Next steps for Modern Foreign Languages teaching at secondary level in England
Monday, 16th January 2017
Central London

To view the latest agenda and to book your please, please visit www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/forums/event.php?eid=1376&t=18986

Bringing together stakeholders and key policymakers this seminar will discuss key issues for teaching Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) in England’s secondary schools, and for language teachers themselves.

It will be an opportunity to consider the findings of the Teaching Schools Council’s review of MFL pedagogy in secondary schools, which aims to identify and share the most effective ways of teaching MFL. The chair of the review, Ian Bauckham, is a keynote speaker.

Delegates will assess issues for effective implementation following the review related to the use of textbooks in the classroom and second language acquisition. They will also discuss the impact of teaching English grammar at primary level on students learning modern languages, and improving student motivation, both in and out of the classroom, for example through the use of technology.

Further sessions will consider key issues for teachers and teaching including how the classification of MFL as an EBacc subject will affect schools and language teachers, as well as steps that can be taken to ease the pressures on teachers, improve the recruitment and retention of language teachers, and how teachers can be effectively supported in their professional development.

We are delighted that Ian Bauckham, Immediate Past President, ASCL; Executive Headteacher, Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, Kent and Chair, Review of Modern Foreign Language pedagogy in KS3 & 4, Teaching Schools Council is delivering a keynote address, alongside Vicky Gough, Schools Advisor, British Council and Darren Northcott, National Official, Education, NASUWT at this seminar.

Dr Anna Lise Gordon, President Elect, Association for Language Learning and Academic Director – Secondary Provision, Teaching and Learning, St Mary’s University, London; Professor Suzanne Graham, Professor of Language and Education, University of Reading; José Picardo, Assistant Principal, Digital Strategy, Surbiton High School, Kingston upon Thames and David Shanks, MFL Consultant and Leading Practitioner, Harris Federation has also agreed to speak.