With the system so broken it will take a long time to fix things and here a few things that I think need to change
--> Teach languages at an earlier age
--> Make language teaching more fun with greater focus on holding a conversation
--> Encourage adults to learn a second language so their children have someone to practice with at home
--> Offer a greater range of languages to study
--> Teach more about the culture that these languages come from
I disagree and agree with some of these points. But, you are wrong to call it dull. It is all about the learner. Some people are capable or willing to learn no matter what, others think it's a way too jazz up your CV or get a 'rounded' education.
1) Language learning is affected by your age. Children surpass adults and some teenagers when it comes to pronunciation and actually speaking the language. However, adults are way better at achieving fluency once they have overcome the basic barriers. So, being a teenager (11-15) you get the best of both worlds. Unless teachers were willing to speak French all day at primary school, it would be pointless and children need to develop fluency in English first. Studies have shown being bilingual is a major health benefit but must be done correctly, especially with children.
2) This is true! However, GCSE serves no purpose for this. It is learn it, recite it and be done with it. A Levels on the other hand, require you to use what you know to hold a conversation, quite a difficult one as I well. I had to talk about maternity leave and I seriously had to argue with the 'arrogant' examiner and make him listen. The fact is, kids don't want to hold a conversation at GCSE, you have to have an interest and confidence, it's all about communication. At GCSE, not many are interested or confident in having a go, so they essentially stop themselves.
3) This is important, but British really aren't good at languages. We are very closed, contained people, which isn't bad! But, language learning requires very social people in order to get the best of out of learning. I think adults nowadays would not bother, even if they got paid to. Perhaps in the future though, it might be more effective.
4) French, German and Spanish are the most practical and worthwhile for UK students. While people promote Chinese Mandarin like hell, the Chinese have plowed their students with enough English to be fairly proficient. French, German and Spanish are important bridging languages, they are easier than the more 'exotic' languages and teachers are available. Once you've developed the confidence to speak French/Spanish/German etc, you can easily overtake a student who studies solely Chinese/Arabic.
5) Again, this a GCSE - A Level issue. I knew little about French culture at GCSE, apart from the Eiffel Tower, Saint Mont Michel and Snails. At A Level, I knew all about Paris Beach, Strasbourg, The Admins, Renaissance, Bastille, Bayeux and even legal stuff like PACs and Women's Equality Acts. Plus I knew all the modern singers and actors after being immersed into the TV/Radio. So I think you are right with this suggestion!