The introduction of the Diploma presents an exciting opportunity for schools and colleges to review the courses they offer and the way they deliver languages. Some students may wish to continue with a language studied in primary school and the early years of secondary education; others may wish to start a new language that is particularly relevant to a Diploma line of learning and to local needs. Many may need encouragement to opt for even a small amount of language learning. Employers endorse the importance of learning languages and wish to encourage uptake within the additional and specialist learning (ASL) of all Diploma lines.

This guidance highlights how within ASL providers can make learning a language motivating and relevant to principal learning, with links to other areas of the curriculum and meeting the needs of students of differing abilities and interests. It will in time form part of a wider set of guidance on delivery of ASL. This guidance gives practical suggestions on how to make languages relevant and more applied through contextualisation to the Diploma principal learning.  It aims to assist schools in raising the profile of languages, increasing take up and meeting their benchmark, and will also support colleges who are keen to promote languages within the Diploma.

This guidance is for senior managers and practitioners in schools and colleges who are planning the delivery of the Diploma, advising students and parents on the options at key stage 4 and post 16 as well as raising awareness of the importance of languages in the world of work.

Please click on the pages to the left hand side to view the different sections of the languages in ASL guidance.