Languages Show in Liverpool

[Helen]

HIya all

Just wondered how many people are going to the Primary Languages Show in Liverpool this year? Can't believe it's been cut to a day instead of two!

 

[Jo Rhys-Jones]

I'm going Helen and I think Clare Seccombe is going too - lots of people struggling to get there this year due to cuts sadly...

[Jan Lewandowski]

I'm going too!

Well, that's at least 4 then!

Actually I know a good number of people who will be going; we have to keep up the profile of Primary Languages in every way we can.

Jan

 

[Rosie]

Jan Lewandowski said:

I'm going too!

Well, that's at least 4 then!

Actually I know a good number of people who will be going; we have to keep up the profile of Primary Languages in every way we can.

Jan

 

[Rosie]

I'm going too - all the way from Oman in the Middle East, so you can imagine how disappointed I am that's it's only one day, after all that travelling! I don't really know anybody, except Jo, who I sat next to at the Keynote Address three years ago and through whom I came across this forum, so please do say hi if you see me! I'll recognise your names from Talkabout PMFL.

 

Really looking forward to it!

[Helen]

Very disappointing! A long way to travel. Maybe we need to make Talkabout badges!

Hope to see you all there.

Hx

[Julie Prince]

G'day!

Not only was I going to the PLS but was also one of the speakers. It is such a fab event that I reckoned it was worth the trip - even from Australia! It was only when they cut it down to one day that I (reluctantly) decided not to go (£5000 is a lot to pay for a 1-day event!).

I was really looking forward to the opportunity to catch up with everyone again. What I don't understand is that the PLS has been going for far longer (15 years) than the funding for primary languages. It even pre-dates that initial white paper back in Feb 2002 when the entitlement was first discussed. Back then it was a 2-day event (albeit much smaller than it has been in recent years). That's why I'm surprised that it has been cut to one day.

I've been trying my best to keep au fait with the situation for languages (both primary and secondary) whilst here in Brisbane. When I read that bit about the government deciding not to make primary languages compulsory but that "any schools currently teaching languages should continue doing so" (or words to that effect) I groaned and thought of all those schools who had "come on board" very reluctantly and who will now be backtracking and singing from the rooftops. Please tell me I am wrong and that is not happening!

I am sure that some kind soul (probably Jan or Jo) will correct me if I've got my facts wrong but this (as follows) is what I think I have gleaned re the current situation in languages...

• It's pretty good news for languages at secondary level in that you will need to study at least one language to qualify for the new English Baccalaureat.
• At KS2 languages will not be compulsory (as they were planned to be from this year) but they are viewed in a positive light and as something "to be encouraged" by the current government.
• We are pinning our hopes on the curiculum review (KS1-4) that is now underway. Phase 1 will consider which subjects should be compulsory and so languages might be one of them. If so, the new programme of study would be introduced from Sept. 2013.

Is that right?

If so, then we could end up exactly where we were - we'll just have lost 2 years (oh, and lots of funding, too!).

 Please do correct me if I have got anything wrong.

 

I am trying, as I said, to keep up to date - mainly through the ELL forum (especially Jan's posts on that). I rarely post a response but that's more to do with the time difference than laziness (by the time I read it, it's the middle of the night in the UK and everything's been said by all the people who have been discussing it that day). I will certainly do my bit and contribute to the curriculum review if I can.

 

To all of you who are going to the PLS, have a fabulous time. I know it will still be the incredible event it always is (and you'll have to wait till next year to catch my Top Gear session).

 

Julie

 

[Jo Rhys-Jones]

HI ROSIE!

 

Soo pleased you'll be there - I'll look out for you - it will be a bit of a reunion!

Jo x

[Jo Rhys-Jones]

awww Julie!!!!

 

I wanted to catch up with you! I really miss you so much here! Saw Lynn Erler lthe other week when she came to the ICT Links Into MFL Conference and said to pass on my love to you when she sees you next. Heard about the book hold-up too - wondered where it had gone as I've been constantly trying to get hold of some copies so give them a big kick and get them to get it out soon!

 

Hopefully Suzi Bewell has been in touch re phonics (she's writing a Links course and I suggested she really ought to be talking to you)

 

You've about got the gist of stuff - the entitlement still stands but hasn't been rubber stamped as statutory - EBac is fantastic news for raising profile of MFL at secondary but 'call for evidence' on EBac closes 8th March (see DfE website) and of course academies and those caught out by the retrospective publishing of results (oh yeah thats everyone) are not too happy about it,  the National Curriculum review call for evidence 1st phase closes later in April.

 

You'd be so PROUD of the amazing work schools have done - you really inspired people so hurry up and pay us a visit sooner rather than later!

Jo x