National Languages Strategy

A government‐led strategy to introduce the learning of a modern foreign language (mfl) for every pupil in Key Stage 2 by 2010, with the aim that, by the age of 11, pupils' language achievement will be at a level recognized by the Common European Framework. The National Languages Strategy is one element of the broader Primary National Strategy, and promotes the vision of languages in use for both business and pleasure, and as a means of encouraging an understanding of other cultures. In order to develop the capacity for language teaching in primary schools, it was necessary to establish new initial primary teacher training courses in languages as well as continuing professional development courses for existing teachers and teaching assistants.

A key document supporting this strategy is the Framework for Languages, designed to aid primary school teachers in developing language provision, and to guide secondary teachers of mfl who are providing support for primary language teaching in adapting their subject specialism to the needs of primary stage learners. It sets out examples of language‐learning strategies which pupils should have the opportunity to apply during the four years of their Key Stage 2 schooling. The learning objectives relating to the National Languages Strategy fall into three main strands: oracy, literacy, and intercultural understanding; they are linked to those of other aspects of primary provision, such as the National Literacy Strategy and the national curriculumprogrammes of study in subjects such as English, personal, social, and health education, and information communication technology. See also knowledge about language.

Bibliography and More Information about National Languages Strategy

• Department for Education and Skills Languages for All: Languages for Life (DfES, 2005) sets out the government's strategy for language learning in Key Stage 2.