Modern Foreign Languages, To Be or Not To Be?

Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) in schools is under significant pressure due to a combination of reasons, including teacher recruitment issues. Despite meeting recruitment targets in some subjects, MFL has missed its targets for 11 consecutive years, with only a third of the expected new teachers entering the profession.

There is also low student uptake, with only 44.7% of students taking an MFL at GCSE, well below the 75% target set. This could be because exams have historically been graded more harshly compared to other subjects, leading to reduced motivation and performance among both students and teachers.

There have been fewer school trips abroad and less international exchanges due to both the pandemic and Brexit which have hindered students’ engagement with languages and their cultural context as well as the availability of EU graduates as language teachers which have been affected by visa restrictions and international fees, reducing the pool of potential teachers.

The Labour Party's plan for a review of the curriculum and assessment is seen as a critical moment to strengthen the position of MFL, potentially reshaping its place in education. Experts argue that language skills offer invaluable personal development, from enhanced cognitive abilities to better job prospects. Additionally, learning languages connects students with broader global perspectives, which is crucial in a highly interconnected world.

It is suggested that improving MFL teaching in primary schools is essential and it should be given more time and priority to lay a strong foundation for secondary education, which would help boost GCSE take-up and that school trips abroad and immersive experiences are crucial for engaging students with languages. These experiences offer real-world contexts for language learning, making it more relatable and engaging.

MFL is at a crossroads, with mounting challenges that threaten its prominence in the curriculum. However, the ongoing curriculum review presents an opportunity to reimagine how MFL is taught and valued in schools. Experts argue that without reform, language education could continue to decline, depriving future generations of critical skills that will shape their ability to thrive in a global society.