Cash-in or continue? An exploration of the drop out from German foreign language study between AS and A2 levels. This study is timely, set as it is against the backdrop of the government's recent strategy to discontinue the study of modern foreign languages from the compulsory curriculum in England after Key Stage 3 (at the age of fourteen) with effect from September 2005 (DfES, 2002) and the number of new initiatives and proposals which target, among others, the 14-19 age group. The main aim of this study was to explore some of the reasons behind the drop out from German foreign language study between AS and A2 levels in England using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research methods. By Dr Catherine Watts and Dr Angela Pickering.

By Anglo-German Foundation, UK.

Education Policy Resource.

Extending the Role of Libraries: Final Report. This report presents the findings of a study that examined the provision that public libraries offer communities over and above their traditional role as lending and information services. Key findings concern: partnership working; funding; targeting user groups; the role of library staff; national and local support; the study makes recommendations both for librarians and central and local government in response to issues identified. By Anne Lines, Christopher Savory and Angharad Reakes.

By National Foundation for Educational Research, UK.

Education Policy Resource.