of traditional gynecology. In addition, Our doctors for men in addressing their hormonal imbalances.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills as well Ben 10: Alien Swarm as with the layout on your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  23. All orders are delivered prior to the deadline online assignment writing service so that you can revise the work before the completion of the deadline.

    ReplyDelete
  24. His lady YouTube series was the playthrough of the computer game "Amnesia: The Dark Descent" after which an extensive rundown comes. YouTube likewise restricted his AdSense account after which in May 2012, he dispatched another channel with the name "MarkiplierGAME"Markiplier Bio

    ReplyDelete
  25. This is a really decent site post. Not incredibly different individuals would genuinely, the way where you fundamentally did. I'm truly spiced up that there is an especially part of data about this subject have been uncovered and you've help with task put forward a fearless effort, with such a great deal of class. Whenever needed to look into green smoke outlines, than by all strategies come in and really check out our stuff.buy ig followers

    ReplyDelete
  26. The Language Trends 2021 report surveyed teachers at more than 1500 primary, secondary and Pay For Research Papers independent schools across England. The report, which has been ...

    ReplyDelete
  27. Before deciding which Duramax engine is the finest, we must first evaluate the various machines and their advantages and disadvantages. Every Duramax engine Duramax Parts LB7 version has its advantages and disadvantages, and some engines are more well-known than others.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Lingala wasn't even a language until the 19th century, before Congo was a free state. As the 19th century closed,Purchase Custom Papers Online the Belgian forces that conquered the area began simplifying the local languages for commercial purposes. ...

    ReplyDelete
  29. In 2011/12, 51% of maintained schools have 50% or more pupils studying learning a language in Year UK's Top-Rated and Students' Most Favorite Assignment Writing services uk is Here to Offer Expert Help in Most Affordable Prices with a Guarantee to an A or A+ Grade
    Assignment writing services UK

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you for the great article. Are you meet the situation that the site you want to access is denied? Then don't worry; you can check our article about Node Unblocker you can utilize proxies to get to and partake in the ideal content. In this way, we should figure out additional proxies.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Your university project will be assigned to the most qualified MPhil or PhD/university assignment helper on our staff. You can work directly with your experienced writer as you like and communicate whenever and wherever you like. You can speak with your assigned writer personally.

    ReplyDelete