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Summarised by Centrist
A national education forum has warned that language learning in New Zealand is at “crisis point,” with enrolments lower than they were in the 1930s.
The Language Learning for New Zealand’s Future Forum is calling for compulsory second-language classes in Years 7 to 10.
According to the report, New Zealand lags other English-speaking nations where second-language study is mandatory. NZ Association of Language Teachers president Juliet Kennedy said compulsory classes were essential: “Language learning makes students smarter, boosting literacy, problem solving and academic performance across the board.”
She added that it also strengthens cultural identity and benefits diplomacy, trade, and business.
The report recommends increasing the supply of qualified teachers, noting that many leave the profession or switch subjects due to low demand.
The Ministry of Education welcomed the report’s findings, saying it recognises the value of multilingual education, but confirmed “there are no plans” to make languages compulsory at this time.
Post Primary Teachers’ Association president Chris Abercrombie backed the report’s goals but said schools are already stretched:
“Before we can consider expanding compulsory curriculum requirements, we need to address the fundamental issue of teacher supply and retention.”
Abercrombie said many schools still struggle to offer the full range of subjects they would like, limiting access to language learning and leaving students at a disadvantage compared to their international peers.
