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THE LEARNING CURVE
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN PRIMARY SCHOOL
The government has recommended that primary school pupils should receive an hour a week of foreign language teaching, but a recent study revealed that only one in thirty primary schools gives all seven to eleven year olds foreign language lessons.
Libby Purves is joined by Chris Davis, Chair of the National Primary Headteachers' Association and Education Minister Stephen Twigg to discuss what can be done to boost the amount of foreign language teaching on offer to primary pupils.
Lesley Hilton visits Colegio Sagasta in Zaragoza, Spain and joins some toddlers who are learning English through songs.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Last month Education Secretary Charles Clarke launched the first national framework for teaching religious education in English schools. The wide ranging guidelines are intended to address concerns over widely differing standards and are aimed at encouraging tolerance while challenging stereotypical views.
The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association has condemned the guidelines for not including sexual orientation and omitting vital support to vulnerable gay pupils who suffer from homophobia.
Libby Purves talks to Dr Evan Harris, MP about the guidelines and the difficulties of confronting issues of sexuality in Religious Education lessons.
KOSOVO
In the Balkan province of Kosovo, attempts are being made to set up the first multi-ethnic school. Kati Whitaker finds out how the entrenched differences which currently divide that society might be overcome in a school for children of all races.
MUSLIM STUDENTS and STUDENT LOANS
Next autumn, universities will start charging new undergraduates tuition fees of up to £3,000 a year. Most students are likely to owe more money than before, even if official student loans are to be repaid after the completion of their studies and only when they are earning at least £15,000.
At the same time the Government has set up The Office of Fair Access (OFFA ) to establish standards for widening participation and ensuring that less well-off students are not deterred from applying to university.
Jamal El-Fhayyal, Member of the Executive Committee of the Federation of Student Islamic Societies explains why these changes to student fees will make it even more difficult for Muslim students to access higher education
Additional information
National Primary Headteachers' Association
National Centre for Languages(CILT)
Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association
Qualification and Curriculum Authority
Religious Education Framework
Office of Fair Access
Federation of Student Islamic Societies(FOSIS)
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