Press Release

Why teach languages? Stacking up the arguments

23 February 2005

A strong case for teenagers studying languages has to be made following Schools Minister Jacqui Smith’s announcement that at least 50% of pupils will be expected to take a language to GCSE or similar at 16.

Whilst three quarters of British people think everyone should be able to speak another language, and 92% of adults consider it an important part of every child’s education, there are still significant barriers to be overcome if languages are to move up the priority list for Heads, school Governors and parents, as well as for the pupils themselves.

A new book from CILT and the Association for Language Learning provides facts and figures, ideas for ‘marketing’ languages, and arguments to convince even the most sceptical.

‘There are still too many people ready to believe that certain children ‘don’t need’ to study languages’ says Linda Parker, co-author, and Director of the Association for Language Learning.

As part of the ‘Every Child Matters’ agenda, language learning has an important role to play in equipping all young people to get the most out life, develop skills for adulthood and achieve their full potential.’

Teresa Tinsley, Assistant Director, Communications at CILT, the National Centre for Languages says the book will provide the help teachers need in promoting their subject:

‘Our Language Trends survey of Key Stage 4 this autumn showed that languages have a stronger place in schools which are proactive about promoting them. So it is the leadership team within the school that needs to be convinced first that languages enrich children’s educational experience and will offer real advantages to them in their future lives’.

Making the case for languages at Key Stage 4 will be launched at the Goethe-Institut, London next Tuesday (28 February) with presentations from the authors as well as Mike Ullmann, Teacher of the Year 2005. Media review copies will be available on the day. To book a place at the event e-mail press@cilt.org.uk