Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Thursday, 22 November 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 November 2018 (named day). It was answered by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Tuesday, 27 November 2018 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Languages: Education

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the quality of language teaching in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

This Government recognises the importance of quality language teaching at primary and secondary school. Ofsted are responsible for inspecting maintained schools and academies, including language provision.

The Department has made languages compulsory at Key Stage 2. Modern foreign languages (MFLs) are compulsory at Key Stage 3, giving pupils skills and knowledge and broadening their horizons. At Key Stage 4, languages are an essential part of the EBacc combination of core academic subjects. The proportion of pupils studying languages has risen from 40% in 2010 to 46% in 2018. Ofsted plans to conduct research into languages at secondary schools and is due to report on this in 2019-20.

In 2016, Her Majesty’s former Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, reported that the majority of primary-age pupils in schools visited enjoyed having the chance to learn a foreign language. The report did however note concerns including a lack of allocated time to study languages. The Department is developing greater expertise in secondary school provision of languages, and will use this to encourage improvements in primary provision. Sir Michael’s comments can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/hmcis-monthly-commentary-may-2016.

The Department is developing a number of initiatives to encourage improved languages provision in schools including an MFL Pedagogy Hub pilot programme, a Mandarin Excellence Programme, and a package of financial incentives to attract the best candidates into MFL teaching.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
194568
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Education Languages Standards
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk