UK Schools Experience Large Decline in Foreign Language Learning

Foreign language learning in UK secondary schools has dropped significantly, according to research by the British Broadcasting Company (BBC). Over 2,000 secondary schools participated in the BBC’s survey. The findings reveal that the number of students taking General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) courses in foreign languages has declined by as much as 50% since 2013. The GCSE is a set of qualifications for secondary students in the United Kingdom. Under this system, foreign language courses are considered optional. The survey also found that German and French classes are the least popular among the available foreign languages. In contrast, there are more students now who are opting to study Spanish and Mandarin than in 2013. According to the survey responses, student perception of learning a foreign language is the main reason for the decline. Students think that language classes are too difficult. Additionally, schools reported that some pupils are not interested in learning languages. Due to the drop in the number of students, budgets for foreign language classes were cut in many UK schools. Many teaching specialists have also been discharged in the last five years. Business groups are alarmed because the drop in foreign language learning is causing the UK youth’s waning language skills. Matthew Fell, chief policy director for a large business organization, said that there is an increasing demand for foreign language skills in workplaces. Fell added that if the decline is not addressed, young individuals from the United Kingdom would have a lower global competitiveness and become less adept at interacting with people from other cultures.