News Archive 2005

Lessons learnt from languages 17.12.05

There are just 173 days, and counting, to the soccer World Cup in Germany. More than 100,000 England fans are planning to travel there in June.....

Christmas Cheer for Languages Entitlement 15.12.05

CILT, the National Centre for Languages, has warmly welcomed today's announcement by Schools Minister Jacqui Smith that schools will be required to set targets of no fewer than 50% of pupils taking languages to GCSE or similar.

More pupils' must be taught foreign languages' 15.12.05

At least half of all pupils should be tackling a foreign language at key stage 4, according to targets set down today by schools minister Jacqui Smith.

With over 300 languages spoken by its residents, London is one of the most multilingual capitals in the world. By pledging your support to Welcome the World, you are showing that you share the vision to make the most of languages in the capital. Although we enjoy the benefits of using English to communicate at home and abroad, we fail to maximise the potential of our rich linguistic diversity. The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will rely on the best possible communication in our city and with people and organisations across the globe: they give us a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a lasting legacy for languages in London.

You can pledge your support to Welcome the World as an individual or on behalf of your organisation. Click here for more info on Welcome the World.

 

Thousands of pupils dropping languages for 'easier' subjects - 04.11.05

Tens of thousands of pupils have deserted the study of modern foreign languages since the Government made them optional, according to a survey published yesterday.....read more.

Languages framework for 7-11s - 01.11.05

The Government's commitment to make a foreign language available to all 7- to 11-year-olds by 2010 has taken a step forward with the publication of a languages framework backed by more training and cash for schools.

Languages for all primary schools 27.10.05

Many teachers lack the confidence and skills to implement government plans to extend language learning to all primary schools, research suggests. The government's response is to raise interest in languages at an earlier age...read more.

European Day of Languages - half of the EU's population can speak a language other than their mother tongue - 26/09/05

On 26 September, Europe will be celebrating its linguistic diversity. Organised annually since 2001 by the Council of Europe, the European Day of Languages aims to encourage language learning among all age groups and to emphasise the importance of linguistic diversity. Each year, the EU spends over 30 million euros on language learning. Click here for more info on what you can do to celebrate the European Day of Languages.

Poll supports teaching of languages - 26/09/05

Ministers have come under fresh pressure to tackle the steep drop in pupils taking French and German at school, after a poll found more than 90% of adults want their children to learn a language.

UK 'loves languages after all' - 25/09/05

Seven out of ten people have tried to learn a language at some point in their life and most wish they could speak one more fluently, a survey found.

How to choose a translations services supplier - 06/09/05

If you are thinking of translating your company's technical or promotional material into foreign languages, identifying a good quality supplier of translation services can be a headache.

Exam watchdog reviews GCSE glitches in languages grading - 20/08/05

A REVIEW of GCSEs has been launched by the Government's examination watchdog amid concern over the grading of papers by England's three exam boards.

Fears for the economy as pupils go for 'soft' options - 19/08/05

A GLUT of students taking "soft" A-levels threatens to damage the British economy, business leaders warned last night, as it emerged that media studies had become more popular than physics.

Business needs language graduates- 15/08/05

BUSINESS leaders demanded urgent action today to halt the decline in the number of teenagers studying A-Level science and foreign languages.

Languages exam plea - 14/08/05

Britain's economic future will be "compromised" unless more students study science and foreign languages, the director general of CBI fears.

British Troops on a mission - 28/07/05

The British military is teaching Arabic to a growing number of its troops as part of its battle for Iraqi hearts and minds.

Language gap leads to 'trade gap' - 05/07/05

The lack of language skills in the UK is seriously damaging business. Click here to read more.

Schools teaching 30 languages - 21/06/05

The number of pupils taking GCSEs in languages such as Chinese, Arabic and Turkish has doubled in the past decade.

Heathrow speaks your language - 17/06/05

A new report published by West London Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has revealed that a large number of workers at Heathrow Airport are keen to learn new languages. Many employees feel that improving their language skills would help them perform better in their jobs, highlighting an important skills gap for the LSC and employers to plug.

Adults can be retrained to learn second languages more easily - 16/06/05

Our ability to hear and understand a second language becomes more and more difficult with age, but the adult brain can be retrained to pick up foreign sounds more easily again.

  Latest News