Schools reluctant to set targets to increase language take up

Schools reluctant to set targets to increase language take up

Only 17% of secondary schools have so far acted on the Government’s requirement to set a benchmark for participation in language learning after fourteen. Over half of secondary schools now have fewer than 50% of pupils continuing with a language in Key Stage 4, and those with the lowest take-up are the most reluctant to set targets to improve. Findings from CILT's annual survey of secondary schools, Language Trends 2007, carried out in conjunction with the Association for Language Learning (ALL) and the Independent Schools' Modern Language Association, show there is a gulf in practice between schools where languages are well supported and others where languages have been allowed to decline to extremely low levels.

This year's report analyses in particular
participation rates in Key Stage 4
trends in take-up of specific languages
response to the Government's benchmark for KS4 take-up of language courses
developments with accreditations

CILT Press Release: http://www.cilt.org.uk/news/pressoffice/pressrelease/2007/pr0732lt071211n.pdf

Final report: http://www.cilt.org.uk/research/languagetrends/2007/trends2007_final_report.pdf

www.cilt.org.uk/research/languagetrends
Full statistical report: http://www.cilt.org.uk/research/languagetrends/2007/trends2007_statistical_report.pdf