About this site

What is the Primary Languages website?

The Primary Languages website supports the introduction and development of primary languages in Key Stage 2 by providing access to online training.

CILT, the National Centre for Languages is developing the Primary Languages website over a period of three years, working closely with teachers, school leaders and trainers from Local Authorities across the country.

The Primary Languages website forms a central element in the implementation of the National Languages Strategy for England, Languages for all: Languages for Life. The cornerstone of this Strategy is the introduction by 2010 of an entitlement to language learning for every child in Key Stage 2.

The Key Stage 2 Framework for Languages provides a national frame of reference for the entitlement and a common language for us to discuss primary languages and share ideas on how to build a vibrant, successful and sustainable future for language learning for all our children. The Framework is built around five interrelated strands of teaching and learning: Oracy, Literacy, Intercultural Understanding, Knowledge about Language (KAL) and Language Learning Strategies (LLS).

Working with teachers in the primary classroom, the Primary Languages website presents examples of the Framework in action and shows how the five strands can inform teaching and learning and underpin progression across the four years of Key Stage 2. Over a period of three years we will chronicle approaches to assessment for learning and recording progress, so that children have a clear sense of achievement and can build on their prior learning as they transfer to the secondary school.

Who are our sponsors?

The programme has been funded by the Learning and Teaching Using ICT Team and the Curriculum Division of the Department for Education and Skills.

What is the Primary Languages website trying to achieve?

The Primary Languages website is an online toolkit to develop primary languages teaching and learning. It offers users comprehensive access to professional development to support themselves, colleagues and peers in implementing the primary languages entitlement. Providing regularly updated examples of classroom interaction and ‘talking head’ interviews we will support a common understanding of primary languages pedagogy. Each example comes with a language file and a transcript to help teachers improve their confidence and language skills and a ‘think piece’ to set out the context of the material, explore key issues and develop practice.

Who is the audience?

The Primary Languages website aims to address the needs of three key audiences: teachers, school leaders including those in Local Authorities and trainers. No matter whether you are new to primary language teaching, already very experienced, a language specialist or a generalist, a headteacher or a newly qualified teacher, there will be something on the Primary Languages website that is relevant for you.

The Primary Languages website complements NACELL (the National Advisory Centre on Early Language Learning) where further information and support on early language learning and teaching are available.

Acknowledgements

CILT gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the British Council, the Japan Foundation and the many teachers, trainers, schools, Local Authorities and individuals who have helped to develop this project.

The Primary Languages site is owned and operated by CILT, the National Centre for Languages, a company registered in England and Wales whose registered office is at 20 Bedfordbury, London, WC2N 4LB. If you have any queries, please contact CILT at info@cilt.org.uk

Company Registration No. 5375352