Did you know today is European Languages Day? The European Day of Languages is celebrated every year on 26th September and is now in its seventeenth year.
What is European Day of Languages?
Firstly, Europe enjoys a rich diversity of language and cultures with 200 European languages. Secondly they consist of 24 official European languages and around 60 regional or minority languages. However, these figures do not include languages spoken by people from elsewhere within the world who have migrated to live within the Europe. Consequently, this enriches the diversity of languages spoken still further.
The purpose of the European Day of Language is to celebrate both the cultural and linguistic diversity within Europe. In addition, it encourages and promotes language learning through a range of events. For example, language classes for all ages and abilities, conferences, cultural exchanges, children’s activities, and television/radio specials.
The aims of the European Day of Languages include:
- To celebrate the diversity of languages and cultures within Europe.
- To encourage language learning at any age.
- To promote intercultural understanding.
- To diversify the range of languages learnt.
Foreign Languages learning and language teachers in the UK – current trends
Did you know that in the UK, most schools teach one or more of French, German and Spanish. However, the government does not promote the teaching of specific languages. While French remains the most-studied language among secondary school students in the UK, its popularity is falling dramatically, in favour of Spanish. However, there was a general decline of foreign language learning in UK secondary schools with a 45% uptake reduction at GCSE, its lowest level since 2,000.
According to a BBC survey in 2019, the majority of 2,048 responses out of 4,000 mainstream secondary schools in the UK stated that the perception of languages as a difficult subject was the main reason behind a drop in the number of pupils studying for exams. However, you are probably aware that the government’s promotion of the Baccalaureate is a way of promoting foreign language learning. This happened after they made learning a language non-compulsory in 2004. So, this means it is likely that there will be an increase in uptake and therefore a demand of modern foreign language teachers.
Did you know that Spanish teachers and French teachers are particularly needed? Above all, it is thought that all foreign language teachers will be sought after by many secondary and sixth form colleges. You many be unaware that they are currently on the shortage list along with maths and science teachers.
We are always on the lookout for talented supply staff, including French language teachers and Spanish language teachers. So if you are are a foreign language teacher and are interested in having flexibility on where and when you work, supply teaching may be for you. Go to our registration page or give us a call to find out more.