Dorset, 17th September 2010
Dear Colleagues
Some months ago I signed a Petition to the PM requested Compulsory Teaching of Languages in Secondary Schools. Here is an interim statement for HMG:
> Petition to:
> reinstate the compulsory teaching of modern foreign languages up to the
> age of 16. This petition is now closed, as its deadline has passed.
>
> We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to reinstate the compulsory
> teaching of modern foreign languages up to the age of 16. More details
>
> Submitted by Andrew Coombe – Deadline to sign up by: 03 June 2010 –
> Signatures: 4,236
>
> More details from petition creator
> The government dropped the requirement to teach foreign languages to all
> children up to the age of 16 in 2002. As a result there has been a
> dramatic fall in pupils taking these subjects. This leads to a
> catastrophic loss of international understanding, cultural enjoyment and
> business competitiveness. We believe that all school students deserve to
> gain an understanding of the world outside these shores and a chance to
> communicate with others. In addition we believe this will improve
> students' confidence, increase tolerance and enable more students to gain
> access to international jobs. This will help to enable young people to
> improve their lives by introducing them to the joys of other cultures.
>
> http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/TeachLanguages/
>
> Government response
> We agree that language learning skills are very important for the economic
> future of the country and for promoting a better understanding of
> international issues.
>
> We are currently considering our priorities for the school curriculum and
> any changes that may need to be made. We will announce our plans in due
> course.
MfG,
Dr Peter Randle CSci CEng CITP CMath CChem
Biography: www.marquiswhoswho.net/peterrandle
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