The view from the red sofa
Primary practitioner and ALL Primary Special Interest Group member Catherine Cheater was invited onto BBC Breakfast this week to talk about primary language teaching.
In the run up to compulsory language learning in Key Stage 2 from September, the BBC team were keen to find out from professionals in the field how primary teachers are preparing for this change.
Although recent research has found that there is still a need for additional language training among primary school teachers, Catherine was quick to point out that support is already available – through the Association for Language Learning, and its growing network of primary hubs around the country, and through dedicated support for specific languages – for example
The Language Trends Survey 2013 (which was released on 25 March 2014 and which launches officially on 04 April at ALL’s national conference, Language World) was conducted by CfBT and the British Council, with assistance from ALL and ISMLA. The Survey found that "there is still a huge gap in subject knowledge amongst the many generalist class teachers who bear the main responsibility for language teaching. In around a quarter of schools, GCSE is the highest language qualification held by any member of staff."
However,
Positive about Primary Languages: Apoyo Soutien Unterstützung SUPPORT for primary languages: http://changing-phase.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/apoyo-soutien-unterstutzung-support.html
Languages 2014 – 2025: are we set fair for the challenge? The real significance of Language Trends: http://www.speaktothefuture.org/languages-2014-2025-are-we-set-fair-for-the-challenge-the-real-significance-of-language-trend/
Language Trends Survey: Four issues with language learning in England: http://blog.britishcouncil.org/2014/03/24/survey-four-issues-with-language-learning-in-england/