Studying a language could become compulsory for all primary school pupils in England, following a review by government adviser Lord Dearing.
Studying a language could become compulsory for all primary school pupils in England, following a review by government adviser Lord Dearing.
Lord Dearing said languages should be "embedded" in the primary curriculum.
Lord Dearing said languages should be "embedded" in the primary curriculum.
It is estimated 60% of primary schools, with government encouragement, already teach languages to some extent.
It is estimated 60% of primary schools, with government encouragement, already teach languages to some extent.
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.
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 age 16, 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.
Proposals
Proposals
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.
Amid widespread concern at the trend, the government asked Lord Dearing to investigate. In the course of consultation we have had the comment from pupils who have dropped languages that they are demanding ('difficult') and lacking in cognitive interest and challenge ('boring') Dearing Review He sought the views of secondary school students, who told him languages were difficult, boring and they "could not see the point".
Amid widespread concern at the trend, the government asked Lord Dearing to investigate. In the course of consultation we have had the comment from pupils who have dropped languages that they are demanding ('difficult') and lacking in cognitive interest and challenge ('boring') Dearing Review He sought the views of secondary school students, who told him languages were difficult, boring and they "could not see the point".
Announcing his interim findings he said: "For languages: the earlier the better.
Announcing his interim findings he said: "For languages: the earlier the better.
"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.
"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.
"We propose that they should be embedded in the primary curriculum at the next review."
"We propose that they should be embedded in the primary curriculum at the next review."
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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."
"Young people need to be aware that languages can make you attractive to employers - and more employable."
The 2012 Olympics presented another opportunity.
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 CE 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.
I think some primary schools may see their curriculum is already squeezed Martin Skinner, head teacher 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.
I think some primary schools may see their curriculum is already squeezed Martin Skinner, head teacher 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."
Lord Dearing's provisional proposals will be subject to consultation with heads, teachers and others before he makes his final recommendations next February.
Lord Dearing's provisional proposals will be subject to consultation with heads, teachers and others before he makes his final recommendations next February.
The general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, John Dunford, said: ASCL General Secretary Dr John Dunford said: "It is an accepted fact in schools and colleges that foreign language GCSEs are harder than other GCSEs. This has put students off.
The general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, John Dunford, said: ASCL General Secretary Dr John Dunford said: "It is an accepted fact in schools and colleges that foreign language GCSEs are harder than other GCSEs. This has put students off.
"We are not talking about 'dumbing down' the curriculum, but the level of difficulty needs to be brought into line with other subjects."
"We are not talking about 'dumbing down' the curriculum, but the level of difficulty needs to be brought into line with other subjects."
The head of the NASUWT teachers' union, Chris Keates, welcomed Dearing's "direction of travel".
The head of the NASUWT teachers' union, Chris Keates, welcomed Dearing's "direction of travel".
"Teachers will welcome the fact that rather than proposing wholesale changes in teaching methods, Dearing is focusing on the way in which language learning is assessed," she said.
"Teachers will welcome the fact that rather than proposing wholesale changes in teaching methods, Dearing is focusing on the way in which language learning is assessed," she said.
"Currently teachers feel constrained from using their professional judgement and expertise by the straight jacket of the assessment system."
"Currently teachers feel constrained from using their professional judgement and expertise by the straight jacket of the assessment system."
Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Sarah Teather said any new policy must be backed up with proper funding and training for teachers, "many of whom won¿t have studied languages since they left school themselves¿.
Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Sarah Teather said any new policy must be backed up with proper funding and training for teachers, "many of whom won¿t have studied languages since they left school themselves¿.
