Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
20 March 2015 09:41
Foreign languages have an image problem
Learning a second language can help you at work and at play and is even good for your brain, so why are pupils and schools shunning the option?
Being proficient in a language can improve employment and career opportunities in later life. Of course people who speak a second language can also get more out of a holiday.
Low take up of languages
But a report by the CfBT Education Trust and the British Council found take-up of subjects such as French, German and Spanish remains low at GCSE and A-level.
The Language Trends Survey suggests fewer young people are taking up subjects such as French or German because of the stereotypical view that languages are not as important as subjects such as maths and English.
One of the problems, the report finds, is a growing trend in state secondaries and to a lesser extent in independent schools, to exclude or excuse pupils from the study of a language in order to give them further tuition in literacy and numeracy.
Primary schools starting young on language skills
However, despite take-up problems at GCSE and A-Level, the picture was brighter among younger children.
Compulsory foreign language lessons in primary schools are having an immediate impact. Some 99% of primary schools surveyed are now teaching languages while more than a third (38%) have increased resources for language teaching.
Learning a language for a holiday
Learning a new language may not be as essential to your holiday as taking out travel insurance, but it can still make it better in lots of ways.
It makes ordering food, finding your way around, speaking with locals and many other things easier. A study from the University of Edinburgh even found learning a second language slows brain ageing.
17 July 2019
Want to experience a different side of Portugal? Check out one of these great destinations that lie a step or two away from the standard tourist trail...
[more...]
08 July 2019
Want to taste the real France? Experience the best French food and drink at one of these excellent foodie festivals. Perfect for food and wine lovers everywhere!
Tired of the same old travel options? Explore the best travel experiences at one of these weird and wacky festivals from around the world.
Heading to the beach? Pack everything you need for the whole family by following this simple checklist.
05 July 2019
Heading off for some sun this summer? Protect your family's skin with these top tips to stay safe in the sun and prevent sunburn and lasting skin damage.
28 June 2019
Tired of paying over the odds for your family's summer holiday? Keep your costs down with our guide on how to get away for less...
Want to see Europe's greatest sport stars go head-to-head? Then head to Minsk! The capital of Belarus hosts this year's European Games – here's everything you need to know before travelling.
Heading to the European Games? Get more from your trip to Minsk by visiting some of these must-see attractions in the capital of Belarus.
Heading to the Austrian Grand Prix this summer? Get more out of your trip to Spielberg's iconic Red Bull Ring circuit with our guide to the local area.
07 June 2019
Thinking about going camping in France this summer but don't know where to try? Here's our quick guide to the best places to camp, whatever you're looking for.
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.