Languages in Primary School

We knew it was coming to but today it was officially announced - Learning a foreign language will become a compulsory part of the curriculum for 7-14 year olds.  Alan Johnson said the Government would support making languages compulsory for primary schools when the primary National Curriculum is next reviewed, meaning at least seven years language learning for every child in the country.  There will be an annual budget of over £50million a year to support teaching in primary and secondary schools and to help fund supporting organisations.

Is it just me but are we having to fit more and more into an already tight curriculum?  Is it any wonder that some subjects don't get the attention that they deserve?

Comments

[Ewan McIntosh]

Teaching and learning for foreign languages has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of primary school life in Scotland for over ten years. It needn't 'fit' into the curriculum but can be part of what is done already. Classroom routine, playing games in sport, giving instructions... all of this can be done in the foreign language alongside storytelling and creative writing, wider citizenship type activities and so on.

There are plenty of ideas for Primary teachers on Learning and Teaching Scotland's Modern Foreign Languages Environment: http://www.LTScotland.org.uk/mfle

All of them are free and easy to implement. Hope it's of help.

[Nic]

Every week, I get to Friday and have to decide which foundation subject I just don't get to this week...

I need to be more creative in meeting two sets of objectives within one lesson. Still think the key is teaching skills not content, but it's very easy to get hidebound (particularly if you're feeling wobbly over a subject - sorry? Who said music?!!). Roll on planning in the style of Foundation Stage...