New key stage 2 scheme of work for languages

A new key stage 2 scheme of work with units for French, German and Spanish is now available. Consisting of 24 units for each language and a Teacher's guide, the scheme suggests a way of enabling learners to the meet the objectives of the Key stage 2 framework for languages (DfES, 2005).

Publications

Four reports, Community languages in secondary schools, Pupils' views on language learning, Maximising take-up of languages at key stage 4 and The use of ICT for teaching and learning languages, can be accessed from this page.

Links between the former QCA scheme of work for French (published 2000) and the key stage 2 framework for languages

The DfES published the Key stage 2 framework for languages to support the entitlement of every child aged 7 to 11 to learn a new language. This QCA guidance shows the links between this framework and the learning objectives of the former QCA scheme of work for key stage 2 French.

The guidance can be downloaded from this page.

The Languages Ladder

The DfES officially launched the Languages Ladder in May 2005. This new scheme gives language learners the possibility of measuring their progress against a grading system that extends from absolute beginners to experts. Details of the Languages Ladder are available on the DfES Languages website.

OCR has developed an assessment scheme, known as 'Asset Languages', with qualifications based on the Languages Ladder. Details of this scheme are available on the OCR website.

German spelling reform

There continues to be some confusion in German-speaking countries about the implementation of the spelling reform. As a result, it has been agreed with awarding bodies that, until further notice, both old and new forms of German spelling will be accepted from candidates for GCSE, GCE AS/A level and advanced extension awards. Awarding bodies will, however, continue to use new spellings in question papers and in any support materials they publish, except in texts reproduced from sources where old spellings are used.