Languages need to be better promoted, says Minister

Figures on the number of pupils taking foreign language GCSEs show that more needs to be done to promote these subjects at an earlier age, Schools Minister Stephen Twigg said today.

The Minister also said he was keen to see more pupils studying Spanish. It is the second most spoken European international business language, behind English.

Last year 74% of 15-year-olds taking GCSEs in England studied at least one foreign language. French was the most popular language, studied by 51% of pupils, while 21% took German and 8% took Spanish.

The figures also give a breakdown by each local education authority and show that Rutland, West Berkshire, Poole and Bolton have some of the best records in the country.

Rutland had the highest percentage of pupils studying German, at 48%. Leicestershire came top in French with 72% studying the subject, while Camden in London came top for Spanish with 35%.

Mr Twigg said the figures show a need to do more to encourage pupils to learn a language and take an interest in the culture of other nations.

"This is important for the pupils' development, and the country as a whole, with more than half of UK worldwide trade being with Europe," he said.

"Our National Languages Strategy aims to give every primary pupil aged seven to 11 the chance to learn at least one foreign language by the end of the decade. We recently announced 19 LEAs which are going to pioneer how we do this, and by working with them we can foster a culture of excellence for languages in this country."

A National Languages Strategy was published on 18 December 2002 and is backed by funding which will rise to £10 million a year by 2005/6.

(GMcG)