The government are planning to make it compulsory for children to start learning foreign languages at age seven. Is this a good idea?
| Seven-year-olds are still learning all about the English language – why introduce a new one? |
I think it's a great idea as younger children are more willing to learn and quicker at picking things up. Teaching children French or Spanish when they get to secondary school is pointless because by then they find it boring. Speaking a foreign language is very useful if you want to travel and in a lot of jobs it's a required skill. I really don't believe that it will put more pressure on children.
Finn Ros, 15, London
No Way! Seven-year-olds shouldn't have to suffer being taught a second language. I'm studying GCSE French and find it really difficult and boring because it doesn't really relate to me. I see no point in learning it. The lessons we get for foreign languages could be used for extra maths or Science classes.
Sheena Hall, 14, Belfast
I'd love to learn French at school. In my school they have a French Club after lessons are over. I tried to get in it but I couldn't because it was too popular. I have a French godmother and lots of French friends and I would love to be able to speak it properly.
Jamie Maisner, 7, Kent
Seven-year-olds are still learning all about the English language so why introduce a new one? That will just mean another exam later on, which is something that no one needs! Teachers are stretched enough already without having to find time to do more teaching. Languages like French, Spanish and German should be for senior education. Let the seven year olds learn to spell in English first!!
Sam Hunt, 14, Birmingham
Seven is an appropriate age to learn a language because when you're in secondary school you already have a lot of lessons and languages just seem to clutter up your timetable and take up all your homework time. When you're in primary school you get less homework and have more time for a language.
Ben Wildman, 12, Plymouth.
I don't think it should be compulsory. You should have the choice in later life because it might be a bit confusing and complicated for children of my age. I don't know why I would want to speak another language. The only language I would like to learn is Chinese because my mum is half Chinese and she could teach me.
Vienna Williams, 8, Plymouth.
About the team
The Answer the question panel are members of Children's Express. This column was published as part of Teen Talk, the Children's Express page in the New Nation.
