§ 47. Sir David PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he intends to take to encourage more pupils to learn to speak foreign languages.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe Government's policy on modern foreign languages in the school curriculum was set out in the January 1988 policy statement, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend. The national curriculum will include a modern foreign language as a foundation subject at secondary level to be studied by each pupil between the ages of 11 and 16. Within this framework, my right hon. Friend is encouraging a greater diversity of languages offered in the school curriculum.
§ 72. Mr. CranTo ask the Secrertary of State for Education and Science what steps his Department is168W taking to encourage a growth in, and the take-up of, places available in foreign language courses at further and higher education levels.
Mr. JacksonThe Government are concerned to increase the number of pupils continuing to study a foreign language until age 16 and beyond. Our proposals for a national curriculum include a modern foreign language as a foundation subject at secondary level to be studied by all pupils between the ages of 11 and 16. We hope that the greater numbers studying a language to that age will result in an increase in those continuing with further language learning not only in the sixth form but also in further and higher education, so stimulating demand.
The Government are working to make the whole of the education system, including the provision for foreign languages in further and higher education, more responsive to demand.
In addition, the network of language export centres, funded by the Department's professional, industrial and commercial updating programme (PICKUP) and the Training Agency, brings together universities, polytechnics and colleges to help firms meet their language training needs.