Abstract

The aim of the research which underpins this article is to identify the factors that influence pupils when choosing, or not choosing, to study a modern foreign language as a GCSE subject. In 2015, the document Global Futures was published by the Welsh Government to improve and promote Modern Foreign Languages (MFLs). However, statistics show that the numbers taking MFLs as a GCSE subject are continuing to fall (British Council, 2021). The Evaluation of Global Futures (Welsh Government, 2022a) acknowledged that not all the aims of the strategic plan were fully realised as no increase was seen in the number of pupils studying MFLs at examination level. This article focuses on one particular aspect of the data collected by the project, namely the factors that prevented pupils from choosing MFLs as a GCSE subject. Data was collected from 860 pupils in 10 secondary schools, and barriers at school level, such as option boxes and courses not running, were found to be key factors (Jones, 2021, Clayton, 2022). The perception that the subject was difficult was also a factor preventing pupils from choosing MFLs as a GCSE subject, and it should be noted that the foreign language for the pupils in this study (Fukui & Yashmina, 2021) was, at the very least, a third language. It is argued, in line with the British Council report (2021:6), that ‘urgent intervention’ is needed to reverse the decline in the numbers choosing to study MFLs as a GCSE subject. Some recommendations are offered on ways to increase numbers, with reference being made to such considerations such as choosing option subjects in Year 8, setting MFL classes and the need for more deliberate planning in order for pupils to succeed in learning a foreign language (Ofsted, 2021). The implications of the Curriculum for Wales and the multilingual and plurilingual approaches presented therein as ways to “ignite learners’ curiosity and enthusiasm” (Welsh Government, 2022b) are also considered.

Keywords: option boxes, Modern Foreign Languages, GCSE

How to Cite:

Jones, D., (2023) “Choosing a Modern Foreign Language as a GCSE subject – is there a choice? Option boxes and other factors”, Wales Journal of Education 25(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.16922/wje.25.2.4eng