Widening horizons and broadening the curriculum for gifted and talented pupils

Background

Since the study of modern foreign languages (MFL) became optional in 2004 the college, like many schools, has seen a steady decline in the number of pupils opting for them. Apart from the cultural and career opportunities, many children now also miss the excitement that can be achieved from learning another language. Furthermore both employers and universities value the set of unique study abilities that linguists can offer as well as the immediately transferable skills that they bring from school. Language A Levels are in the group of highly regarded subjects that many top universities use as part of their selection procedures Fazackerley and Chant, 2008.

Independent advice and guidance (IAG) is about ensuring that pupils are informed about how they can reach their full potential. Part of this involves helping them identify what they need to study to give them the best chance of following their chosen career path. Alternatively, making choices that keep career paths open may also be crucial. With this in mind, a pupil who does well at languages must be made aware of how many life chances can open up for them if they study an MFL. It would seem that if a pupil is deemed likely to obtain a grade C or above at GCSE then the advice should be that studying an MFL is beneficial.