Council calls on UEA to think again on language and drama cuts

South Norfolk Council has written to the University of East Anglia saying recommendations to close its languages department would hit the local economy and rob local people of the opportunity to study modern languages.

The letter from Councillor Jane Walker, Cabinet Member for Culture and Learning added that the council would also view any possible closure of the drama department “with deep dismay”.

The letter, (text attached), sets out the council’s concerns.

On languages, Councillor Walker writes of the worry over the possible axing of Scandinavian language courses, an area with traditionally strong links to Norfolk, and she adds:

“Local Government is concentrating much effort into strengthening European links through improved road, air and sea transportation schemes such as the expansion of the port of Great Yarmouth and the dualling of the A47.

“South Norfolk District Council considers Modern Foreign Languages to be vital to the future of the local and regional economy. Both the South Norfolk Economic Strategy and Norfolk Learning and Skills Council's Modern Foreign Language Strategy for 16+ specifically state this.

“Indeed their main focus is to work on changing perceptions and availability of modern foreign languages in a coordinated fashion. Dozens of local stakeholders and partners have agreed with this.”

She also warns of the economic consequences of the possible cuts on the local economy and on young people:

“In South Norfolk there is increasing demand amongst employers and residents for foreign language training. This begins in the schools and colleges and is then taken to an advanced level at university. Indeed, the global nature of a number of industry sectors in South Norfolk, particularly Health and Life Sciences and Engineering, will need fluency in languages to enable their businesses to harness both the European and international markets.

“A further concern for us is the growing trend for young people to study at their local colleges and universities for economic reasons. It becomes increasingly important that they and mature students can access good language and linguistics courses locally. It is hoped that these graduates will settle in this area and eventually make a vital contribution to the local economy.”

On drama, she warns that closing the drama facility would have “a devastating long-term effect on the cultural vibrancy of the region”:

“Performing Arts have a proven track record in engaging a wide cross-section of residents. We currently have a flourishing sector of professional artists who contribute to the creative dimension of major tourism events such as the Norfolk & Norwich Festival and have recently added to the vibrancy of the South Norfolk Festival calendar. Many of them have re-located to the area to study and have chosen to remain, but this 'talent pool' would be stifled and future collaborations compromised should the closure go ahead.

“Drama is a nationally recognized resource for addressing complex social and personal curriculum issues and a dearth of qualified specialists in this field could have a serious impact on the way in which the Arts are delivered in Education.

“It is vital that we advocate the continued provision of drama courses at the UEA and encourage students to achieve in this field; their communication skills, creative ways of addressing issues and ability to inspire are fundamental to a wide sphere of community based aspirations.”

The decision to write to the UEA came during district councillors’ first opportunity to raise the issue at their Full Council meeting. Councillor Walker has called on the UEA to take these views into account when it meets next week (July 5) to make a final decision.

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