Meeting documents

            Meeting: Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Sub-Committee (County Hall, Durham - Committee Room 1a - 26/09/2005 10:00:00 AM)

                  Item: A4 Modern Foreign Languages in County Durham

         

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Scrutiny Sub-Committee for the Development of Lifelong Learning 26 September 2005 Modern Foreign Languages in County Durham

Report of Head of Overview and Scrutiny

Purpose of Report

1. To provide an up-date about the continuing decline in the study of Modern Foreign Languages at GCSE level and to suggest ways in which this might be addressed. It is opportune that 26 ^th September is the ‘European Day of Languages’.

Background

2. The Sub-Committee is aware of the rapid decline in the number of secondary pupils studying modern foreign languages as a result of changes in the National Curriculum. The number of entries for GCSE examinations for French, German and Spanish in County Durham schools has been projected to reduce from 4,400 in 2002 to approximately 2,500 in 2006.

3. One aspect of this development which has been raised by the Sub-Committee is whether this rapid change is in the interests of the economy of County Durham. A particular concern was the global market place in which industry now operates where language skills particularly in relation to exports are increasingly important - We buy in our language but we sell in the language of our customers . Language skills could also assist in our aims to increase the tourism industry.

4. On the 1^st September 2005, a meeting took place between Scrutiny members, key Cabinet members, County Council officers, a representative of the LSC and a representative of the Regional Language Network. There was general agreement that there was a need for a new approach in this area. A copy of the notes of the meeting are attached.

5. A draft strategic plan for modern foreign languages for 14-19 year olds was tabled at the meeting. In summary, this plan suggests a more flexible approach to language teaching (as an addition to formal study at GCSE level). This accessible framework would seek to demonstrate the relevance of languages to the future careers of young people in the County. The aim is also to stimulate more employer engagement to ensure that the needs of the business community can be delivered in a more focused way. A copy of the draft Strategic Plan together with an indicative action plan is attached.

6. The strategy involves creating a network of excellence in language teaching and a programme of targeted accreditation. This strategy would be complementary to the Government’s National Languages Strategy and a new initiative which has recently been introduced called Asset Languages. Basically, this is a new scheme to provide accreditation for competence in languages using the Languages Ladder. The Languages Ladder defines competences in foreign languages. It is designed to measure proficiency. There are a number of stages which are individually assessed. It’s main aim is to boost motivation and enthusiasm by providing more flexibility. This facility is available for schools but also adults.

7. This would represent a significant move away from traditional languages learning and provides the opportunity for language skills to be seen as more relevant to pupils’ careers as an addition to skills required in particular business sectors. There is an important role, however, in ensuring that this new approach is sold to schools, teachers and pupils.

8. There is also a wider issue in relation to a deeper understanding of the needs of the various business sectors and then seeking to deliver language skills which will be helpful to enable businesses to prosper.

Recommendation

9. It is recommended that this new direction to encourage more focused language learning should be recommended to the Council’s Cabinet for more detailed consideration.

Contact: Ian Mackenzie Tel: 0191 383 3506

Durham County Council

Where are we now ?
There has been a dramatic reduction in the take-up of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) at GCSE level in County Durham schools. Evidence indicates that take up will continue to fall. The Durham County Council Scrutiny Group has challenged whether this development is in the interests of the economy of the County and the County Council’s Community Strategy.

Where do we want to be ?
County Durham wishes nurture sufficient foreign language skilled young people to further support the County’s expanding economic programme.

We will start by:

Over the next 3 years, we will aim to:

Establishing baseline data: take up, provision and range of languages, specific language needs of the local economy (languages, projected numbers etc), attitudes, learning & teaching, leadership & management in MFL Working with school and college collaboratives to develop innovative models of curriculum provision with planned progression routes via the StAR process Negotiating, with partner organisations and businesses, a programme of activities, including business language ambassadors and mentors Introducing the new Languages Ladder accreditation framework to schools and colleges Collaborating with Durham LEA’s Beyond Expectations and CPD Teams and the three Language Colleges to share teaching & learning and leadership & management expertise across schools and colleges

Develop a county-wide, accessible framework for 14-19 MFL learning with clearly linked progression routes Create a network of excellence in MFL teaching and leadership & management Provide a coherent programme of accreditation which meets the needs of both our young people and the needs of our economy Ensure that all young people have advice on careers using a foreign language Encourage the integration of language learning into the vision, planning and action of key skills stakeholders in the County Stimulate employer engagement with language learning

SCRUTINY SUB-COMMITTEE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

Notes of the Meeting about Modern Foreign Languages in County Durham held at the County Hall, Durham on 1 September 2005 at 1.00 p.m.

Present:

Councillor A Cox (in the Chair)

Councillors Armstrong Lethbridge Myers Pye and Walker

Margaret Bell, Inspector for Modern Foreign Languages
Peter Cradock, Learning and Skills Council
Ian Mackenzie, Head of Overview and Scrutiny
Richard Sice, OneNorthEast
Brian Stobie, International Officer
Jeanette Trafford, Lifelong Learning Partnership Manager
Georgia Tommasin, Italian Work Placement




Modern Foreign Languages

The Chairman welcomed all those present to the meeting.

The Head of Overview and Scrutiny explained that the changes in the national curriculum had lead to a rapid decline in the number of 14-19 year olds studying modern foreign languages.

There was a lengthy discussion about the ways in which the study of modern foreign languages could assist the Council in achieving its aims to improve the economy as well as Lifelong Learning.

The Group considered the initial draft strategic plan that had been prepared by Margaret Bell. In addition to the study of GCSE qualifications it suggested that there be a more flexible approach to language teaching.

There was general agreement that a new approach was required in this area, and the Members of Scrutiny supported the Action Plan as the way forward.







Attachments

 MOdern Foreigh Languages notepdf.pdf;
 Modern Foreign part 2pdf.pdf;
 Modern Foreign Languages reportpdf.pdf