Language lessons under review

Thursday, 12, Oct 2006 12:00

Ministers have announced a review of how languages are taught in schools amid fears that fewer and fewer teenagers are studying the subject.

Education secretary Alan Johnson has asked Lord Dearing to look at flexible courses, incentives, and to work with employers to show students the value of language skills.

Mr Johnson said the government was "committed to encouraging young people to embrace languages while recognising they should be offered flexibility in what they study to inspire them to continue learning".

There has been a decline in the number of pupils studying modern language since the government removed the requirement to take the subject at GCSE.

This year, the numbers applying for German GCSE fell 14.5 per cent, French by 13.2 per cent and Spanish by 0.5 per cent. However, the A* to C pass rate for languages rose by 3.8 per cent.