Finally today the Government has announced its proposals on the new National Curriculum for primary schools. Michael Gove has written to Tim Oates, the Chair of the Expert Panel on the New Curriculum, with his response to the panel’s recommendations for the primary curriculum.
Here is the part of the letter which refers explicitly to languages:
“In common with high-performing schools in this country and other high-performing jurisdictions, I want to add breadth to the primary curriculum by requiring all schools to teach a foreign language at Key Stage 2, from Year 3 to Year 6.
The new foreign languages Programme of Study will require an appropriate balance of spoken and written language. Pupils must learn to speak in sentences, with appropriate pronunciation. They will have to express simple ideas with clarity. Pupils should also learn to write phrases and short sentences from memory. They should develop an understanding of basic grammar. And they should become acquainted with songs and poems in the language studied. Teaching should focus on making substantial progress in one language.“
The Secretary of State also emphasises the Government’s intention to work closely with teachers:
“We will work closely with the teaching profession over the coming months to determine exactly how the new National Curriculum will be enhanced and assessed. Our guiding principle will always be to learn from the highest-performing schools and give special weight to the experience of those professionals who have done most to raise attainment for all students and who have helped the disadvantaged most of all.“
We understand that there will be a period of consultation on these proposals and will keep members informed on how best to respond. There is also a mailbox available for queries at: [email protected].
New draft Programmes of Study for primary English, maths and science have also been published today. Copies of both the letter and the draft Programmes of Study can be found at: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/curriculum/nationalcurriculum/b0075667/national-curriculum-review-update.
In an initial response to the announcement ALL President Bernardette Holmes has warmly welcomed the proposal:
“This long-awaited confirmation that primary language learning will be a statutory part of the Key Stage 2 curriculum is excellent news. ALL has been concerned about the limbo in which primary schools were left after the 2010 elections and has tirelessly argued the case for language learning from the age of seven. At last, primary schools will be able to begin to plan coherently for languages in the new curriculum and the Association for Language Learning will be here to help teachers during this crucial period of reform. We believe that learning a new language will bring considerable benefits to children’s personal, cultural and cognitive development, which will have an impact not only on their skills in and attitudes towards other languages but also make a significant contribution to their general literacy.”
We will be keeping members updated with ALL’s ongoing response to the proposals over the coming days.