7 Promoting language learning and linguistic
diversity
| (24012)
14410/02
SEC(02) 1234
| Commission Staff Working Paper: Promoting Language Learning and Linguistic Diversity — Consultation.
|
| Legal base | — |
| Department | Education and Skills
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| Basis of consideration | Minister's letter of 14 April 2003
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| Previous Committee Report | HC 63-vi (2002-03), paragraph 7 (8 January 2003)
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| To be discussed in Council | Not applicable
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| Committee's assessment | Politically important
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| Committee's decision | Cleared (decision reported on 8 January 2003)
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Background
When we cleared this document in January, we asked to see a copy
of the Government's response to the consultation paper, since
the Explanatory Memorandum said little about its view of the issues.
The response gave us a much clearer picture of the
Government's position. However, it still left us unsure about
how the planned entitlement for all pupils aged 7-11 to study
at least one foreign language would enable the UK to meet the
target set at the Barcelona European Council of "teaching
at least two foreign languages from a very early age". (That
target contributes to the Union's objective that every citizen
should speak two languages in addition to his or her mother tongue.)
We therefore asked for an explanation of how the Government intended
to meet the target.
The Minister's letter
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Baroness
Ashton) has responded, as she has ministerial responsibility for
languages in schools. She tells us:
"The Barcelona goal of 'mother tongue +2' languages
is not time-limited, and we do not expect all Member States of
the EU to achieve it within the same time scale, or to make equal
progress towards meeting it. Like our own Languages Strategy,
it is a long term aim, and in meeting it we will be concentrating
on building teaching capacity over the coming years and enabling
schools to introduce early language learning at a pace which is
right for them.
"We believe that our Strategy is the first step
towards fulfilling the Barcelona conclusion. It is about creating
the environment and building the motivation to learn languages.
Through delivering the primary entitlement to language learning,
some schools may decide to offer more than one language to pupils
at [Key Stage] 2. We are already seeing examples where primary
schools offer one main language, or one or two main languages
and additional 'taster' sessions in other languages."
The Minister then reports on the Government's plans
to encourage a wide range of individuals to contribute to language
teaching and learning. Finally, she comments:
"Whilst we recognise the Barcelona conclusions,
we cannot move to this position overnight. As the Strategy is
implemented, we will consider how we are measuring up against
the Barcelona goal and what further steps we might need to take."
Conclusion
We thank the Minister for her response. Although we
agree that the "Barcelona position" cannot be achieved
overnight, the Government seems to be embarking on a particularly
lengthy journey towards it. And it is discouraging to learn that
Member States are not expected to make equal progress towards
meeting the goal. This is certainly not likely to be a contest
in which the UK is among the front runners.
We have already cleared the document.
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