AQW 51235/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 08/09/2026
Answered On Date: 16/09/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any reason compulsory language awareness at key stage 2 has not been included in the new modern languages framework.

Answer:

The draft curriculum includes Language and Cultural Awareness (LCA) through Multilingualism at Key Stage 2 as an optional area of learning. LCA is intended to give pupils a positive introduction to language learning, develop their understanding of how languages work and broaden their awareness of different cultures.

There are practical challenges in making primary language learning a statutory entitlement. Evidence from other jurisdictions highlights difficulties relating to teacher expertise, curriculum time, resource development, and consistency of provision. LCA is currently proposed as an optional Key Stage 2 subject, with the consultation seeking views on whether it should become statutory and over what timeframe.