Last week, the NCLE (National Consortium for Languages Education) held the first in a series of six webinars on practical language teaching in schools in England on the language GCSE. Missed it? Don’t worry: five more sessions are on the way, so stay tuned. The first session looked back at the first assessment of the … Continue reading “How to master the new GCSE: tips for students and teachers”
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Your language journey matters: National A-Level class
With MFL schools under pressure Shrinking student numbers, hardworking teachers at risk of burnout, and outdated, unappealing teaching resources: this is the reality many schools in the UK face when it comes to modern foreign languages (MFL). MFL education is under pressure. Despite inspiring projects and initiatives that raise awareness of the importance of language … Continue reading “Your language journey matters: National A-Level class”
Languages and the new GCSE
How to move forward after the release of the GCSE results In September 2024, the new GCSE for Modern Foreign Languages was launched in the UK. On 245 pages the Department for Education informs readers about the requirements to pass the exams, and lays the foundation for the A-Level in French, German and Spanish. The … Continue reading “Languages and the new GCSE”
Learning Languages – Gain a Superpower
“Learn a language, gain a superpower!” – and that was just the beginning! On 10 June, teachers participating in the Authentic Language in the Classroom project in Birmingham turned their ideas about language learning into creative and eye-catching posters. From inspiring slogans to convincing arguments, they came up with a whole range of fresh ideas … Continue reading “Learning Languages – Gain a Superpower”
Bringing the spark to your classroom
KinoTage – SCHOOLS PROGRAMME WED 30 SEP – FRI 2 OCT 2026, Goethe-Institut London + Extended Period for Schools Nationwide Autumn is the cosy season, when staying at home, munching on popcorn and enjoying a good film adds on the cosy vibes. It’s also back-to-school season, and motivation for the new academic year usually kicks … Continue reading “Bringing the spark to your classroom”
How can we raise awareness of the importance and value of languages?
One of the highlights of the Living the Language: Authentic Language in the Classroom conference at the University of Nottingham was an inspiring roundtable discussion that brought teachers and experts together to talk about the future of language learning in the UK. What made the discussion particularly valuable was the opportunity for teachers to have … Continue reading “How can we raise awareness of the importance and value of languages? “
Communication is Key
Outreach: Communication Is Key Another perspective on language outreach came from Dawn Piper, Curriculum Coordinator for Languages at Littleover Community School and Hub & Network Lead. Working in a large school of around 1,850 students, Dawn highlighted both the challenges and opportunities of promoting languages. Remarkably, the school offers examinations in languages including Polish, Greek … Continue reading “Communication is Key”
Language Outreach: Connecting Universities, Schools and Learners
Language Outreach? At the University of Nottingham, an engaging discussion on language outreach was followed by a lively panel discussion. The event brought together different perspectives on the current state of language outreach in the UK and raised some important questions: What is already being done to promote language learning? Where is there still room … Continue reading “Language Outreach: Connecting Universities, Schools and Learners”
Not Broken German: What Youth Language Really Sounds Like
Beyond Kiezdeutsch: What Youth Language Can Teach Us About German How contemporary youth language challenges stereotypes — and why it belongs in the German classroom 1. From Kanak Sprak to Kiezdeutsch: Rethinking “Broken German” “Wallah, ich geh Kino.” — Kiezdeutsch Few linguistic phenomena have sparked as much public debate in Germany as Kiezdeutsch. Since the … Continue reading “Not Broken German: What Youth Language Really Sounds Like”
The Decline of Language Degrees in the UK: A Threat to Social Mobility?
A major blow for Russell Group universities, which traditionally stand for academic excellence, quality, and prestige, has emerged following the University of Nottingham’s proposal to become the first Russell Group institution to offer no language degree programmes. The decline of language education in the UK is therefore deepening further. This decision is largely driven by … Continue reading “The Decline of Language Degrees in the UK: A Threat to Social Mobility?”