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<p>The Department is aware that many factors can influence a student’s decision to
study languages at GCSE level. As the regulator of qualifications, examinations and
assessment in England, Ofqual takes claims of grading severity in modern foreign languages
(MFL) seriously. Ofqual is currently conducting a comprehensive review of grading
standards in GCSE French, German and Spanish to see if there is a compelling case
for an adjustment to grading standards in these subjects. Ofqual’s review will consider
statistical evidence, contextual data including trends in the numbers taking these
subjects, and the quality of students’ work through looking at how GCSE grades relate
to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Ofqual is also gathering
the views of subject experts and other stakeholders and is due to report on this work
in autumn 2019.</p><p> </p><p>The Department wants to see more pupils taking a language
GCSE. We are supporting schools to increase the number of pupils taking GCSEs in languages
through several programmes including, the £4.8 million MFL pedagogy programme, an
undergraduate digi-mentoring scheme, the £10 million Mandarin Excellence Programme,
and targeted communications activity at key points in the school year to challenge
misconceptions about studying languages.</p>
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