1. Linking CfE Outcomes to other languages frameworks
Modern Languages
Linking CfE Outcomes to other languages frameworks
(The Languages Ladder)
Modern Languages : Linking CfE Outcomes to other languages frameworks
The purpose of this PowerPoint Presentation is to raise awareness of other languages frameworks (in this case The Languages Ladder) which seek to describe learning experiences and outcomes at beginner level and then to track progression in each of the language skills.
It can be used to raise awareness of important European developments and to promote discussion of their relevance to the CfE Experiences and Outcomes for Modern Languages. This PowerPoint Presentation should be used in conjunction with the Appendices from the CfE Modern languages 3-15 Framework as part of ongoing support to clarify the level of performance expected of the learner at each level in each language skill.
The materials can be used to stimulate professional dialogue and reflection, for example with departmental or whole school staff, subject networks, engaging with partners, etc. How it is used will vary according to the needs of the group and can be over more than one session. It would be useful to have a hard copy of the CfE Modern languages 3–15 framework to hand when using this PowerPoint.

2. The Languages Ladder
The Languages Ladder has been developed in England in an attempt to disaggregate the CEFR levels into a series of “I can” statements which describe progression in each of the four languages skills (listening/speaking/reading/writing).
The purpose of this presentation is to illustrate how the Languages Ladder describes performance and progression within the skill of speaking and to relate this to the CfE Modern languages 3-15 Framework.
It would be advisable to consider how this approach relates to the experiences and outcomes for Listening and Talking at the three levels within the CfE Modern languages 3-15 Framework.
More details about the Languages Ladder, including the description of performance in listening, reading and writing, can be found at: and

3. The Languages Ladder
A voluntary recognition scheme for languages, designed to give people credit for their language skills.
It can be used by language learners of any age and at any level – from the beginner to the practically bilingual.
Learners can use the ‘I can do…’ statements to estimate where their current language skills sit on the Languages Ladder and/or monitor their progress in a new language.
The Languages Ladder can be used to assess progress in each discrete language skill. It can be used informally as self assessment or more formally leading to certification (see previous link to asset languages).

4. The Languages Ladder
There are six stages from Breakthrough to Mastery covering grades 1-17 Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
Learners can choose to be assessed in one or more of these skills in one or more languages and can work towards a nationally recognised qualification
Although the Languages Ladder describes six stages of progression, this presentation concentrates on the 3 early levels (Breakthrough/Preliminary/Intermediate) as they align with Basic User level in CEFR and the levels of performance in CfE Modern languages 3-15 Framework.

5. Languages Ladder for Speaking
GRADES Breakthrough
On completing this stage…..
you should be able to use a basic range of everyday expressions relating to personal details and needs.
your pronunciation will not always be completely accurate but your meaning will be clear.
you should be able to understand and use a few simple grammatical structures and sentence patterns.
you should be familiar with the sound system of the language.
you should be aware of how to address people both formally and informally as appropriate.
The Breakthrough stage describes performance at beginner level. At the end of each stage in the Languages Ladder a general description is given of the success criteria against which performance is assessed. Progression towards this level of performance is described in terms of “I can” statements (see next slide).

6. GRADES 1-2-3 Breakthrough
1 I can say/repeat a few words and short simple phrases
2 I can answer simple questions and give basic information
3 I can ask and answer simple questions and talk about my interests
“I can” statements are used by learners to assess their progress in each skill.
It would be advisable at this point to consider this slide and the previous one and discuss the level of performance expected in speaking at the end of Breakthrough stage. You might then wish to consider how this expectation relates to the level of performance expected in listening and talking at 2nd / 3rd level in the CfE Modern languages 3-15 Framework.

7. Languages Ladder for Speaking
GRADES Preliminary
On completing this stage…..
you should be able to use and adapt learned language relating to a range of predictable everyday matters.
your pronunciation should be clear and you should be able to maintain a simple conversation using strategies such as asking for clarification or repetition.
you should be able to recognise the difference between past, present and future events and be familiar with simple forms of the verb tenses.
The Preliminary stage describes progress from beginner level. At the end of each stage in the Languages Ladder a general description is given of the success criteria against which performance is assessed. Progression towards this level of performance is described in terms of “I can” statements (see next slide).

8. GRADES Preliminary
4 I can take part in a simple conversation and I can express my opinions
5 I can give a short prepared talk, on a topic of my choice, including expressing my opinions
6 I can give a short prepared talk, on a topic on my choice, expressing opinions and answering simple questions about it
“I can” statements are used by learners to assess their progress in each skill.
It would be advisable at this point to consider this slide and the previous one and discuss the level of performance expected in speaking at the end of Preliminary stage. You might then wish to consider how this expectation relates to the level of performance expected in listening and talking at 3rd / 4th level in the CfE Modern languages 3-15 Framework.

9. Languages Ladder for Speaking
GRADES Intermediate
On completing this stage….
you should now be comfortable with a range of tenses, and should be able to use language relating to a range of familiar matters.
you should be using and adapting language for new purposes.
your pronunciation should be generally accurate.
you should be able to maintain a conversation on familiar matters or in predictable situations, using a range of simple language.
The Intermediate stage describes progress from Preliminary level. At the end of each stage in the Languages Ladder a general description is given of the success criteria against which performance is assessed. Progression towards this level of performance is described in terms of “I can” statements (see next slide).

10. GRADES 7-8-9 Intermediate
7. I can answer simple unprepared questions in a conversation or following a presentation
8. I can tell a story or relate the plot of a book or film and give my opinions about it
9. I can take part in a discussion, giving and justify my opinions and ideas
“I can” statements are used by learners to assess their progress in each skill.
It would be advisable at this point to consider this slide and the previous one and discuss the level of performance expected in speaking at the end of Intermediate stage. You might then wish to consider how this expectation relates to the level of performance expected in listening and talking at 4th level in the CfE Modern languages 3-15 Framework.