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Language Learning Divide in English Schools
The article England has a language learning deficit and it’s exposing a social divide in education. It discusses findings from the British Council Language Trends England 2023 survey, highlighting a significant social divide in language learning between private and state schools in England. It reveals that while many primary schools have students who speak multiple languages, the opportunity to learn additional languages is not evenly distributed. Private schools are more likely to teach multiple languages than state schools, where language learning is less prevalent. This gap is concerning for achieving the UK Government’s English Baccalaureate target, which aims for 90% of pupils to study a GCSE in a modern foreign language by 2025.
The article also notes a decline in modern foreign language interest and capacity, impacting professions requiring language skills. However, there are positive signs, like the increasing popularity of Spanish in schools and the introduction of languages like Mandarin and Latin. The National Consortium for Languages Education (NCLE) initiative aims to bridge the language education gap in English state-funded schools, enhancing language teaching standards and increasing modern foreign language qualifications.
Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of language skills for cultural understanding and global engagement, calling for improved language education opportunities for all students in the UK.
Considering the growing social divide in language education between private and state schools in England, as highlighted by the British Council Language Trends England 2023 survey, what steps can be taken to ensure more effective language learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their school type?
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This discussion was modified 1 year ago by
EFL CAFE.
britishcouncil.org
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council looks at the findings of the British Council Language Trends England 2023 survey.
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This discussion was modified 1 year ago by
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