Having prepared your case for primary
languages, here are some potential ways to
communicate your key messages to policy makers and also
to raise the profile of language teaching in primary schools more
widely.
Ministers
- Participate in consultations
The consultation on phase 1 of the National Curriculum Review is now open (ends 14
April 2011). The phase 1 Call for Evidence was launched on 20
January 2011, inviting interested parties to submit their views on
which subjects should be included in the statutory curriculum
(alongside English, maths, science and PE). You can
participate by visiting the
Department for Education Call for Evidence website.
- The All Party Parliamentary Group for
languages
Baroness Coussins, chair of the APPG, is a powerful advocate
for languages in the Houses of Parliament. CILT provides
logistical support for her work and is able to pass on evidence and
concerns from the languages world to feed into discussions with
Ministers, MPs and peers. If you would like us to pass on your
comments, please email giulietta.driver@cilt.org.uk.
MPs
You can also lobby your local MP by:
- Using the Wall of
Language
Started as a pre-election campaign, the Wall of Language encouraged
people to write to their MPs, inviting them to respond on the
importance of languages and language learning. The website has many
useful tools for writing to your MP, including sample letters from
a range of perspectives. Look to see whether an MP in your area has
responded to a letter. If not, why not write to them? If they have,
write to ensure they follow up on their promises: www.walloflanguage.org.uk
- Making the case in
person
This can be more powerful than writing a letter. Phone calls to MPs
can also be effective. Most MPs have online biographies where you
will find telephone, email and address contact details. Find your MP here.
- Making links to the European
Parliament through your MEP
The take up of placements in the EU by UK nationals is currently
very low – comprising only 6% of EU staff. Languages skills are an
important part of such international careers. Find your
MEP here.
The media