The announcement of GSCE results revealed that the total number of students who completed the language GCSE this year, as compared to 321,000 last year, and 332,000 in 2013.
July may be a lull in the middle of the storm’ to retailers as well as consumers
This follows A Level results last week which showed a 1 percent drop from the students studying French and an 4.25 percent drop in students studying German. These results continue the downward trend in French in addition to German AS as well as A-levels that have nearly halved since 1999 in the estimation of the British Council. Language entry numbers in general have dropped by nearly three-quarters in the past two decades, mainly due to an agenda of the government for schools to focus on science-based subjects.
Joanne Danehl, intercultural and the global practice leader in language education for intercultural and language training at Crown World Mobility, a business that assists corporations in managing the global workforce, stated: “It was disappointing to observe the continuing decrease in the acquisition of languages in education , especially French as well as German. I do not dispute that there is a need to put a greater concentration on science, maths and technology to ensure the UK’s position in the future industry, but in the event that it comes at an attempt to reduce the need for languages, it’s a bad idea.
“The ability to communicate in a second language can open possibilities, both personally as well as professionally. Indeed, some businesses have made language proficiency an essential requirement for hiring (ironically especially German-based businesses) which means UK students may find themselves out of jobs in the future. the road.”
The Head Teachers’ Association of the ASCL has called these statistics “disappointing”, with head teachers blaming the drop on budgetary pressures that make it difficult to sustain the subjects that have smaller numbers of students.
Danehl said: “It is easy to think that due to the fact that English is the largest and most commonly used business language, that UK professionals do not have the need to learn an additional language, but this is a mistake. When you are interacting with colleagues of different nationalities, being able to speak a little of their native tongues is a sign of respect and lets you participate in your professional life outside of the conference room.
“Learning a new language is all about context. Through the course, the learning and understanding of vocabulary as well as grammar gives an understanding of the country’s culture and helps develop nuanced critical thinking among young adults. They open up to the idea that diverse cultures can learn from one and collaborate to achieve success. A balanced approach is crucial for the future in the next few years as our world begins to shrink’.”
