Call For All Languages Degrees in UK

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Decline in languages

Language learning has been in decline for several years.

The British Academy report notes that in 2001, 22% of pupils in England did not take a GCSE in a language - by 2008, this rose to 56%.

The report said the government's decision in 2004 to make languages optional for pupils in England from the age of 14 only exacerbated the decline.

It warned that A-level language entries had declined by 28% between 1996 and 2007.

The loss of A-level candidates had led to a decline in the number of students taking language degrees, resulting in the closure of as many as a third of university language departments in seven years, the report said.

In Northern Ireland, a revised curriculum introduced in 2007 compels pupils to study a language in the first three years of secondary education but not at GCSE level.

Pupils in Wales are also allowed to drop languages for Key Stage 4 (the GCSE years).

Languages have not been compulsory in Scotland's schools since 2001.

However, schools are expected to offer pupils the chance to study a modern language no later than Primary 6 (the penultimate year of primary school) until the end of Secondary 3 (14 and 15-year-olds).

The government has set a target of all primary school pupils in England getting a chance to study a foreign language by 2010.

This, it is hoped, will enthuse children and eventually improve GCSE entries.