Studying a language could become compulsory for all primary school pupils in England, a government adviser is expected to say.
Studying a language could become compulsory for all primary school pupils in England, following a review by government adviser Lord Dearing.
Lord Ron Dearing is likely to say he wants languages to be a standard part of the primary curriculum.
Lord Dearing said languages should be "embedded" in the primary curriculum.
It is estimated that 60% of primary schools are already teaching languages.
It is estimated 60% of primary schools, with government encouragement, already teach languages to some extent.
His interim report into how to tackle a decline in languages is also expected to rule out a return to compulsory language studies in secondary schools.
Lord Dearing's interim report on the decline in language study is against a return to compulsory language studies at GCSE level in secondary schools.
Until two years ago, it had been compulsory for pupils in England to study a modern language up to GCSE or the equivalent level, but now pupils can stop at 14.
Until two years ago, it had been compulsory for pupils in England to study a modern language up to age 16, but now pupils can stop at 14.
'Stressful oral exams'
'Stressful oral exams'
In 2001, 78% of pupils took a language at GCSE, compared to 51% this year, government figures showed.
In 2001, 78% of pupils took a language at GCSE, compared to 51% this year, government figures showed.
I think some primary schools may see their curriculum is already squeezed Martin Skinner, head teacher
Amid widespread concern at the trend, the government asked Lord Dearing to investigate.
To compile the report, Lord Dearing asked for the views of secondary school students, who told him languages were difficult, boring and they "could not see the point".
I think some primary schools may see their curriculum is already squeezed Martin Skinner, head teacher He sought the views of secondary school students, who told him languages were difficult, boring and they "could not see the point".
He is likely to call for an urgent review of the languages exam syllabuses in an attempt to make it more relevant to 14 to 16-year-olds and to swap "stressful" oral tests for ongoing teacher assessment.
Announcing his interim findings he said: "For languages: the earlier the better.
It is thought the report will also outline reasons why studying languages should not be made compulsory in secondaries, including:
"We like the way they are being taught in primaries as they are introduced through cross-curricular work, and the way they draw on the young children's sense of fun.
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a
possible shortage of language teachers
some
students of GCSE age are still struggling with maths and English
introducing
an element of compulsion into the new diplomas to be introduced from 2008.
"We propose that they should be embedded in the primary curriculum at the next review."
Schools Minister Jackie Smith wrote to schools in January this year telling them between 50% and 90% of their pupils should sit a language GCSE.
Other key findings:
GCSE
languages specification should be revised to make it more relevant and engaging for young people
oral
part of the GCSE should perhaps be assessed by teachers rather than a one-off exam
informal
classroom assessment at the end of Key Stage 2 (age 11) and 3 (14)
schools
should be given more freedoms to offer languages alongside major EU languages
more
professional development for language teachers. His reasons for not advocating a return to compulsion at GCSE level include a possible shortage of teachers, the fact that some students are still struggling with maths and English, and an element of compulsion in the new diplomas from 2008.
But it is understood that 40 secondaries in England do not offer any language studies at Key Stage 4.
Education Secretary Alan Johnson, who commissioned the review, said: "The younger they start learning a language the easier it can become, which is why we want every Key Stage 2 pupil in the country to have the opportunity to study a foreign language by 2010."
Lord Dearing is also expected to say he accepts primary school teachers' views that the earlier children learn a language the better.
He added: "We must also get major employer organisations involved to see what more they can do to promote the value of languages skills for business.
"Young people need to be aware that languages can make you attractive to employers - and more employable."
The 2012 Olympics presented another opportunity.
French nativity play
French nativity play
At Rothwell Primary School in West Yorkshire, French has been part of the curriculum for about three years, and this Christmas pupils are performing a bilingual nativity play.
At Rothwell Primary School in West Yorkshire, French has been part of the curriculum for about three years, and this Christmas pupils are performing a bilingual nativity play.
Head teacher Martin Skinner said he did not see compulsory languages as a problem for his school, but he hoped tests would not be brought in.
Head teacher Martin Skinner said he did not see compulsory languages as a problem for his school, but he hoped tests would not be brought in.
"That would lose a lot of the fun and would put pressure on schools.
"That would lose a lot of the fun and would put pressure on schools.
"I think some primary schools may see their curriculum is already squeezed, they have pressure from SATs [national curriculum tests] and I am not sure how many modern language graduates go into teaching now."
"I think some primary schools may see their curriculum is already squeezed, they have pressure from Sats [national curriculum tests] and I am not sure how many modern language graduates go into teaching now."
A full report by Lord Dearing is due to be published in February next year.
Lord Dearing's provisional proposals will be subject to consultation with heads, teachers and others before he makes his final recommendations next February.
