Primary modern foreign languages: an overview of recent research, key issues and challenges for educational policy and practice

TLDR

Across the UK, primary foreign language provision varies, with Scotland and Wales having established programmes, Northern Ireland lacking one, and England recently mandating language learning for all primary students by 2012. The article reviews progress of primary foreign language provision, assessing the impact of DfES‑funded Pathfinder projects and identifying key issues and challenges. DfES funded 19 LEA‑led Pathfinder projects to develop sustainable, replicable models for primary foreign language delivery, and the research team evaluated these projects within national and international contexts.

Abstract

AbstractThere has never been a UK-wide policy for primary modern foreign language provision. Scotland, which has for many years managed its educational affairs autonomously, introduced foreign languages into its primary schools over a decade ago. Wales has formulated its own primary and secondary curriculum with due respect for Welsh, tending to give greater priority to its national language than other languages. Northern Ireland, similarly, has had to take account of its indigenous language and has never developed a foreign language programme for young learners. Recent government documents relating to England, however, have outlined an entitlement for all primary-school children in England to learn a language by 2012. In order to achieve this, the DfES has provided additional funding for 19 LEA-led Pathfinder projects to identify sustainable and replicable models. It is appropriate at this point to review the current situation in order to gauge progress and development. This article, written by a research team funded by the DfES to evaluate the Pathfinder projects, outlines the national and international research context, the current national context and the key issues and challenges facing these local education authorities.Keywords: Early foreign language learningPrimary modern foreign languages