Region to get centre for language excellence

A NEW centre for excellence in modern foreign languages is to be created at the University of York, driving forward an ambition to build a “nation of confident linguists”.

The centre, which is backed by £4.8m of Government funding, will be the first of its kind in the country, working to share best practice in the teaching of Spanish, French and German.

Schools Standards Minister Nick Gibbs, set to announce the decision today, said the university had demonstrated “true vision and talent” through a competitive bidding process. “It is important to equip all young people, regardless of their backgrounds, with the language skills this country needs as an outward looking global nation,” he said.

“In the application process the University of York demonstrated that it has the vision and expertise to be at the forefront of the work to improve the way in which foreign languages are taught in schools and to increase the takeup of languages at GCSE.”

There has been a steady fall in the number of students studying at least one traditional language subject since 2014, prompting concern from employers’ groups.

The new centre, which will be known as the Centre for Excellence for Languages Pedagogy, aims to work with schools to help more young people learn foreign languages.

The university is now set to coordinate the work of nine modern foreign languages hubs.

Linguist Ian Bauckham CBE, upon whose recommendations the drive will be based, said improving the teaching and take-up of modern foreign languages in schools must be a central priority for the future.