Menu
04/02/2004
Language initiative launched for primary schools
Trainee Primary School teachers will get the chance to work in Spain for four weeks to develop their language skills, it has been announced today.
The initiative will allow more children as young as seven the chance to learn Spanish and German at primary school, following the introduction of a similar scheme in Germany.
The scheme has been running in France since 2001, with around 600 trainee teachers benefiting so far.
Signing the agreement with Spain today, Schools Minister Stephen Twigg said that the scheme will help more children to start learning a language early which they can further develop at secondary school. Only 8% of all pupils taking GCSEs chose to study Spanish in 2003, while 19% took German and 49% took French.
Mr Twigg said: "It is good for our pupils' development and the international standing of our country.
"Our agreement with Spain and our links with Germany are big steps forward in our drive to give all pupils the opportunities they need to learn a language."
The government aims to ensure that every primary pupil in the country age gets the opportunity to start learning a foreign language by 2010.
(gmcg)
The initiative will allow more children as young as seven the chance to learn Spanish and German at primary school, following the introduction of a similar scheme in Germany.
The scheme has been running in France since 2001, with around 600 trainee teachers benefiting so far.
Signing the agreement with Spain today, Schools Minister Stephen Twigg said that the scheme will help more children to start learning a language early which they can further develop at secondary school. Only 8% of all pupils taking GCSEs chose to study Spanish in 2003, while 19% took German and 49% took French.
Mr Twigg said: "It is good for our pupils' development and the international standing of our country.
"Our agreement with Spain and our links with Germany are big steps forward in our drive to give all pupils the opportunities they need to learn a language."
The government aims to ensure that every primary pupil in the country age gets the opportunity to start learning a foreign language by 2010.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 March 2007
Seven-year-olds to learn languages
Learning a foreign language is to become compulsory for 7 to 14-year-olds in England, the government has announced. Education Secretary Alan Johnson announced that the government would back the recommendation in a review of languages by Lord Dearing.
Seven-year-olds to learn languages
Learning a foreign language is to become compulsory for 7 to 14-year-olds in England, the government has announced. Education Secretary Alan Johnson announced that the government would back the recommendation in a review of languages by Lord Dearing.
11 March 2005
Government announces boost for foreign language learning
A £115 million boost to support language learning and teaching has been announced by Education Secretary Ruth Kelly.
Government announces boost for foreign language learning
A £115 million boost to support language learning and teaching has been announced by Education Secretary Ruth Kelly.
12 November 2012
Weakest Primary Schools To Be Made Academies
A new plan to improve the UK’s weakest primary schools by turning them into academies will be unveiled by the prime minister.
Weakest Primary Schools To Be Made Academies
A new plan to improve the UK’s weakest primary schools by turning them into academies will be unveiled by the prime minister.
30 June 2015
Pupil Premium Impact Will Take Time - NAO
The National Audit Office (NAO) has said the full impact of allocating money to schools for poorer pupils 'will take time'. The department's report said the Pupil Premium has 'potential' to bring about a more significant improvement in outcomes. However, it added there was still 'more to do' by schools and government.
Pupil Premium Impact Will Take Time - NAO
The National Audit Office (NAO) has said the full impact of allocating money to schools for poorer pupils 'will take time'. The department's report said the Pupil Premium has 'potential' to bring about a more significant improvement in outcomes. However, it added there was still 'more to do' by schools and government.
27 June 2003
Ofsted report notes improved school leadership
The proportion of headteachers providing excellent leadership and management in schools has doubled over the last five years, according to a new Office for Standards in Education report published today.
Ofsted report notes improved school leadership
The proportion of headteachers providing excellent leadership and management in schools has doubled over the last five years, according to a new Office for Standards in Education report published today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
