City leads the way in bid to tackle UK shortage of language teachers

A NATIONAL shortage of language teachers has spread to critical level, forcing the Government to launch a national recruitment drive – with a Yorkshire city being placed at the centre of the project.

The initiative to address the shortfall through one-year programmes around the country is being based at Silverdale School, in Sheffield.

The Teaching Schools Council has described modern foreign languages (MFL) in the nation’s schools as being in “a very fragile state”.

And experts have previously warned that schools need to find a further 3,500 language teachers to be able to teach the subject properly in the coming years.

Tax-free training bursaries of up to £27,500 are offered for language graduates; however, training providers recruited fewer than half the number of teachers needed for 2016/17.

But plans are now in place for an MFL super SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) to ease the shortages.

Gaynor Jones, director of the Sheffield Teaching School Alliance, which will lead the flagship project, said: “There is a shortage of language teachers in state and independent schools across the country, and this scheme aims to harness our existing expertise to address that. At the same time, we want to enthuse children about languages, opening up a world of opportunities for them.”

Sheffield has been chosen by the Government’s National College for Teaching and Leadership to spearhead the initiative because of the city’s – and Silverdale’s – longstanding and pioneering track record in teacher training, professional development and support through the schools network.

Sheffield Teaching School Alliance, based at Silverdale since 2012, is already recognised nationally for its success in working with schools to recruit and train teachers in all subjects. It also has strong links with Sheffield Hallam University. Now the focus is especially on MFL teaching that will lead to more young people being given the skills to work in an increasingly globalised economy and society.

Initially the emphasis is on teaching European languages in state and independent schools, but a longer-term aim may see the likes of Chinese and Urdu being added to the teacher training curriculum.

The initiative is being rolled out through the National Modern Languages SCITT, which is run by the alliance, working closely with Sheffield Hallam University and schools across the country.

“The vision is for Sheffield to become a centre of excellence for language teaching, with other hubs around the country,” said Ms Jones.

“We have the experience, the understanding, the support and the flexibility to see trainee teachers emerging with an internationally recognised qualification and having made good use of their skills to help young people.

“There may be people who speak French, German or Spanish – in the UK or abroad – who would like to consider a career change and go into teaching. For some, it could be an opportunity to experience a different culture as well as using their talents for the benefit of students keen to learn a new language.

“Our message is that we need your skills, we’ll welcome you and we’ll support you every step of the way.”

Placements will start from late August this year.