The RiPL network is a group of researchers, practising teachers, teacher educators and policy makers interested in Research in Primary Languages. The teaching and learning of foreign languages in English state primary schools has been a compulsory part of the curriculum for all children at Key Stage 2 since September 2014. But context really does play an important part, and a one-size national curriculum, however worthy in intention, is not always easy to teach! Here we explore issues, gather and share ideas, discuss and evaluate with the aim of supporting and improving foreign language teaching.
Find out what research has been carried out on the teaching and learning of languages in primary schools.
This White Paper is the outcome of the RiPL Primary Languages Policy Summit, which took place on Friday 23rd November 2018 at the British Academy in London.
Here we house a collection of resources for teachers and researchers to use in their teaching and studies.
If you would interested in what RiPL does and would like to be a part of our network, contact us to receive the regular newsletter and updates. Sign up here!
Teachers in Southampton have been looking at the research behind some of their practice and have been exploring it in their classrooms. For example, research tells us that giving learners a sense of progression will support language learning motivation. We also know that encouraging teachers to experiment in their classrooms with teaching and learning activities fosters a sense of teacher pedagogic confidence.
In January, Bernardette Holmes, writing about languages for young learners in post-Brexit Britain, suggested that language learning is now of increased importance. It is indeed crucial now that we prepare our young learners to be culturally aware, linguistically able and economically literate if we are to participate on the world stage.
Read more of this thought-provoking piece by Gee Macrory, former Principal Lecturer at the School of Teacher Education & Professional Development at Manchester Metropolitan University.
