Supporting the new secondary curriculum for languages

Our aim is to provide a one-stop-shop, with links to the official websites and a wide range of support and information.

To get in touch, please email languages@all-nsc.org.uk. If you would like to discuss something by phone, give a phone number along with your message and we will get back to you.

STOP PRESS:

ALL is co-hosting a FREE workshop at the International Learning and Research Centre, South Gloucestershire, which will bring together teachers in key stages 2 and 3 to look at two inspirational approaches to language learning: Story Making and using Higher Order Thinking Skills. The workshop will show how these approaches can help to develop a smooth transition between key stages.
Read more...

We need more applications for LinkedUp awards! We are making the application form more straightforward and there is a new expression of interest form which takes only a couple of minutes to complete. When we receive the form we will get back to you to discuss your ideas.
- Who can apply? Pretty much anyone!
- What would I need to do? Work with a small group of teachers in schools or colleges to develop an aspect of the languages curriculum. The funding will pay for cover AND for time spent working on the project out of school hours. Find out more...

This year's LANGUAGE WORLD CONFERENCE will be held at the University of York from 25-27 March 2010. The best languages conference of the year is fantastic value at only £100 per day for ALL individual members, and £125 for group members. And there is lots to enjoy - our 20th anniversary celebration, the big publishers' exhibition and a huge range of brilliant speakers and topics. But don't take my word for it - come and see for yourself! View the programme and application form... (pdf, 989KB)

What else is new?

Here is the latest edition of ASPECT's newsletter about support for the new secondary curriculum (pdf, 292KB). The languages section gives some ideas for using the cross-curriculum dimensions to make links between languages and other subjects. Download a pdf of the article... (59KB)

Guidance from the DCSF on the new Vetting and Barring Scheme Read more...

How to sum up the languages curriculum in 8 minutes? This is how we did it at the recent cross-curriculum conferences - Compelling learning in languages (ppt, 1.8 MB) BOOK NOW for the remaining FREE conferences taking place this term. Further information...

Buy your copy of CURRICULUM NOW!
The new publication from Rachel Hawkes has received glowing feedback from language teachers. Find out more and download an order form...

WHAT IS HAPPENING to the programme of subject specific support for the new secondary curriculum?

The programme is continuing up to the end of March 2010. During this time we are continuing to run friendly, local workshops in each region. In most cases you will hear about the workshops through your Local Authority, ALL branch or Regional Subject Adviser (RSA), and it is worth also keeping your eye on the Links Into Languages website.

- Not yet a member of ALL? Don't miss out on a host of activities and events around the country and the weekly e-newsletter to keep you up to date. Find out more about membership... and have a look at the events...

Ofsted has published an interesting report on the impact of the new curriculum so far.

Useful documents

THE RENEWED FRAMEWORK FOR LANGUAGES: The new version of the Key Stage 3 Framework is now available online, together with examples of learning activities. It has been designed to complement the new secondary curriculum and to help departments with their planning. The objectives, guidance and exemplification can be accessed on http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/mfl. In a hurry? Click on this link to download a pdf of all the objectives!

Downloadable resource pack: key documents relating to the new curriculum can now be downloaded to print off as a useful reference guide...

- What is a compelling learning experience? QCA explains...

- The QCDA website has a great checklist of ways of building Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills into language learning...

- The PoS at a glance - download it here. The programme of study on one side of A4 for easy reference.

The official new secondary curriculum website
http://curriculum.qcda.gov.uk has comprehensive information about the new curriculum, including the revised Programme of Study for languages, guidance and case studies.

You can download the revised programme of study for languages here. The PoS applies to Key Stage 3 and came into force for Year 7 from September 2008. But it's not just about the programme of study. The new curriculum takes a holistic view of all secondary education including the 14-19 phase, and we recommend that language teachers get involved in discussion and planning at whole school level in order to ensure that languages play a full role in any new developments.

You can also download here the very useful big picture diagram of the new curriculum.