Japanese Language NavigationStatistics and Research
Statistics on Japanese GCSE, AS and A2 entries
Click here to see statistics on Japanese GCSE, AS and A2 exam entries.
Primary Japanese in the UK
Extensive research into the Primary languages
field in general and Japanese provision in particular provided the
foundation for the Ready Steady NihonGO! 
Primary Japanese Course,
a unique scheme of work for teaching Japanese at KS2, produced by
the Japan
Foundation London Language Centre (JFLLC) and Japan Society. The scheme
comprises ten 45-minute lessons designed to be delivered by a Japanese
native speaker teacher working with the class teacher. Each lesson is clearly
structured, with comprehensive teachers' notes, National Curriculum
Links and a set of accompanying Culture Notes. The course has been hugely
popular during two successful trial periods with teachers and pupils alike
who enjoyed the experience of working with an unusual language.
To access the course online or purchase the CD, please see the Japan Society website.
Key Stage 2 Framework For Languages
Guidance and advice for teachers and leaders who will plan and deliver the Key Stage 2 entitlement to language learning. Click here to download the guidelines from the CILT website.
Reports
Executive Summary of RSN Project
In early 2002, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) issued the Green Paper which was aimed to set the path for improving Britain’s performance at languages over the next decade and beyond. One of the ambitions spelled out in the Paper was a proposal to make languages an entitlement for all Primary school children by 2012....
Japanese Studies at Primary Level: An Overview
by Heidi Potter from Japan Society Education
This overview aims to present a snapshot of the state of Japanese studies in United Kingdom primary schools in 2003. Its scope includes areas of reasonable certainty, for example the position of Japan within the primary curriculum in different parts of the UK, as well as issues about which it is hard to be definitive, for example the precise number of schools teaching about Japan....
Case Study: Primary Japanese in Australia
Report on teaching primary Japanese in Australia
by Anne Rajakumar, South Wolds Community School and Language College, 2003.
Over the last fifty years the relationship between Australia and Japan has gone from strength to strength. Japan is Australia’s largest trading partner and the third largest source of direct investment in the country. Over the years, the Australian-Japanese economic partnership has blossomed to become a multifaceted relationship including a rich cultural exchange involving scholars, teachers, students, researchers, artists, athletes, journalists, and others. At the same time, Australia’s identity has evolved from one accepting the ‘White Australia Policy’ to one where Australia’s multicultural society is acknowledged and celebrated...
·Appendix1 Japanese K–6 Syllabus – New South Wales
·Appendix2 Primary Japanese Teaching Questionnaire
·Appendix3 Victorian LOTE Curriculum and Standards Framework II
·Appendix4 Primary Japanese Resources
What is the National Languages Strategy?
The National Languages Strategy - Languages for All: Languages for Life.
On 18th December 2002 the Department of Education and Skills published the National Languages Strategy. This document builds upon the proposals set out in 'Language Learning' (Green Paper) which came out in February 2002 - available from the Department for Education website.
Click here to view Languages for All: Languages for Life.
For the latest information about the National Language Strategy and other language policies, please visit the website of the Languages Company.
For more information on language learning in the UK, visit:
Dearing Languages Review.
This review follows on from the 2002 Languages for All report. It examines what more can be done to encourage 14 to 16-year olds to study GCSE or other language courses leading to a recognised qualification. It was carried out by Lord Dearing and the National Director for Languages at the Department for Children, Schools and Families, Dr Lid King. A consultation report and summary were produced in December 2006 and the final report was issued on 8th March 2007. Click here to read the report.
National Curriculum for Modern Languages
In 2008 Sir Jim Rose was asked to lead an Independent Review of the Primary Curriculum. Click here to read the final report, which was published in April 2009.
Click here for information about the National Curriculum for Modern Foreign Languages in England. Please note that this is based on the current (1999) curriculum.
From September 2008, Year 7s will follow a new curriculum, but Year 8 onwards will continue to follow the current curriculum. For more information about changes to the secondary curriculum, please follow the links below.
イングランドのModern Foreign Languagesのナショナルカリキュラム(１９９９年版）の日本語訳は、 こちらをクリックしてください 。２００８年９月から、新７年生は新カリキュラムに沿った学習が始まりますが、８年生以上は１９９９年版での学習が続きます。新カリキュラムについては、以下の英語のリンクをご覧ください。
Click here for the National Curriculum index page
Click here for the new curriculum for Modern Foreign Languages at Key Stage 3
Click here for FAQ on secondary curriculum changes within Modern Foreign Languages
The Japan Foundation, London