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Inquiry call into language drop Inquiry call into language drop
(5 days later)
There are calls for an investigation after the latest GCSE results showed another drop in the number of pupils taking some foreign languages in Wales.There are calls for an investigation after the latest GCSE results showed another drop in the number of pupils taking some foreign languages in Wales.
It has prompted the Welsh Liberal Democrats to call for foreign languages to be compulsory at GCSE level.It has prompted the Welsh Liberal Democrats to call for foreign languages to be compulsory at GCSE level.
Opposition politicians praised the hard work of students and staff as GCSE pass rates rose again.Opposition politicians praised the hard work of students and staff as GCSE pass rates rose again.
But apart from Spanish the numbers taking modern foreign languages such as French or German had dropped. But apart from Spanish, the numbers taking modern foreign languages such as French or German had dropped.
The opposition Welsh Conservatives said an investigation into the reasons may be necessary.The opposition Welsh Conservatives said an investigation into the reasons may be necessary.
"It does worry me," said Paul Davies AM Welsh Conservatives education spokesman. "It does worry me," said Welsh Conservative education spokesman, Paul Davies.
"The Welsh Assembly Government and Estyn (the education inspectorate in Wales) should consider investigating.""The Welsh Assembly Government and Estyn (the education inspectorate in Wales) should consider investigating."
Mr Davies said the results overall were heartening and he did not believe children should be compelled to take a foreign language to GCSE level.Mr Davies said the results overall were heartening and he did not believe children should be compelled to take a foreign language to GCSE level.
'Serious issue''Serious issue'
The Welsh Liberal Democrats welcomed the small overall rise in grades, but warned of the effects of fewer numbers taking modern languages such as French or German.The Welsh Liberal Democrats welcomed the small overall rise in grades, but warned of the effects of fewer numbers taking modern languages such as French or German.
"I believe that the continuing fall in the numbers of students taking foreign languages means that it is time to once again make them compulsory," said the party's education spokesperson Jenny Randerson AM. "I believe that the continuing fall in the numbers of students taking foreign languages means that it is time to once again make them compulsory," said the party's education spokesperson, Jenny Randerson.
The numbers taking French at GCSE in Wales had dropped by 641 to 7,944, while the numbers taking German had declined by 108 to 2,025.The numbers taking French at GCSE in Wales had dropped by 641 to 7,944, while the numbers taking German had declined by 108 to 2,025.
It follows significant declines in recent years, although the numbers taking Spanish this year increased.It follows significant declines in recent years, although the numbers taking Spanish this year increased.
Plaid Cymru education spokesperson Nerys Evans said: "It is a serious issue because we are increasingly looking to Europe.Plaid Cymru education spokesperson Nerys Evans said: "It is a serious issue because we are increasingly looking to Europe.
"I take a step back from making modern languages compulsory. It could be to do with advice given to children.""I take a step back from making modern languages compulsory. It could be to do with advice given to children."
A Welsh Assembly Government spokesperson said: "We are working with schools and local authorities to underline the value of foreign languages in extending career and learning options as part of our national modern foreign languages strategy."A Welsh Assembly Government spokesperson said: "We are working with schools and local authorities to underline the value of foreign languages in extending career and learning options as part of our national modern foreign languages strategy."
In total 65.5% of pupils gained A* - C grades this year, up from 65% last year.In total 65.5% of pupils gained A* - C grades this year, up from 65% last year.