Parents ‘disgusted’ as Magna Academy drops French course

Children at Magna Academy are being forced to stop studying French and switch to Spanish, despite missing hours of ‘crucial learning time.’

A parent of a child studying French at the school, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “The decision has been taken without parental consultation to just suddenly switch them to a completely different language after the Easter break.

“For those of you who aren’t sure, this is like casually swapping from music to cookery.

“What about those that want to study French GCSE?”

Parents ‘disgusted’ as French course axed ‘without consultation’Parents received a letter from the school explaining that Magna Academy will only offer Spanish for Years 7-9 from Easter.

 Year 9 students will be informed about the change during their KS4 options process, while Year 10 and 11 students studying GCSE French will be allowed to finish their course.

The parent added: “If a child in Year 9 was anticipating taking French for GCSE, they can’t do that.

“They also can’t take another language because they have missed too much. They have missed a ridiculous amount of contact time — I have calculated around 78 hours — which is putting them at a major disadvantage.”

Another parent said: “I think it’s disgusting and completely unfair on the kids. They’re at a disadvantage compared to those who have already been studying it.

“It’s sabotaging a GCSE for these students, and there’s also the mental health impact — the stress and worry of having to learn something new.”

Principal Phil Midworth said: “Despite substantial efforts to recruit a French specialist and a national shortage of modern foreign languages teachers, we will offer Spanish at Magna Academy moving forward.

“It is important to note this is the direct result of a national recruitment crisis facing schools across the country.

“The department is fully staffed with Spanish specialists and fully qualified MFL teachers.

“We understand parents’ concerns and continue to appreciate the value of languages as part of a diverse and rich curriculum.

“From Easter, Year 7-9 students will be taught Spanish. A temporary arrangement has been made to allow those currently studying GCSE French to finish their qualification, but this is not a sustainable arrangement.”