From the National Director for Languages:

The introduction of languages into the primary curriculum is a major reform with far reaching consequences. Since the launch of the National Languages Strategy, enormous changes have taken place – in the numbers of children learning languages and in the quality of their learning experience. Both the Languages Review of 2007  and Sir Jim Rose’s Independent Review of the Primary Curriculum were therefore able to propose  that languages become a statutory part of the curriculum. This will now happen in 2011.

One striking thing about this initiative has been the engagement and enjoyment of so many children, coupled with the enthusiasm and determination of their teachers. As we move towards a new stage when children will be learning a language throughout the four years of Key Stage 2, we need to build further on this engagement and enthusiasm. We face new challenges of continuity and progression, and one of the guarantees of success will be the increasing language competence of teachers. 

Many primary teachers already have good language skills and many more have been willing to develop their skills. Building on such dedication the DCSF has overseen the creation of this Language Upskilling Specification to support further training. It will sit alongside the Key Stage 2 Framework for Languages as a major point of reference supporting primary languages. We hope that you will make good use of it, letting us know where it could be improved and above all joining in the next great challenge of making language learning a reality for all our children.

Dr Lid King