The
conclusions and recommendations of the independent review of the
curriculum, assessment and qualifications system in England led by Professor Becky
Francis are now available for all to see and read. On
the whole, there was a clear focus on ‘evolution and not revolution’ with an
extensive public call for evidence from all stakeholders. Francesca Pini, the
founder and creator of Language Angels, outlines what she believes this
means for foreign language teaching and learning at primary phase as it now has
its well-deserved and necessary fixed place on the primary curriculum.
Will
Teachers Finally Have Prescribed Core Content?
The review
has indeed recommended a clearly defined minimum core content in French,
Spanish and German (adaptable for schools teaching other languages) in the new
Key Stage 2 Programme. We expect this to outline which phonemes, which
vocabulary and which grammar should be taught to help standardise what
‘substantial progress in one language’ could look like. This is something we
have always provided at Language Angels for all our schools. We do not expect
it to be very different to what we offer but we welcome clearer guidance and a
more uniform approach as it will help better support transition to the
secondary phase.
Will
Schools Have Guidance on Timetabling Foreign Language Lessons?
We do expect
better guidance on lesson frequency and length. Many schools are offering less
than 30 minutes (which can also be on alternate weeks or terms)! Schools with
these delivery models do not see substantial progress and, if a core
content is recommended, schools will need better guidance on timetabling to
ensure this is covered. We expect to see 45-60 mins weekly lessons recommended.
Has the
Thorny Issue of Transition Been Resolved?
Transition
has been specifically mentioned as a key issue for concern. Pupils often move to secondary phase
only to repeat language previously taught or start a new language completely.
It has been recommended that boroughs and trusts have a more coordinated
approach and explore one main language being taught across both teaching
phases.
How Can
Teachers Ensure They Have the Required Level of Subject Expertise?
It will now
be imperative that teachers delivering any subject on the curriculum have a
minimum level of subject expertise. This ensures subject content is accurate, relevant, and balanced
between depth and breadth, leading to a more effective and engaging learning
experience. This expertise involves understanding a subject's core concepts,
how to structure learning over time, and identifying common misconceptions to
help pupils build mastery.
How is
Language Angels Supporting Primary Schools During This Period of Change?
Language Angels welcomes the changes and, as always, is already very well prepared. We already offer three languages, French, Spanish and Italian, and our focus has always been on developing language skills as well as ensuring substantial progression. A coordinated approach to one single language is not always possible if secondary schools have a large number of primary feeder schools. We do agree that a minimum content will support many teachers and have always advocated this in our materials. We hope that this will include specified content not only in the three pillars but in terms of outcomes. What should a child be able to do and say by the time they leave the primary phase? We believe they should be able to present themselves, say the date, describe the weather, talk about a family member or friend at a minimum. A promotion of language learning skills generally such as language learning strategies would also equip our young learners better for future language learning (so decoding skills, understanding the value of cognates, dictionary work to expand their general vocabulary etc). All the Language Angels teaching & learning team and resource creators are ready and always improving and innovating the website and all the materials to ensure we are always completely curriculum compliant. As Language Angels has never been one learning pathway or one single scheme of work, adapting to any potential changes will be very easy for our team of experts. The team is ready to support and provide clear guidance when more details are released ahead of September 2028. Language Angels, along with the Languages CPD Hub, provide a well-resourced and proven solution to primary foreign language teaching and learning, with high-quality resources and accurate language (I have found that not all commercial products in this area are accurate).
