Ninthujah Shanmuganathan

Features in my 3 ideas

Importance of Modern Languages

1. Why is it important to learn a foreign language?

Firstly studying a language teaches you the importance of culture as well as it
improve your communication skills. Using a language is a social activity and
language learning leads to encounters with people from many backgrounds.
You will also develop your verbal, written.
This information has given me the reason how languages can be
important in the society, in terms of communication with other
people, linguistic development, social development and cultural
awareness. Language learning is an enriching experience that adds to
pupil’s enjoyment of the world. It provides them with the tools to
communicate with people from different parts of the world and to
learn about different cultures and countries.

2. Why are students not bothered about foreign language, what is

their reason for not choosing a modern language at O'levels or
beyond?
They are not aware of the potential with foreign languages. There are only 56%
who do modern languages at O’Levels. There are so many ways of getting a job
related with a foreign language, it is easy to find jobs with that because not
many people tend to do these kinds of jobs. Many do it for GCSE, but end up
giving it up. Think that Key Stage 2 is the time for introducing a foreign
language to bright, able kids but not for those who have yet to grasp the basics
of English. As for the option of dropping a language at 14, I think this would be
a serious mistake as in the jobs market; those people who can speak more than
one language are at a distinct advantage to those who can't.
This information suggests me that there is a major problem that there
are not enough MFL teachers. So if I decide to do this topic, I could
actually look at this issue, where there aren’t enough MFL teachers
nowadays and what the reason behind it is.
Ninthujah Shanmuganathan

3. How modern languages can be important for students and how can
a modern language benefit their career in the future?
Modern languages are spoken by millions of people. There are so many ways of
getting a job related with a foreign language, it is easy to find jobs with that,
because not many people tend to do these kinds of jobs. Besides Learning
languages gives pupils opportunities to develop their listening, speaking,
reading and writing skills and to express themselves with increasing
confidence, independence and creativity. They explore the similarities and
differences between other languages and English and learn how language can
be manipulated and applied in different ways. The development of
communication skills, together with understanding of the structure of language,
laid the foundations for future study of other languages and support the
development of literacy skills in a pupil’s own language.

Here it informs me how modern languages can benefit their future. As

I have researched, Languages are part of the cultural richness of our
society and the world in which we live and work. Learning languages
contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship
and personal fulfillment. Pupils learn to appreciate different
countries, cultures, communities and people. By making comparisons,
they gain insight into their own culture and society. The ability to
understand and communicate in another language is a lifelong skill
for education, employment and leisure in this country and throughout
the world.

4. Why is it better to have a modern language in higher education?

Many universities tend to like when students study a foreign language at post
16. This is because it is quite different what people normally tend to study. The
independent newspaper says: "The earlier you start learning a language, the
better. Making languages compulsory from seven to 14 will give pupils seven
years to build up their knowledge, confidence and experience."

It consists me that Personal development is a vital part of the key

stage 3 curriculum and MFL has a distinctive contribution to make in
this area. The MFL programmer of study provides opportunities to
Ninthujah Shanmuganathan

plan sequences of work, learning outcomes and teaching approaches

that support personal development through the five Every Child
Matters outcomes. Also it seems to me that the ability to
communicate in a language other than English is valued by many
employers. Learning languages helps pupils develop their
communication skills and express themselves clearly and effectively.
They are used to working in teams and are able to connect with
others, see different points of view and overcome misunderstandings
more easily. So clearly learning a modern language offers you huge
amount of success in your employment. To conclude my point of view,
Foreign language skills improve employability, particularly in
international business, and improve the overall economic
competitiveness of the nation in a global economy.

5. The government is going to introduce modern languages in primary

school. Is that viable?
The Independent newspaper says: "The earlier you start learning a language,
the better. Making languages compulsory from seven to 14 will give pupils
seven years to build up their knowledge, confidence and experience." The idea
that language learning should start at the age of seven received almost
universal approval last night. However, Nick Gibb, the Conservatives' schools
spokesman, warned: "When Labour came to power 77 per cent of 15-year-olds
were studying a modern foreign language to GCSE. Now, as a direct
consequence of decisions taken by Education ministers, this figure is just 51%.
It clearly says that Modern foreign languages is not a compulsory
national curriculum subject at key stages 1 and 2, but it is
government policy that by 2010 every child in key stage 2 should have
an entitlement to learn a language other than English. An increasing
number of schools already provide some MFL teaching at key stage.
MFL lessons can therefore provide the opportunity for new arrivals
with very limited English to achieve, in terms of teaching modern
languages at primary school. However, there are some arguments
against this policy. To find out about the arguments against this, I will
find about that through my focus group research later on. As part of
introducing is the reason is for New arrivals which may also bring
Ninthujah Shanmuganathan

with them linguistic cultural knowledge and social knowledge, that is

of interest and benefit to all children in their future.

6. What are the recommendations for modern languages at school and

beyond?
Richard Garner, Education Editor says that Foreign languages should be
compulsory from age seven the main recommendations

* Languages to be compulsory for all seven-year-olds from 2010

* Number of specialist language colleges to be increased to 400

* An inquiry set up to determine whether languages GCSEs are harder than any
other subjects

* £50m a year boost to language teaching to train more teachers

* Target of 90% of all 14-year-olds to study a language from 2010

* Range of languages offered to seven to 14-year-olds to include Mandarin,

Urdu and other ethnic-minority languages

* New languages "ladder" promoted - so pupils can take grade exams at any
age, as in music

* "Open School for Languages" to teach languages in schools without trained

staff

* If all this fails to increase participation at GCSE age, a return to compulsory

lessons for that age group should be considered

The education editor emphasizes his point on modern languages

being important. Pupils in the school will also bring a range of cultural
perspectives and experiences, which can be reflected in the
curriculum and used to further pupils' understanding of the
importance of the issues of diversity. So the point is that modern
language doesn’t only teach you about the language, however it does
give you a wider knowledge about different cultures. The aim of
bringing modern languages into primary school is to ease transition
from primary to secondary school. The impact of introducing this
policy into primary school, so that the students get Better language
skills and understanding of languages at the start of year 7 and more
rapid progress furthermore.
Ninthujah Shanmuganathan

Considering further education?

