14-19 diplomas: News from CILT, the National Centre for Languages

Diplomas

The education secretary, Ed Balls, has announced the Chairs of the Diploma Development Partnerships for the three new Diplomas in Science, Humanities and Languages as part of new proposals published last week.

Dr Terry Lamb, Director of Initial Teacher Education at Sheffield University and governor of CILT has been appointed as the chair of the language group, with GoSkills as the lead sector skills council.

Terry Lamb said: 'I am delighted to be taking up this key role in the development of the Diploma in Languages. The new Diploma represents a unique opportunity to raise the profile of language learning in schools and colleges, and to encourage more young people to take up and continue the study of languages. Language learning and cultural awareness are absolutely vital for success in our increasingly globalized lives, and the new Diploma will encourage young people to develop high-quality language skills and intercultural awareness, taught in innovative and exciting ways, which they can then apply in real-life contexts.'

CILT has a strong track record in making the case for languages in the new Diplomas, through our Languages Skills Alliance with the Sector Skills Council, GoSkills and work with QCA’s Languages Diplomas Group. CILT warmly welcomes Terry’s appointment and looks forward to working with GoSkills to support the progress of the DDP and the Minister’s requirements.

For an overview of languages in the Diploma as well as practical advice on vocational qualifications in the language classroom, visit CILT's new 14-19 microsite: www.cilt.org.uk/14to19