GCSE (General Certificate Secondary Education) results published recently showed a significant drop in the number of British pupils’ taking languages. Although results are predicted to rise once again this year, it is likely there will be worse performance overall in language GCSE, the Guardian has reported.
GCSE is the principal means of assessing pupil attainment at the end of compulsory secondary education. Although several initiatives have been introduced to boost the numbers taking GCSEs in languages such as French and German, which began to drop when the subjects became optional at key stage 4 in 2004, it is an uphill struggle. David Mansfield, chairman of the UK Specialist Schools and Academies Trust’s steering group, said, “Making languages optional at key stage 4 has been the decimation of languages at GCSE. Under 30 percent of kids are taking languages.” In French and German classes, students get a grade below what they get in other subjects.
According to Mansfield, the government isn’t trying to destroy languages and they are apologetic about it. But making languages optional was one of the most irresponsible and unforeseen acts. Unless it goes back in as a compulsory part of the curriculum, the problem will still exist.
John Dunford, general secretary of the UK Association of School and College Leaders, has blamed employers for the drop in taking language GCSEs. Dunford said employers must bear a substantial responsibility for the fall in modern language numbers. “Until they send out a much stronger message to young people that languages are important in the job market, GCSE numbers will continue to be low and British industry will continue to struggle to compete in a global market,” he said.
From 2008, schools will have to report results for language and science GCSE subjects for the league tables the government draws up.
