Foreign language skills have local benefits

Learning a new language also creates exciting opportunities to learn about different lifestyles and cultures. Yet, sadly, the uptake of students learning foreign languages has dropped. According to figures published by exam boards, pupils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland sat 382,228 language GCSEs this year - compared with 559,115 in 2002.

Camden Council is one local authority getting creative with languages to achieve community benefits. There are more than 1,200 Somali children in Camden's education system and Somali people make up the second largest black and minority ethnic group in the borough. So Camden is now promoting Somali through the Asset Languages scheme, as part of the National Languages Strategy. The scheme is designed to motivate language learners from primary school right through to higher education and reward their skills with accreditation. Asset Languages qualifications are recognised and transferable and can be compared on the national qualification framework. The benefits anticipated include improving community integration, enhancing the self- esteem of Somali students and improving communication between generations.