1. What could higher education do for you?

Higher education can open up new career options, and research shows that
people with higher education qualifications typically earn more money than
those without. They may also have more job security. Higher education is
not all about studying; it also involves some social knowledge. In order to
get social knowledge you need to socialize with new people. Making new
friends is a key part of the higher education experience.
As I comprehend it, Higher education is about taking your
education to the next level: learning new things and getting to
where you want to be.
Ninthujah Shanmuganathan

A higher education qualification could help you take charge of your

future by building skills and confidence and opening up new
opportunities - whatever stage of life you're at. Even if no one else
you know is thinking about going into higher education, it could
still be the right choice for you.

2. What are the Options after post 16, getting into University and
higher education?
If you want to get into higher education, there are lots of options available.
It’s not necessarily about getting A levels – you can study full time for work-
related qualifications or go for an Apprenticeship. You may also be able to
take an Advanced Diploma qualification.
My research implies that, you can study lots of interesting subjects
at university or a college offering higher education courses. Most
people study one or two subjects, but in a lot of detail. There are
higher education courses in subjects you studied at school, like
mathematics or English. or there are more unusual option.

3. Why go to University or college?

Higher education could benefit you in a number of ways. University or
college lets you experience a rich cultural and social scene, meeting a
variety of people while studying something you love.
A higher education qualification can also lead to increased earning potential,
a wider range of opportunities and a more rewarding career. An expert of an
educational institution says: there are some 50 higher education institutions
with further education work and some 400 other providers known as
"external institutions", which are mainly local authority adult education
centres also receiving cash from the Further Education Funding Council in
1994/95.
It connotes that higher education is both fun and educational. As it
is obvious, You will meet lots of people and encounter new ideas,
and learn to understand and know more about the subject you are
interested in. You will also get a fantastic opportunity to prove to
yourself. Through higher education I personally think that getting a
Ninthujah Shanmuganathan

degree doesn’t only boosts your education and skills, it improves

your ability to earn a good living too, so you can see it in that way
as well.

4. What are the different courses you can do?

There are more than 450 further education colleges in England. More than
60% of colleges are general further education and tertiary colleges, 25% are
sixth-form colleges and the remainders are specialist art and design,
agriculture and horticulture or designated colleges.
So this research informs me about the different courses that are
available to any student. Compared to my parents educational
time, they didn’t had all opportunities to go into different course.
But today we have the opportunity to get our career aspiration, in
terms of higher education.

Healthy Living at University?

Ninthujah Shanmuganathan

1. Why is healthy eating important and what is a healthy diet?

Healthy eating is important because it can help you manage your weight
and will improve your overall feeling of well-being. It can also reduce your
risk of developing illness and serious disease.
A healthy diet contains:

• plenty of starchy foods like bread, rice, pasta, breakfast cereals,

potatoes, yams and sweet potatoes - look for higher fibre versions where
possible (like whole meal bread or pasta)

• at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables daily

• moderate amounts of dairy products - look for low fat versions where
possible

• moderate amount of meat, fish or alternatives like eggs, beans, peas

and lentils - look for lower fat versions where possible

• the occasional treat (foods that are higher in fat, salt or added sugar
should only be eaten in moderation)

• little salt - always read the label

In addition to this, you can actually take a quiz on NHS Choices to find out
whether you're a healthy eater or could improve your diet.
Here it informs me about the importance of healthy eating and
about the different diets. Simply a healthy diet is one with variety
including plenty of water, enough protein for growth and repair,
sufficient carbohydrates to provide the energy.

2. What do University students mostly eat every day?

Lunch: Take always, sandwich, pasta, fruit salad,
Dinner: Anything really usually something with meat (chicken/beef/pork
normally), at least two types of vegetables and rice/potatoes/ or salad

3. What are the influences of becoming addicted to fast foods?

Ninthujah Shanmuganathan

Don’t think you really get addicted, however sometimes people tend to desire a
craving and comfort to satisfy your needs...your needs maybe for something
that tastes good...it’s not healthy but it’s normal because many people live off
of fast-food.
This research implies to me that, in order to not get influenced, you
should control yourself, once you get in to that habit, you will be able
to reduce the amount of fast food.

4. What can be done to make them stay fit and healthy?

Eat more wholegrain snacks, Eat healthily and eat fresh to stay fit, Treat
yourself each week, Get adequate sleep.
According to me, there are many ways of staying fit and healthy. They
are; eat healthily and fresh to stay fit, treat yourself each week and
the ,most important thing is to get adequate sleep.

5. What are the simple ways of having a simple meal?

By having a simple and easy cooking, always saves your time. There is no need
to spend hours and hours cooking just for you. The best thing you could do is
by cooking a large proportion of food, so that you can use that for the next few
days, where it saves your money and as well as your money. Simply make a
meal that can last up to few days; you can later on put the food in the fridge, in
order to have it for the next day.
The solution seems to be that only way of having a quick meal is to
keep it simple or cook for a large proportion of food, so that it can be
used for the next two days.
Ninthujah Shanmuganathan