Leaders - Planning

If the introduction of foreign languages into the life of every primary school is to become a reality, the process will need careful and systematic planning at every level. In the first place, the effectiveness of the curriculum will be judged by its impact on each of the five outcomes of Every Child Matters.

Secondly, as with other significant changes to the curriculum, strategic planning in school and in the local area is vital to ensure that high quality teaching of the foreign language can be sustained. Thirdly, school planning is important in order to develop the skills and confidence of staff and to make the language permeate the curriculum.

Using CLIL

Teaching subjects of the curriculum through the medium of a new language has aroused a lot of interest across Europe over the last ten years, and some countries have been actively promoting the learning of a new language through Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). Some primary schools are now looking at ways of integrating this new language into the curriculum. CLIL may offer a way forward. However, it is a big step for a school to consider adopting this approach and many schools will see the risk worth taking only if the curriculum is not jeopardised and the benefits can be justified.