FOREIGN languages are being squeezed out of school timetables by “core” subjects like the Welsh Baccalaureate, a survey suggests.
Pembrokeshire has the largest drop in language learning in Wales.
It found more than a third of schools had dropped one or more languages at GCSE in the last five years.
Teachers also said the perception modern languages were “too hard” was also influencing their uptake.
Schools and colleges were asked for reasons why there had been a major decline in pupils taking subjects such as French and German.
There has been a 29% fall in language GCSE entries in Wales in five years – a steeper fall than the rest of the UK. The Welsh Government said its new curriculum would improve the situation.
Pembrokeshire saw a halving of language GCSEs sat by students from 2013 to 2017 – down 52%
Wales has seen a bigger decline in pupils learning foreign languages than in any other part of the UK – England has seen an 11% drop in the last five years, while in Northern Ireland it was 12% and 19% in Scotland.
Our county is among the 10 local authorities across the UK to see the biggest drop in language learning.
The only increase in Wales was in Anglesey – up 12% – while Cardiff saw the smallest decrease of 9%.
Some schools also mentioned that modern languages were competing with Welsh for space in the timetable, while extra time for English and maths were also highlighted.
A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The decline in uptake of Modern Foreign Languages in Pembrokeshire Secondary Schools in recent years has multiple causes.
“There has been a squeeze on curriculum time in Key Stage Four as schools have accommodated two Mathematics GCSEs, compulsory Welsh GCSE and the universal adoption of the Welsh Baccalaureate.
“This has led to a reduction in option blocks presented to learners in Year 9.”
The spokesperson added: “The number of option subjects presented has also reduced as falling secondary school rolls, and associated core budgets, have forced governing bodies to restructure curriculum delivery models to remain within budget.”
