Language studies drop

The Department for Education revealed earlier this year that the number of students studying languages at GCSE was increasing. However, the report, based on an online survey completed by teachers in more than 500 state secondary schools, 600 state primary schools and 120 independent schools, found that interest in the subject after the age of 16 was losing appeal.

The survey also examined trends in the languages students take. There has been a decline in pupils studying French and German at GCSE and A-Level, but a sharp increase in Spanish.

There has also been a moderate increase in the number of schools offering Mandarin Chinese as a language option, as it is 'recognised as crucial to the UK's long-term competitiveness'.

The report suggests several reasons for the post GCSE decline. It highlights schools prioritisation of maths and science as more important as a major factor, while extra tuition in literacy and numeracy as an excuse for omitting language study was also discovered.

Ciaran Devane, chief executive of the British Council said of the report: "Language learning in schools is not doomed, but it will require a combined and concerted effort to give language learning back the respect and prominence it deserves within society as a whole. No-one ever says that they regret having learned a language."

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