Start early with foreign languages

Education ministers in UK want schools to have "between 50% and 90%" of pupils taking a modern foreign language at GCSE.

But a survey for The National Centre for Languages (Cilt) suggests only 40% of state schools meet this target.

Across the board, in England last summer, 44% of pupils in Key Stage 4 (15- and 16-year-olds) took a language GCSE.

Independent schools, selective state schools and schools specialising in languages remain strong in this area, while in other state schools, fewer pupils are taking language GCSES.

The government in England says it has put in place major, long-term reforms to raise take-up of languages.

From this year, seven to 11 year olds will be entitled to language lessons - and from next year (foreign) languages will be compulsory for this age group.

Ministers hope that if children are introduced to (foreign) languages at a younger age, they will find them easier to take on at secondary school.

A spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families said: "This is about creating a culture change in the way we as a nation view languages - one which won't happen overnight.

"The key is getting pupils learning (foreign) languages earlier when they are more open and confident to start out.

Linda Parker, director of the Association for Language Learning, said: "This year's survey highlights once again the enormous efforts being made by teachers of languages to encourage and support language learning in our schools.
20 January 2010
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8470066.stm

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