Leaders - Resourcing

The question of who teaches primary languages has a variety of answers. The Key Stage 2 Framework for Languages is designed to support primary class teachers in taking control of the programme of learning for their classes. There are different solutions to providing high quality learning for children. Here teachers and head teachers discuss a number of models of provision to suit different circumstances.

Training and support

When a school takes on the teaching of a new language there is often a groundswell of enthusiasm from members of staff who want to get involved. Money has gone into schools via the Primary Strategy to help schools prepare for entitlement which may be used for training and CPD. Visionary leadership encourages risk taking and welcomes support from other agencies. Success breeds success.

A school finds that, through agreeing to host a voluntary primary languages training course developed by the Training and Development Agency for schools (TDA) its own staff was encouraged to ask for training in language and methodology. Despite the huge range of expertise, everyone can be encouraged to develop their skills and help children to learn a language. One of the class teachers talks about her subsequent participation in a course in France.