Primary Languages in Staffordshire Schools
What is the “state of play” concerning Languages in Primary Schools following
the change of government?
The key Rose Review recommendation that languages should become statutory and
“sit” within a broad curriculum area known as “English, Communication and
Languages” has not been implemented as anticipated.
Does this mean we still have to offer languages in school now?
Yes! Languages currently continue to enjoy “entitlement” status.
What is the difference between “entitlement” and “statutory”?
The “entitlement” is for all children in KS2 to learn a language. The precise nature of
the provision in terms of content and approach is determined to a large extent by
optional “tools” such as the Key Stage two Framework for Languages and schemes
published by QCA. “Statutory” status provides a “Programme of Study” (PoS) which
is endorsed by Parliament and which, therefore, becomes compulsory; the provision
in schools has to embrace the PoS.
Does this mean languages are likely to become statutory?
Quite possibly! The Government has made clear their intention to review the
curriculum. A fundamental principle driving the review is the belief that the curriculum
should be “a core national entitlement organised around subject disciplines”. In a
statement issued in September, the DFE specifically stated that languages in both
the primary and secondary National Curriculum will be part of the Review. The
statement unequivocally confirms the value of language learning and encourages
primary schools that are teaching languages to continue to do so. In a separate
statement., the National Director for Languages – Dr. Lid King – whilst recognising
that the position of languages will depend ultimately on the outcome of the Review,
insists that “there is good reason to suppose that Ministers will favour the inclusion of
languages at KS2”. These strong signals imply that languages will be “secure” at
KS2.. The DFE has been vigorously lobbied by national agencies such as CiLT and
ALL to confirm languages’ “core” status. The outcome of the Review is imminent. We
believe that languages will be retained with its status re-defined.
What if the Review defines languages in primary schools as “optional”?
We would anticipate that schools within the LA continue to develop their languages
provision. In line with national statistics we know that 90% + of Staffordshire schools
provide language learning within KS2 and earlier. We know too that a significant
percentage of schools fully meet the “entitlement” target i.e. all pupils in KS2 follow a
formal programme of language learning. There are numerous indicators which
confirm the “success” of this provision:








High levels of participation in central training programmes;
Effective networking (CELLS) resulting in improved liaison between primary
and secondary phases;
Positive feedback from non specialist colleagues relating to professional
fulfilment;
Recognition by secondary specialist colleagues of the “robustness” of the
learning in primary schools;
Transition projects which have been nationally recognised;
Positive HMI subject inspections.
Confirmation of the contribution language learning makes to enhancing
childrens’ oracy and literacy skills in English
Excitement at the opportunities afforded to promote Intercultural
Understanding and to develop global citizenship.
In the light of this, even if the “subject” were to become optional, what sense would it
make to withdraw languages from your school’s curriculum?
What support can we anticipate now and in the future to secure our languages
provision?
It is recognised that the success of the primary programme, both locally and
nationally, is attributable in part, to the significant level of resources which have been
made available. It should also be recognised that its success is equally attributable to
the energetic and positive response from schools and colleagues to engage with the
programme, respond enthusiastically to the challenge and seize the opportunity to
enrich the primary curriculum. The LA “offer” to schools this year is at the same level
as in previous years and includes:




Funding to support each of the 52 CELL (Clusters for Early Language
Learning) networks;
A fully funded central CPD programme to provide language up-skilling for
teachers in French and Spanish and opportunities for MFL coordinators’
professional development;
Funding to provide contact with partner schools abroad;
Funding to enable bespoke planning in school with LA Advisers and / or Lead
Teachers or ASTs
Full details of these opportunities are available on the primary home page of our web
site:
http://education.staffordshire.gov.uk/Curriculum/Subjectareas/ModernForeignLanguages
The full text of the DFE’s and Director of Languages’ statements can also be
accessed via our web site but you will need your SLN log in and password to do this.
For support, advice and guidance to help you move language learning and teaching
forward in your school, please contact either:
Lorna Harvey
County Adviser for languages KS1-KS3
Tel: 01785 278804 Mob. 07805 692135 e-mail lorna.harvey@staffordshire.gov.uk
or
Jim Fisher
Senior Adviser MFL
Tel. 01785 277951 Mob. 07805 692622 e-mail: jim.fisher@staffordshire.gov.uk
For support, advice and guidance on establishing contact with partner schools
abroad please contact:
Hazel Chadfield
County Adviser for International Links
Tel. 01785 854028 Mob. 07805 692570 e-mail hazel.chadfield@staffordshire.gov.uk