Supported by the University Council of Modern Languages who have supported 30 teacher places for this event.
The importance of languages and international communication has grown exponentially in an increasingly globalized world, yet the numbers of students studying a language (other than compulsory English or Welsh) to qualification level at school and to degree level at university is, despite minor fluctuations, very low compared even with the start of this century (British Academy, 2020). This has resulted in an overall contraction of provision in secondary schools and at degree level in universities. Recent surveys (British Council, 2019) have shown that young people from less affluent backgrounds are the least likely to have access to language learning, at least in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This event brings together educators from all four nations of the UK to explore creative approaches to language learning. Where are the examples of good practice, and what directions should policymakers take in future? We hope to engage a wide audience in conversation: current teachers of ancient and modern languages, teachers of English as an additional language, teacher educators, student teachers, school leaders, curriculum advisors, academics, policymakers and employers.