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Primary school languages 'a must' Seven-year-olds to take languages
(about 1 hour later)
Modern foreign language lessons could become compulsory for the first time in England's primary schools. Modern foreign language lessons are to be compulsory for the first time in England's primary schools.
A government-commissioned review led by Lord Dearing is expected to recommend that all children should have to learn a language from the age of seven. Education Secretary Alan Johnson backs the recommendation of a review by Lord Dearing, that all children should learn a language from the age of seven.
At present the target is to provide an entitlement to do so by 2010. This should happen by 2010, as part of the next curriculum overhaul.
But the review is not expected to urge a reversal of the decision to make languages optional beyond 14 - despite a sharp fall in pupils' studying GCSEs. But there is no move to reverse the decision to make languages optional beyond 14 - despite a sharp fall in the number of pupils taking GCSEs.
In 2004, pupils were allowed to drop languages in Key Stage 4, the two GCSE years.In 2004, pupils were allowed to drop languages in Key Stage 4, the two GCSE years.
Ministers said they were bowing to the subject's unpopularity.Ministers said they were bowing to the subject's unpopularity.
Since then the numbers taking a GCSE qualification have fallen from about three quarters of the age group to half, with the biggest decline being in state comprehensives.Since then the numbers taking a GCSE qualification have fallen from about three quarters of the age group to half, with the biggest decline being in state comprehensives.
Cross-curricularCross-curricular
In response, ministers commissioned a review from Lord Dearing.In response, ministers commissioned a review from Lord Dearing.
In his interim report, published in December, he said he felt languages should be "embedded" in the primary curriculum. His report says languages should be compulsory from seven to 14.
It is estimated 60% of primary schools already teach languages to some extent, although often it gets very little timetable space. There should be a three-year "blueprint" of fresh measures aimed at bringing about a renaissance in secondary language learning.
"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," the earlier report said. These include a web-based "Open School for Languages", more "engaging" courses and further training for teachers.
Although there are also problems with the supply of specialist language teachers, Lord Dearing believes starting young is the key. An annual budget of £50m should underpin the teaching, the report said.
He will call for an extra £50m to make the idea work. 'Critical mass'
For pupils beyond the age of 14, he will recommend finding new ways of teaching languages with different and more conversational approaches for those who do not want to do a full GCSE. "I want languages to be at the heart of learning," Mr Johnson said.
"That's why I accept Lord Dearing's recommendation that we look to fully embed languages in the primary curriculum when it is next reviewed.
"The earlier you start learning a language the better. Making language study compulsory from 7 to 14 will give pupils seven years to build up their knowledge, confidence and experience."
By that time, he hopes they will have built up "a critical mass of knowledge" and a love of languages.
"We need to demonstrate languages are both a useful skill and something to enjoy if we are to have better motivated learners."
Technological answersTechnological answers
Lord Dearing said 70% of primary schools were already "on the way" to teaching languages.Lord Dearing said 70% of primary schools were already "on the way" to teaching languages.
He told BBC News: "We're recommending it should be part of the standard curriculum hopefully from 2010 then gradually introduce it over the four years called key stage 2, that is between ages seven and 11. He told BBC News: "We're recommending it should be part of the standard curriculum hopefully from 2010 then gradually introduce it over the four years called Key Stage 2, that is between ages seven and 11.
"It is the best time to start learning a language because you do pick it up so much more easily. The rest of Europe is starting at seven, it's about time we did.""It is the best time to start learning a language because you do pick it up so much more easily. The rest of Europe is starting at seven, it's about time we did."
He admitted there was a problem at the other end of the school age scale, and that a more lively curriculum was needed to keep the interest of teenagers in using a language.He admitted there was a problem at the other end of the school age scale, and that a more lively curriculum was needed to keep the interest of teenagers in using a language.
More emphasis is likely to be placed on new technology, which is described as a "tremendous asset".More emphasis is likely to be placed on new technology, which is described as a "tremendous asset".
DfES national director for languages Dr Lid King said: "Although school technology cannot replace face-to-face teaching, we are struck by the potential IT offers for pupils to access language in their own time and without the pressure of peer observation.DfES national director for languages Dr Lid King said: "Although school technology cannot replace face-to-face teaching, we are struck by the potential IT offers for pupils to access language in their own time and without the pressure of peer observation.
"Technology can also provide access to a wider range of language than some schools can currently offer.""Technology can also provide access to a wider range of language than some schools can currently offer."