The new Ofsted framework emphasises the need for leaders to strategically build genuine expertise in their staff, moving away from simply ticking off a certain amount of CPD over a period of time. Francesca Pini, the founder and creator of Language Angels, outlines how she believes this can be easily achieved in primary foreign languages.
Why is a
strategic and long-term approach to CPD particularly important for foreign
languages at primary phase?
Much of the
teaching of a foreign language is currently being delivered by non-specialist
generalist primary teachers. With the excellent edtech products available such
as Language
Angels it is most definitely do-able for staff, but teachers must
understand what they are teaching and importantly why to ensure high-quality
foreign language lessons that ensure engagement, accuracy and progression. This
takes time and cannot be done in one single annual ‘tick the box completed’ CPD
session.
How to
Ensure Staff Have Constant Access to High-Quality Subject Specific CPD?
Staff should
have ongoing professional development. School deficits and tight budgets mean
staff no longer have the funds let alone the time to physically leave the
school building for networking and training events as many of us were able to
do in the past. For this reason, we must harness the technology already
developed and bring the CPD directly into the hands of the teachers. Websites
like the Languages CPD Hub (https://languagescpdhub.com/) are supporting this need and are very cost effective.
What do
Primary Teachers Delivering Foreign Languages Need?
Staff need a
balance of strong curriculum knowledge but essentially must have an awareness
of how the language they are teaching works. They should have knowledge of the
basic grammar, phonics and vocabulary the pupils are expected to cover by the
time they leave primary phase, even if they are not fluent speakers themselves,
and should be supported by a well-known and respected scheme of work. Staff
must know what is being taught when and why, as the pedagogy of teaching a
foreign language is crucial, and they must know why something is taught in a
particular way and how it differs to other subjects on the primary curriculum.
What is
Language Angels doing?
Having a
well-resourced and fully planned SoW is the first step. However, teachers must
be able to access CPD throughout the year. The teaching and learning team
behind Language Angels constantly support their schools with an extensive range
of bespoke CPD options that schools can choose from (https://languageangels.com/cpd). Added to this they have also have created a brand-new
training portal called The Languages CPD Hub (https://languagescpdhub.com) to ensure all bases and needs are covered. It is first
platform of its kind where all teachers can access high-quality CPD training to
improve their knowledge and skills in all things connected to primary foreign
languages. It helps to strengthen curriculum knowledge and boost language
skills and provides upskilling opportunities that can take place at a time that
suits the teacher, at a pace dictated by themselves. It ensures that all
diverse needs are met and teachers can decide when to complete the training, do
the same training multiple times if required and have qualified, experienced
teachers on hand to answer all their questions!
