Investment in languages welcomed by city bosses 21.12.07
Leicester education bosses have reacted positively to Government plans to invest £53 million in language learning at school. Ministers announced the scheme yesterday, which includes £35 million of investment in teacher training and plans to launch a new language website for secondary school pupils.
Under the initiative, teenagers will be offered intensive language classes and university students will be sent into schools to act as "ambassadors" for the subjects.
Councillor Vi Dempster, Leicester's schools spokeswoman, said: "I think it shows a real commitment from the Government towards a widening of education rather than a very narrow focus and I welcome the announcement.
"This will encourage children to think on an international level rather than a parochial level."
The scheme will make studying a language compulsory for all primary school pupils from the age of seven.
Coun Dempster said she felt teaching children at primary school age was a positive step.
She said: "If they [the pupils] start early then languages are much, much easier to learn.
Since ministers made languages optional at GCSE in 2004, tens of thousands of teenagers have abandoned French and German, because the subjects are seen as too hard.
Schools minister Jim Knight defended that decision, saying "Compulsory French or German GCSE study simply does not motivate pupils.
"By continuing to invest in more long-term solutions, such as better trained teachers and more innovative resources, we will generate enthusiasm and confidence for studying languages in secondary school and beyond. Developing a love for languages is a lifetime asset that broadens horizons - benefits I want for all primary school children."
Source: Leicester Mercury
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