Primary Schools to Have Free Hand in Choosing Primary Foreign Language

Bratislava, April 15 (TASR) - The Education Ministry's press team has confirmed for TASR that primary schools will be given a free hand when it comes to choosing which foreign language will be the primary one taught. English has been the only compulsory primary foreign language up to this point. When the change is introduced, headteachers of schools will have the option of selecting from an increased pool of primary foreign languages, including English, German, French, Russian, Italian and Spanish. If a pupil doesn't choose English, it will automatically become their secondary foreign language. The ministry reassessed the current conditions based on feedback from schools and employers' associations. It explained that a command of several foreign languages, especially German and French, which are languages of business and culture, provides better job opportunities. The change is set to come into force as of September. zel/df