The Association for Language Learning, as a member of the Council for Subject Associations (CfSA), endorses the newly published CfSA Manifesto for 2017. As a membership organisation and charity, the Association for Language Learning are unable to lobby but will continue to communicate, collaborate and connect the language profession with educational and non-educational stakeholders. ALL agrees with the five priorities set out by CfSA and sees the various priorities strongly interlinked.
For secondary language provision, it is essential that the new government sets out a clear strategy with regards to the expectation of language learning at Key Stage 4. A clear policy statement is also required on the status of the English Baccalaureate as a school performance measure, as this is directly linked to the recruitment issue of language teachers for secondary schools.
At primary level, ALL welcomed the introduction of languages for all pupils from Year 3 onwards. At the time, ALL raised concerns regarding the capacity and ability of non-specialist primary teachers delivering four years of language learning. There are numerous examples of successful language teaching and learning at primary school level. However, in order to fully embed primary languages across the sector, a greater focus on languages in the primary initial teacher training programmes, as well as continuous professional development, is essential.
With regards to continuous professional development, ALL is an advocate for subject specific professional development. Teachers of languages should be given adequate time to prepare for curriculum changes in order to maximise the learning success of their pupils.
When considering new policies, we are in full agreement that the new government should consider all resource implications, prior to introducing the policy and most importantly have a clear plan of action for implementation. The breadth of subjects is of a particular concern to our membership, particularly at A Level where languages continue to be squeezed together with art related subjects. A further reduction of A Level language courses will lead not only to a reduced cohort of language students at universities but also a diminishing cohort of potential language teachers in the future.
The Association for Language Learning continues to be committed to working closely with policy makers and established educational and non-educational stakeholders after the General Election, in order to achieve the best possible language provision for future generations and the future of the UK within a reformed Europe and a changed world.
Following the publication of manifestos by the various political parties, the Association for Language Learning will publish a summary of key points of importance for education and language teaching and learning.
René Koglbauer, Chair of Board of Trustees, Association for Language Learning