Developing literacy skills across languages - Background

Welsh youngsters who start learning a foreign language at the age of 11 should get off to a flying start, as many are bilingual, or have been learning a second language from the age of 5. They therefore have a foundation of language learning that should make them more receptive to third or fourth languages.

However we feel that too often, teachers of Welsh, English and MFL at secondary level have been working in isolation, thus failing to capitalize on the good work that is going on in all three subject areas as regards developing pupils' literacy skills, as well as the earlier work that has gone on at primary level.

ACCAC addressed this issue in its 'Making the Link' guidance document, first published in 2003. It emphasized that a more integrated and transparent approach to language teaching would benefit all pupils aged 5-14 (for example by using the same terminology in the various languages to describe the same parts of speech), and would also allow teachers to take account of their pupils' prior learning. Furthermore, the guidance made teachers aware of the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Welsh, Welsh 2nd Language, English and MFL, thus recognising the considerable similarities that exist between them.

During 2005-2007, CILT Cymru sponsored action-research work on developing literacy skills across the curriculum. This joint activity between language teachers at secondary level helped to raise awareness of the need for language skills across the curriculum, thus also boosting the status of languages within schools.

In primary schools, where there is already a whole-school approach to literacy, those offering a MFL have been encouraged to plan for developing language learning strategies and to incorporate language awareness activities, thus allowing learners to make links and gain a greater understanding of the way languages work.  We have also seen close collaboration with secondary schools to ensure a smooth transition for young language learners.

The Welsh Assembly’s revised Action Plan for MFL, “Making Languages Count” (2010) outlines that the teaching and learning of foreign languages should link explicitly to developing literacy skills across the curriculum.   The original “Making the link” guidance will be revised and launched in September 2011 and will include case studies of good practice in this field.  Further resources can be accessed here.