Speaking is 'languages weakness'

Primary schools are making good progress towards offering languages

Speaking skills remain a weakness among children learning modern languages in secondary schools in England, says a report from inspectors.

But this is against a background of wider improvements in learning languages, Ofsted reports.

This mixed picture shows GCSE results have improved more than other subjects.

But the report, evaluating language teaching, also notes that the number of students taking French and German exams has been in decline.

The Ofsted report, The changing landscape of languages, an evaluation of language learning 2004 -2007, examines how languages are being taught and the progress towards providing language lessons in primary schools.

'Unrehearsed'

Inspectors raised particular concerns over the poor quality of speaking skills and the lack of ability at using lessons for "real life" conversations.

This meant that few pupils were able to create their own phrases or to use languages in a way that was "unrehearsed".

However the move towards widening language learning in primary schools was progressing well, said the report.

There is a target for all primary schools in England to offer language lessons by the end of the decade. Last week, figures showed that 84% of primary schools now taught a language, compared with 44% in 2002.

The report also praises the quality of teaching in secondary and primary school, commenting on teachers' enthusiasm and subject knowledge.

There have been longstanding concerns about the falling number of pupils studying modern languages at GCSE and A-level - and the corresponding fall in students applying for language courses at university.

This has seen an increasing concentration of language learning in independent and grammar schools.

The report observes that there are ways to encourage pupils to take a modern foreign language beyond the age of 14 - so that it does not become "an elitist subject". This might include lunchtime clubs or using film or music in lessons.

'Revolution'

"Schools need to address the areas of concern highlighted in the report, if we are to raise standards in and enthusiasm for learning languages," said the Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert.

"One of the ways we can do this is to strengthen pupils' speaking skills so that they have the confidence to converse independently not only in the classroom but in other situations too."

The Schools Minister Jim Knight said schools were undergoing a "revolution in language teaching". "Children at primary school find it easier to pick up languages and we are confident that the knock-on effect will be that more young people will choose to continue studying languages," said Mr Knight. “This September will see the introduction of a new curriculum for 11-14 year olds giving teachers the flexibility to teach topics that interest young people.

"We are also introducing a new GCSE in schools from 2009 which will put a stronger emphasis on speaking skills. Pupils will be assessed in a range of situations, for example debating topical issue, addressing concerns that they are learning by rote."

In Scotland, a new qualification to be awarded from 2010, will be on offer to encourage more secondary pupils to study languages.

The Language Baccalaureate will consist of English or Gaelic at Higher level, two modern or classical language courses at Higher, one modern or classical language course at Advanced Higher, and an interdisciplinary course at Advanced Higher level.