Press Release

Statement from Isabella Moore, Director of CILT, the National Centre for Languages on 2005 GCSE results

25 August 2005

The 12% decline in GCSE entries for languages this year is disappointing but not unexpected. It shows there is a huge case still to be made for the value of language learning for all pupils.

Language learning has a unique contribution to make to intellectual and social development. It enhances employability and life chances across the board. Language learning contributes to literacy and citizenship, teaches intercultural awareness, builds knowledge of other cultures and improves communicative competence.

Ofsted's recent report[1] shows that where schools are committed to preventing languages becoming an elitist subject it can be a successful experience for pupils of all abilities and backgrounds. We wholeheartedly support Ofsted's call to schools to offer a wider range of language courses and accreditation and to enable larger numbers of pupils to study two languages in Key Stage 4.We would like to see more Heads and Governors proactively supporting the development of language provision within the new entitlement curriculum. There are opportunities to offer stimulating courses linked to vocational pathways as well as more challenging routes for able pupils.

CILT's work is actively supporting these developments through training, advice and information-provision. This autumn, with the Association for Language Learning, we are publishing a book on 'Making the case for languages in Key Stage 4' to help Heads of Languages present convincing arguments and boost the place of languages within the school.

[1] 'You don't know how useful they'll be at the time. Implementing modern foreign languages in Key Stage 4'. Ofsted, June 2005.