Why Learn Languages?

If you enjoy communicating with other people, finding out how language works and learning about different countries and cultures, studying a language GCSE is an excellent choice for you.

Knowledge of a foreign language and how to learn it is not only a useful GCSE qualification; it is also something many future employers and higher education providers look for. If you think there is a chance you will travel abroad, meet someone from a different country or be looking for employment in the next few years, you will get much more respect if you can make yourself understood in someone else’s language.

A poll by the exam board OCR found that more than 90% of adults want their children to learn a language. 8 out of 10 Britons said they wished they could speak a foreign language better. The Director of CILT, the national centre for languages, believes that, “Britain needs fluent linguists. Employers want evidence of good communication and analytical skills, confidence and outward-looking attitudes, so a language qualification is an important addition to anyone’s CV. It’s incredibly important to ensure our young people have as level a playing field as their European neighbours in this global market. By giving them the same skills as their contemporaries we are making them more employable.”

Many schools and 6th Form Colleges are offering the International Baccalaureate as well as, or instead of, A levels and this always has a language element. Many university courses have either a language element or work experience abroad. Be sure you don’t cut yourself off from your chosen pathway. Check ahead …..

Above all, we live in a multicultural society where we need to understand and appreciate that other people in our country may have a different culture and language. As Work Related Learning grows in importance, the language element in the 14-19 specialist diplomas makes languages an important skill for the future. We are seeking ways to include up to 90% of pupils in GCSE learning opportunities and new courses will be added over time.