Exam success not matched by spoken language skills
Joe Lepper
Monday, June 30, 2008
Pupils are struggling to speak modern languages despite improvements in exam results over the last four years, according to a report by Ofsted.
The inspection body looked at modern language teaching between 2004 and 2007 and found that speaking was the least developed skill among pupils.
Despite improved grades in both primary and secondary school during the period, pupils at only third of schools were found to have good speaking skills.
A lack of emphasis on students using other languages in real life situations was blamed. This hampers pupils' ability to speak creatively and express themselves, The changing landscape of languages found.
"Learning a foreign language equips pupils with invaluable skills and can also be a very enjoyable experience. Yet many young people are not reaching their full potential, or are deterred from continuing to study languages, because of the way they are taught," says Ofsted's chief inspector Christine Gilbert.
Recommendations made include a greater use of multi-media, conducting lessons in another language and setting up lunchtime language clubs.
Despite improved grades in both primary and secondary school during the period, pupils at only third of schools were found to have good speaking skills.
A lack of emphasis on students using other languages in real life situations was blamed. This hampers pupils' ability to speak creatively and express themselves, The changing landscape of languages found.
"Learning a foreign language equips pupils with invaluable skills and can also be a very enjoyable experience. Yet many young people are not reaching their full potential, or are deterred from continuing to study languages, because of the way they are taught," says Ofsted's chief inspector Christine Gilbert.
Recommendations made include a greater use of multi-media, conducting lessons in another language and setting up lunchtime language clubs.
