Foreign languages 'to be compulsory for seven-year-olds'

Lessons in a foreign language will become compulsory for children as young as seven under Government plans announced today.

The Education Secretary Alan Johnson backed recommendations for an overhaul in the way French, German and other subjects are taught in primary and secondary schools.

The decision to teach languages to all seven-year-olds in England is aimed at reversing the severe decline in the numbers of teenagers taking German and French at GCSE in the past two years.

The fall followed the Government's decision to make languages optional after the age of 14.

But Mr Johnson refused to return to compulsory languages for 14-16-year-olds.

He said catching children young was the best way to nurture their interest in foreign languages.

"We are about to embark on a renaissance in languages in schools and beyond," Mr Johnson said.

"I want languages to be at the heart of learning.

"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 seven to 14 will give pupils seven years to build up their knowledge, confidence and experience."

"By the time they reach Key Stage 4 (GCSE-age) pupils will have built up a critical mass of knowledge - and hopefully a love - of languages."

Steve Sinnott, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said simply telling schools to teach languages was not good enough.

He said the Government's decision to make languages optional for 14 to 16-year-olds sent the message that it was "a second-class subject".

"Of course young people are more open to a new language," he said.

"But introducing a new requirement in primary schools cannot be carried out on the cheap.

"Alongside training, there will be a need for a fully expert teacher to be available to every primary school.

"The primary curriculum itself remains hopelessly overloaded.

"I call on the Government to audit the additional staffing and training needs of all primary schools and to meet them before introducing such a requirement."