An inquiry into the teaching of foreign languages in primary schools has been launched by the European and External Relations (EER) Committee of the Scottish Parliament.

 The Committee would welcome views from parents, teachers and pupils for its inquiry on their experiences of learning or teaching of languages in primary schools. More information on how to send views to the Committee is available on the Committee’s website at:

 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/56920.aspx

 Earlier this year, the Scottish Government recommended that children should learn a second language from Primary 1 and that learning of a third language should start no later than Primary 5. The EER Committee has determined that it wants to look at this policy aim, the capacity within the curriculum for this, and the role of languages in supporting the economy.

 Issues to be explored in the Committee’s investigations include funding (including use of EU funds); the skills base and teaching resources available for language tuition; the capacity within the curriculum to accommodate greater language study; the choice of languages for teaching; and the role of languages in economic development.

The European and External Relations Committee