Students 'face barriers to language learning'

January 11 2011

There are significant barriers to learning languages in secondary school, it has been claimed.

According to a report from Ofsted, two-thirds of schools have failed to meet targets set by the previous Labour government to ensure that half of pupils study a modern foreign language at GCSE.

The report noted that in some schools there are no students studying a language beyong the age of 14.

"Too many students are failing to reach their full potential and do not choose to undertake more advanced study beyond 16 because of the way they are taught languages in many secondary schools," said Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert.

"In particular, secondary schools should ensure their students get regular opportunities to speak and read realistic material in the target language so they build the confidence to use their skills in the world beyond the classroom."

The government recently announced plans to introduce an English baccalaureate for GCSE students achieving five A* to C-grade passes in subjects including maths and a modern foreign language.

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