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Support for Primary Languages Development
with regard to Standards Fund Allocation 2008-09

The DCSF aims to support Primary Languages with a range of national products and initiatives.

• Key Stage 2 Framework for Languages
• The Languages Ladder
• Schemes of Work
• Foreign Language Assistants
• Courses Abroad
• Transition
• Regional Trainers
• Primary Languages Training Zone

Key Stage 2 Framework for Languages

Parts 1 and 2 were published in October 2005. Part 3 was published in 2007 and provides detailed examples and commentary to support teachers in the key areas of planning, integrating languages into the curriculum, inclusion, progression in language learning, transition and continuity and record keeping and assessment.
For further information see:www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/primary/publications/languages/framework/
Order from:dfes@prolog.uk.com or
call 0845 60 22260 quoting reference 1721-2005DCD-EN for parts 1 and 2
and reference 00171-2007DOM-EN for Part 3.

The Languages Ladder
The National Recognition Scheme for Languages was launched in 2005. It measures achievement in languages in small steps - like music grades. It is designed for learners of all ages and all abilities. OIt can be used to recognise achievement in 25 languages in all four languages skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). The revised national curriculum level descriptors are now aligned with the Languages Ladder. The Department has a contract with Cambridge Assessment materials to develop assessment materials to recognise achievement against the Languages Ladder. (asset Languages qualifications and teacher assessment packs). www.assetlanguages.org.uk/about/availability/aspx

Schemes of Work
The QCA is producing new schemes of work for years 3-6 in French, Geerman and Spanish related clearley to the KS2 Framework for Languages. These are advisory rather than statutory documents and are meant to be used flexibly. Schools can adapt them for their own purposes. Units 1-12 (yrs 3&4) have been published, units 13-24 (yrs5&6) are available in draft form. Following trialling, these units will be finalised and published by January 2009... See www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/schemes. Priced hard copies of units 1-12 and the Teacher's Guide can be ordered from the QCA orderline:www.orderline.qca.org.uk/

Foreign Language Assistants
Using native speakers can enrich the teaching of primary languages by bringing the language alive and developing knowledge of the cultural context of the language being taught. The British Council produces resources to support the use of FLAs in primary schools www.britishcouncil.org/languageassistants.htm

Courses Abroad
The Department has worked with the British Council and the Training and Development Agency for Schools to develop CPD for primary school teachers. Contact chris.souvlis@britishcouncil.org for further information.

Transition

• 
  CILT has been commisioned by the DCSF to run a transition project/ CILT LAnguage Teaching Advisers are working with 8 local authorities currently trialling various projects where the focus is ensuring that transition is meaningful and relevant.
• The National Strategies - Transfer and Transition online module has been written for a KS3 audience and materials explore some of the challenges which surround the movement of learners between key stages 2 and 3 www.nationalstrategiescpd.org.uk/mfl
• Language Colleges supporting primary schools - over 250 SLCs are involved with the ELL-LC project by which CILT provides support and guidance on excellent practice in primary langueges to SLCs and primary partners. www.cilt.org.uk/languagecolleges/projects/ell_lc.htm

Regional Trainers
In order to build capacity in schools and help implemant the KS2 Framework for Languages, the Department commissioned CILT to train a cohort of regional trainers in each Local Authority. For further details contact philip.harding@cilt.org.uk

Primary Languages Training Zone
An online training zone was launched in MArch 2007 and is being constantly updated to support professional developemnt for teachers of primary languages. www.primarylanguages.org.uk

Information on Intercultural Understanding Strand -
British Council initiatives and funded activities to support primary French/German/Spanish

Early Language Learning Regional Support Groups Click here

Primary Languages ideas for use in the classroom - Click here- we would welcome further contributions!