The SixIntoSeven language transition initiative is now part of our standard package. It has been designed in collaboration with partners across the sector. In addition to informing the secondary school which language has been studied, it provides support in four other ways.
- SixIntoSeven provides primary schools with a set of diagnostic statements which can accurately describe a child’s progress. Schools in the pilot project welcomed this, saying it could provide a framework for the end of KS2 assessment and a focus for individual lessons.
- We have worked with Primary Languages Network to provide training videos which clearly explain how teachers should complete each diagnostic statement. These have been created to enable non-specialists to accurately complete the on-line grid.
- The progress information is sent over in July ready for early planning. The modern foreign language (MFL) teachers in the secondary schools can then use these statements to place into groups pupils from different primary schools who need similar support or extra challenge.
- Differentiated learning can now start on day one of the new academic year.
Attainment and take-up
The focus this provides will lead to increased enjoyment and have positive knock-on effects for attainment and engagement. Improved achievement and attitude to language learning will enhance GCSE take-up and EBacc success.
The importance of language transition has been highlighted by Ofsted and the British Council
The SixIntoSeven language transition initiative was developed in response to a growing understanding of the importance of language transition in promoting attainment and take up of languages across all key stages and beyond.
Language transition has been highlighted in two important reports, first the Ofsted subject review for languages, published in June 2021, and then the annual British Council report, Language Trends.
Both these papers looked at the key issue of language transition. Unfortunately, the number of primary schools passing on language information has often decreased as squeezes on time and money have reduced the scope for dialogue. The Language Trends 2021 report noted that in 2021 just under half of all secondary schools reported having received no information.
For example “we do not have any contacts with any primary schools in relation to languages”.
The lack of language transition information can have important consequences. The same report quotes one teacher as saying:
“We have over 40 feeder primary schools with vastly differing amounts of KS2 language study. We have developed a transition curriculum assuming very little language knowledge from KS2.”
Language transition was also a regular theme in the Ofsted report. It observed:
- weak communication between primary and secondary schools
- a lack of consistency between primary schools
- limited cross-phase planning between primary and secondary schools
You can find out more about research into the importance of language transition by reading Suzanne O’Farrell blog. Suzanne is ASCL’s MFL Consultant and played a key role in setting up SixIntoSeven languages.
Please contact a member of the SixIntoSeven team to find out how we can support language transition in your local authority, MAT and alliance or local cluster of schools. We will be delighted to help promote the attainment and take up of languages which we believe is a key part of each child’s development. As the Ofsted report notes:
“languages are the key to not only the government’s EBacc ambition, but also to unlocking the world and its cultures to young people.”
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