Czech Education Minister Proposes Mandatory English from First Grade
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Loading... - Murray Barnes
- 06 Aug 2024
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Czech Education Minister Mikuláš Bek has proposed making English language learning compulsory from the first grade, as part of a broader education reform aimed at shifting from rote memorization to practical application of knowledge and skills.
English from Kindergarten?
Minister Bek has suggested that English might even become compulsory from the last year of kindergarten, with a second language becoming compulsory from Grade 6. Schools would be required to offer at least one of German, French, or Spanish as the second language.
Changes to Foreign Language Education
Currently, schools must start teaching the first foreign language by third grade at the latest, and the second by eighth grade or earlier. The proposed reform would require primary school children to learn two foreign languages, with English being the first compulsory language.
Decision Process
The proposal is still being debated, with some coalition politicians supporting the current system of compulsory two-language teaching, while others prefer the option of one compulsory language with the other being offered as an elective.
Impact on Arts Education
The reform also raises questions about the future of music and art education, with some suggesting that these subjects might be integrated into broader disciplines that include film, dance, and drama. However, it remains unclear what changes will be made to arts education.
