Policy and Reform
Flexible curriculum 14 - 19
Linda Parker on optionality: the consequences for Modern Languages study in key stage 4
The seminar consists of 4 parts, this is part 2.
Go to: Part 1 ¦ Part 2 ¦ Part 3 ¦ Part 4
Part 2: Background to the research
This part draws together significant research data and an outline history of evolving national policy between 1998 and 2005, in order to place current trends and policy in a clear context.
The study of a modern foreign language up to the age of 16 became compulsory in September 1998, following many years of campaigning under the banner of ‘languages for all’ by subject associations.
The Nuffield Languages Inquiry, whose findings were published in 2000, can be broadly interpreted as supporting further enhancement of MFL provision in a particular bid to promote increased take-up of MFL study post-16. Click here to download the Inquiry findings: Languages: the next generation
In February 2002, the Government published a Green Paper entitled 14-19: extending opportunities, raising standards. The Green Paper set out proposals for a more coherent 14-19 phase of education and training. Part of these was the recommendation once again to make Modern Languages study optional post-14. There followed a vigorous response from the Association for Language Learning, download it here: May 2002 ALL response to green paper.pdf CILT, the National Centre for Languages also responded: The 14 – 19 Green Paper and Language Learning
In spite of the subject centres’ caveats, MFL study reverted to being compulsory to the end of key stage 3 from September 2004. Subsequently, CILT has monitored provision and take-up in an annual survey, the first large-scale survey was carried out in Autumn 2004. Click here to access the early 2004 report: 2004 Language Trends in Key Stage 4.
This report and emerging evidence from schools revealed a worrying decline
in take-up, with consequences for provision.
In December 2005, the government announced that the decline in take-up and
the effects on provision were an unintended consequence of their curricular
reforms, and a letter outlining targets for school pupils’ learning of MFL
was issued in January 2006. Click here to read Jacqui
Smith’s letter to schools.
Lord Dearing has subsequently been commissioned to review policy on languages and to see what more can be done to encourage 14–16-year-olds to continue a language course leading to a recognised qualification. To see the review remit, click here: Review of Languages at KS4.
