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Why do we need to 'Make the Link?' |
As outlined in 'Languages Count' the Welsh Assembly Government strategy
for MFL, 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 allows teachers
to become aware of National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Welsh,
Welsh 2nd Language, English and MFL, thus recognising the considerable
similarities that exist between them.
CILT Cymru has therefore decided to sponsor action-research work on developing
literacy skills across the curriculum.This joint activity between language
teachers at secondary level is helping to raise awareness of the need
for language skills across the curriculum, thus boosting the status of
languages within secondary schools. In primary schools, where there is
already a whole-school approach to literacy, we wish to see further collaboration
with secondary schools to ensure a smooth transition for young language
learners. For primary schools involved in the WAG KS2 pilot for MFL, there
will be opportunities to further develop strategies which allow learners
to make links and gain a greater understanding of the way languages work.
Click here to download the ACCAC document 'Making
the Link'
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