The Languages Company

Ofsted has published its latest report on Languages, entitled Modern languages: Achievement and challenge 2007-2011.

The report outlines the good progress that has been made in primary languages and notes in particular that senior leaders are very committed to introducing languages in their schools and that there has been good support available with effective use of national frameworks and guidance . Teaching, achievement and pupils' enjoyment were all good overall. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement in the teaching of reading and writing.

In secondary schools, the picture is described as more mixed, with reducing numbers of students taking modern languages in Key Stage 4 along with important weaknesses and barriers preventing good language learning throughout secondary education, including insufficient use of the target language.. According to OFSTED this is shown in pupils' under developed speaking skills and in a lack of use of authentic materials. Many schools had also failed to build on what pupils had already learnt in primary schools. On the other hand attainment is improving for those who do enter for qualifications

The recommendations from this report are reproduced here .

The full report can be accessed from the Ofsted website.