What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the quality of modern foreign languages teaching in Wales, and the number of school pupils undertaking these qualifications?
Where learners are choosing an international languages qualification, I am always encouraged by their excellent attainment which is testament not only to learners’ hard work but also to that of their teachers. This assessment is based on evidence provided by our Global Futures partners who include Estyn, British Council, Qualifications Wales and others.
I am committed, together with our Global Futures partners, to continue to support practitioners to plan and deliver meaningful international language provision. I have commissioned Estyn to write a thematic report on the teaching of International Languages in Wales to understand what is working well and highlights effective practices within our schools. I expect a report later in the year which will help inform our strategic direction and our support for schools.
We are starting to see positive indicators in Wales in terms of the numbers studying international languages, for what is a challenge shared across the UK. The recent British Council language trends report highlighted that in 2024 German entries rose from 355 to 465 – with 47% of those learners receiving an A or above. Performance in MFL subjects in GCSE last year was strong in comparison to other many other subjects – and above the overall subject figures.
We will also look to bring more teachers in the system where they are most needed, including international languages, through our Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Priority Subject Incentive Scheme and our Iaith Athrawon Yfory.