AQW 18339/22-27

Mr Peter McReynolds
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 18/11/2024
Answered On Date: 22/11/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education whether he plans to re-instate the Primary Modern Languages Programme.

Answer:

Given the current financial pressures facing education at this time, I have no present plans to reinstate the Primary Modern Languages Programme or another programme of this nature.

Modern languages have, however, been identified as a priority area of focus within the Northern Ireland Curriculum. My officials continue to engage with colleagues in the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment to consider how best to support languages and encourage the development of language skills in young people.

In addition, the Independent Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum that I have commissioned will make a series of policy recommendations regarding the purpose, design, specification and implementation of the curriculum.