The Specification has been designed to support the development of language upskilling courses for adult learners who are currently at around A1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which is broadly equivalent to Entry level or Languages Ladder Breakthrough. It will enable them to develop as independent language users with a target competence between B1 and B2 level (Higher GCSE-AS/A; LL Intermediate to Advanced). Beginners (up to A1 level) are already catered for by initiatives such as the TDA language training and the language and methodology training work being offered by Local Authorities.

The specification is general enough to respond to the broad needs of adult language learners, but it includes many contexts specific to teaching and learning and so will be of particular value for teachers wishing to increase their competence and confidence in a language. Our main target learners (“trainees”) are Primary teachers or teaching assistants who have made a beginning in teaching a language, and who now wish to be able to teach with confidence over the 4 years of the primary languages curriculum. This addresses a major need of the primary workforce in the coming period. The specification could also be of value for other teachers, for example secondary teachers who need to teach a language other than their specialism.

The target user audience for this particular work is training providers, including HEIs, Adult Education providers, Local Authorities, Specialist Language Colleges, The Cultural Institutes, private providers and others.