ABSTRACT
The time allocated to the first language in the secondary curriculum leaves pupils with an immense vocabulary learning task, at least 2,000 words to attain higher level GCSE standard, far more for 16–19 programmes. The basic 11–16 memory load is over five words per hour, without consideration of use and inflection. The second language, often German or Spanish, has to compete but in even less time, sometimes as little as half.
