AQW 51233/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 08/09/2026
Answered On Date: 18/09/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education whether any consideration was given to adopting an Extensive Processing Instruction approach as part of the new modern languages framework.

Answer:

The proposed modern languages framework is a national curriculum framework rather than a pedagogical approach such as Extensive Processing Instruction.

Its purpose is to define the knowledge, vocabulary, grammar, phonics, cultural knowledge and communication competencies that pupils should learn

The framework does not mandate any specific pedagogical approach. Instead, it has been designed to support a range of evidence-informed teaching methods, that enable pupils to develop secure knowledge, increasing proficiency and the ability to communicate effectively in the target language.

A range of international research relating to language learning, vocabulary acquisition, language proficiency, progression and curriculum design was considered in designing the framework. The evidence focused principally on the relationship between language knowledge and proficiency, including the role of vocabulary, grammar, phonics, high-frequency language and repeated exposure to language.

Subject-specific pedagogical approaches and implementation guidance are being developed separately as part of the wider curriculum implementation programme.