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Where to with A level languages? Bernardette Holmes

www.all-languages.org.uk. Where to with A level languages? Bernardette Holmes President of the Association of Language Learning. Shaping the future OCR Consultative Forum 21.9.11. Purpose/statement of intent(?) Does the A level qualification meet the needs of a wide range of stakeholders?

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Where to with A level languages? Bernardette Holmes

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  1. www.all-languages.org.uk Where to with A level languages? Bernardette Holmes President of the Association of Language Learning

  2. Shaping the future OCR Consultative Forum 21.9.11 Purpose/statement of intent(?) Does the A level qualification meet the needs of a wide range of stakeholders? Universities, schools, colleges, language associations, professional bodies, employers – students(!)

  3. Nature of the ALL survey Online questionnaire (8 headline statements, 2 open questions) Facebook Twitter Email Snail mail

  4. Profile of the sample Directors of Language Colleges Heads of Languages Language Assistants Former HMI Chair of Exam Board 11 Universities (UCML) 2 Language Centres

  5. Representative cross section State sector secondary schools Independent sector (ISMLA) Wales, Northern Ireland, England University Schools of Languages Initial Teacher Education Language professionals No employers

  6. Data analysis of ALL survey returns Headline statement 1(a) A level languages should include the study of literature and culture: in preparation for the study of language at university level;

  7. Headline statement 1(b) A level languages should include the study of literature and culture: b)as part of a general preparation for professional and personal life after school.

  8. Headline statement 2 Current AS and A2 involve too much repetition of topics both vertically (i.e. same topics in GCSE and A Level languages) and horizontally (same topics being used across languages and a range of other subjects).

  9. Headline statement 3 There is tension between assessment demands for A level and good curriculum practice.

  10. Headline statement 4 Current A2 is a thorough preparation for language study at university.

  11. Headline statement 5 Current A level develops appropriate skills for students not continuing with language study beyond 18.

  12. Headline statement 6 Languages are more difficult than other subjects at A level.

  13. Headline statement 7 A range of language qualifications is needed in addition to A level to meet the full spectrum of learner needs.

  14. Headline statement 8 Employers have confidence that A level languages provide appropriate skills for language needs in the workplace.

  15. Open forum Key question 9 What is the purpose of A level languages?

  16. Consensus – cognition, communication and culture It should provide a sound understanding of grammar and culture to allow students to understand others and escape monolingualism. It should be skills-based in order to enable students to pursue language learning in university and in their personal and working lives. A level language study contributes to the development of a well rounded education for all students.

  17. Open Forum Key question 10

  18. Return of the ‘g’ word!

  19. Matters arising Inaccessibility of current AS/A2 Gap between GCSE and AS/A2 is too wide Severe grading Comparability between exam boards – test types and grade boundaries A/S disrupts teaching and learning; Y12 needs to provide three terms of teaching time

  20. Content choice Divergence of opinion of topics Good to develop deeper understanding and wider linguistic competence within topic areas Linking comprehension to topic areas is restrictive and limits word knowledge

  21. Wider contexts Call for free choice of topics so that students can express themselves and their interests Call for return to vocational contexts and business-focussed application of language use Call for refreshed literature options, including plays, films and poetry linked to contemporary themes

  22. Remit for change? AS should provide a genuine scaffold to build on prior learning AS should develop greater independent control of the language system – a firmer understanding of grammar AS should offer more opportunities for independent creative writing to hone developing grammatical skills and love of language

  23. Remit for change? AS should not expect 100% accuracy but should reward developing discursive competence and communication of ideas Opportunities to apply language skills through work experience or cultural exchange should be encouraged and assessed

  24. How do I join ALL? Online – at www.all-languages.org.uk; By telephone – on 0116 229 7600; By email – to info@all-languages.org.uk; By post – to: Association for Language Learning, University of Leicester University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH.

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