Last updated: 18 Feb 2008

Two new reports published on GCSE modern foreign languages

You can download two new QCA documents from the right-hand side of this page: Report of investigation into the assessment of speaking for GCSE modern foreign languages and Grade standards in GCSE modern foreign languages.

Community languages in secondary schools

QCA commissioned a research project on the teaching of community languages in secondary schools and links with supplementary schools. The project report and examples of good practice found in the schools involved can be downloaded from the right-hand menu.

Modern foreign languages in the key stage 4 curriculum

This publication sets out the statutory requirements and non-statutory guidelines for modern foreign languages at key stage 4. It suggests different courses that schools might offer and includes information on qualifications.

The booklet has been distributed to all schools with key stage 3 and key stage 4 pupils. The booklet can be downloaded from this page.

Pupils' views on language learning

This report describes a study of Year 9 pupils' perspectives on language learning. It includes details of how the survey was conducted and an analysis of the findings. The project report can be downloaded from the right-hand menu.

Maximising take-up of languages at key stage 4

This project investigated the successful strategies of schools that have succeeded in bucking the national trend by increasing the proportion of pupils learning languages at key stage 4 or by maintaining a high take-up within an options scheme. The project report, which can be downloaded from the right-hand menu, identifies the key factors influencing the take-up of languages at key stage 4 and includes a number of case studies.

The use of ICT for teaching and learning languages

This project aimed to identify successful and innovative practice in the use of information and communication technology for teaching and learning modern foreign languages in schools. The project report and case studies, which focused on the impact on the learner, can be downloaded from the right-hand menu.

QCA seminar 'Modern foreign languages: Looking to the future'

QCA hosted a one-day invitational seminar in February 2004 titled 'Modern foreign languages: Looking to the future'. Participants discussed four papers written by subject experts that addressed areas of current interest.

The papers were titled:

• Establishing firm foundations for MFL at key stage 2
• A tranformed key stage 3?
• Assessment at 16+ in MFL GCSE. Wither? Whither?
• Can CLIL offer a replicable model for teaching MFL in English secondary schools?

You can download the seminar report, which includes the papers, from the right-hand menu.