Sixth-form college shows way on languages

OLDHAM Sixth-Form College has been praised in a new national report into English and foreign language courses.

Other higher education establishments were urged to learn from the good practice demonstrated there. It is one of four colleges in the North West — alongside Bolton Community College, Nelson and Colne College and Runshaw College — included in Ofsted’s research.

Chief inspector Christine Gilbert said: “When it comes to learning a modern language or fully appreciating the English language, engaging students’ curiosity and stimulating debate will always be the key. This report serves to prove that, in the best teaching, helping students to really live the language is key.

“Opportunities of work experience overseas to develop confidence and fluency in language skills, visits to battle grounds to understand the poetry of the First World War, and the use of modern technology such as web chats are all being used to develop skills in the most innovative of ways. Those interested in achieving success in modern foreign languages and English language and literature should learn from the examples of good practice highlighted here.”

In teaching English, the report found a range of learning activities stimulated students’ interest and developed their intellectual curiosity.

Theatre and study trips widened experience and appreciation of subjects, while creative writing, hip-hop events, poetry workshops and debating societies were all listed as boosting learners’ confidence in their writing, speaking and listening skills.

For modern foreign languages, students’ skills were boosted by visits to sites of cultural interest and exchange visits and innovative use of video-conferencing gave the opportunity to communicate with French students. Good team working and effective use of foreign language assistants also helped students and teachers to sharpen their language skills.

Ofsted said continued improvement would be helped by having more opportunities for learners to gain internationally recognised qualifications in modern foreign languages, reducing teacher shortages for some modern foreign languages and developing further work-based qualifications in modern foreign languages.