Renewed KS3 Framework for Languages-RSA Meeting, ALL, London, 14th July 2009

This was my first meeting as a Regional Secondary Adviser for ALL (Association for Language Learning) and it proved a very useful information-packed first contact.
The second session was lead by Alison Edwards, Programme Lead for MFL for The National Strategies.

The renewed Secondary Framework for modern foreign languages (MFL) is being updated to help maintain engagement and motivation at Ks3 and to encourage students to carry on with languages at key stage 4. It will be officially launched in September 2009.

The official aims also include the following:

• Improving Learning and Teaching
• Supporting the implementation of the new Programmes of study (PoS)
• Raising standards and closing attainment gaps
• Planning for progression
• Increasing flexibility for personalised learning

A number of schools have trialled a draft version of the renewed Framework and the feedback has been positive. Teachers welcome the fact that it is skills-based, learner-focused, and appropriate to support them with the typical Y7 class who has had a variety of linguistic experiences in Primary School.

The renewed Framework is based on the new programme of study for MFL, which also promotes the development of “Intercultural Understanding”. It also aims to help teachers planning for new learning contexts that give students opportunities to explore aspects of the target language country’s life and culture.

It has five strands of progression that aim to mirror the KS2 Framework:
1. Listening and Speaking
2. Reading and Writing
3. Intercultural Understanding (IU)
4. Knowledge about Language (KaL)
5. Language Learning Strategies (LLS)

Some of the features mentioned were:

*The emphasis is now more on the learning objectives for students rather than on a particular type of task.

*Increased emphasis on key concepts and processes.

*Electronic format that follows the format of the core secondary Framework and has direct links to the new Programmes of Study (PoS). You need to register on the website to get some of the information but the MFL link takes you to both the Framework site and the 16 online modules specific to MFL teaching as well as the Exemplification, objectives and guidance sub-sections.

The 16 online modules provide a range of training opportunities for teachers and cover 4 main areas:
*Generic pedagogy issues
*Modern Language-specific pedagogy
*Planning the use of The Framework
*Whole-school issues

Two modules, “Using the Framework” and “Planning” are being revised in the light of the renewed Framework and will be re-launched in September 2009, when the web-based Framework and the exemplification and supporting materials should also all be available.