With the rapid implementation of early foreign language programmes in the state of North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, first for Grade 3 (ages 8-9 years) in 2003 and then from Grade 1 (ages 6-7 years) in 2008, primary school teachers had to adapt to teaching a foreign language in Grade 1 quickly. Teachers had little experience with language teaching…

Discusses the introduction of languages other than English (LOTE) into primary schools in Australia, focusing on curriculum planning, classroom methodology, and student transition from primary to secondary language programs. Emphasizes the need to break down the barriers between primary and secondary second language instruction. (15 references)…

Discusses the use of Language Medium Teaching (LMT) in an experimental project at Craigroyston High School in Edinburgh, Scotland. Students in the LMT immersion program are taught geography in French. Also discussed are the use of LMT in the Scottish Primary Pilot program at Balerno High School and its feeder primary schools. (MDM)

Reports on a survey conducted by the Association for Language Learning (ALL) of 199 foreign language teachers in England and Wales concerning the implementation of the National Curriculum in Modern Foreign Languages. Teachers felt that the major strengths of the curriculum included emphasis on the target language and enhanced status for foreign…