Where to with A level languages? Bernardette Holmes

www.all-languages.org.uk


Where to with A level languages?

Bernardette HolmesPresident 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?

• Universities, schools, colleges, language associations, professional bodies, employers – students(!)


Nature of the ALL survey

• Online questionnaire (8 headline statements, 2 open questions)• Facebook • Twitter• Email • Snail mail


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


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


Data analysis of ALL survey returns

Headline statement 1(a)

A level languages should include the study of literature and culture:

a) in preparation for the study of language at university level;

Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree

71.428 14.285 7.142


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.


85.714 7.142 7.142


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).


35.714 7.142 57.142



• There is tension between assessment demands for A level and good curriculum practice.


64.285 35.714



• Current A2 is a thorough preparation for language study at university.


7.142 28.571 42.857 21.428



• Current A level develops appropriate skills for students not continuing with language study beyond 18.


7.142 57.142 35.714



• Languages are more difficult than other subjects at A level.


57.142 14.285 21.428



• A range of language qualifications is needed in addition to A level to meet the full spectrum of learner needs.


50.00 28.571 14.285 7.142



• Employers have confidence that A level languages provide appropriate skills for language needs in the workplace.

Strongly agree Agree Disagree ?

35.714 28.571 35.714


Open forum

Key question 9

What is the purpose of A level languages?


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.


Open Forum

•Key question 10

10. What should the core A level curriculum include to ensure progression to language study in Higher Education?


Return of the ‘g’ word!

• More emphasis on grammatical understanding and independent use in speech through discussion and extended conversation and in writing through creative contexts•Greater use of authentic materials and current affairs and richer cultural content for the culturally curious less focus on depressing themes e.g. youth violence•Greater value given to reading and listening for gist and to the ability to summarise key points to share with others


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


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


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


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


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


How do I join ALL?

• Online – at www.all-languages.org.uk; • By telephone – on 0116 229 7600; • By email – to [email protected];• By post – to:

Association for Language Learning, University of LeicesterUniversity Road, Leicester LE1 7RH.

Where to with A level languages? Bernardette Holmes

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