The start of the 2014/2015 academic year marks a change in the way in which languages are taught in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. The start of term will see the teaching of languages becoming a compulsory part of the primary curriculum for the first time. This means that children aged between seven and eleven will be required to reach a high standard of written and verbal communication in a foreign language. Learning a language at a younger age is advocated by the European Commission, which recommends the teaching of at least two foreign languages from an early age.
This is because they believe if it can result in faster language learning. Whilst 97% of primary schools have provided language learning at some level prior to the introduction of this change, it will be a positive step to ensure there is national consistency in the teaching of the languages. Ensuring there are no gaps in the teaching of languages through a child’s education is a key factor in maintaining language abilities. To achieve this goal the education authorities are seeking to increase the number of primary teachers with the expertise to teach to teach a foreign language.
The new curriculum for language learning will be in one of seven languages; French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Latin and Ancient Greek. Interestingly, although the traditional and classical European languages are included in the list, so is Mandarin. This reflects the growing influence and importance of China on the global stage, with London Mayor and high profile political figure Boris Johnson saying “I think it should certainly be on offer. We’re going to need our kids to know Mandarin on a much more frequent and regular basis.” It will be interesting to see how the learning of languages at an earlier age will reignite a passion for learning. It will also be interesting to see how demand for the experience of immersion in a language reflects in the country’s children.