NZ language learning at crisis point; call for compulsory classes

The report found that fewer students are studying languages now than in the 1930s. Photo / Getty Images

Language learning is at “crisis point” in New Zealand and should be compulsory for students from years seven to 10, according to a new report coming out of the Language Learning for New Zealand’s Future Forum.

The report found that fewer students are studying languages now than in the 1930s and New Zealand lags behind much of the English speaking world where second language study is required.

“Language learning makes students smarter — boosting literacy, problem solving and academic performance across the board" said the president of the New Zealand Association of Language Teachers (NZALT), Juliet Kennedy.

“It fosters cultural identity and belonging, and it strengthens New Zealand’s ability to succeed in global trade, diplomacy and business. We cannot afford to fall further behind.”

Kennedy told the Herald she would “personally recommend languages to be compulsory or be a core requirement from Year 1 to Year 11″ but the current language teacher workforce “is not yet big enough to be able to teach all students between Years 1-11 another language”.

The NZALT president said this was a realistic recommendation and a starting point for “positive change”.

The Education Ministry welcomed the report and acknowledged “the importance of equipping young people with the skills to thrive in a multilingual and globally connected world”.

“At this stage, there are no plans to make additional language learning compulsory. However, the ministry continues to engage with educators, communities, and stakeholders to explore ways to strengthen language learning across the country.”

The report also recommended increasing the supply of qualified teachers and claimed that the language teaching workforce is at risk.

It stated that many of these teachers were lost to other subjects or left the profession altogether because of low demand.

“While we value second language learning and recognise its cognitive and cultural benefits, making it compulsory in Years 7-10 isn’t currently feasible due to New Zealand’s teacher shortage” said Post Primary Teachers’ Association Te Wehengarua president Chris Abercrombie.

“Before we can consider expanding compulsory curriculum requirements, we need to address the fundamental issue of teacher supply and retention.

“Our members are already stretched thin, with many schools unable to offer the full range of subjects they would like to due to staffing constraints.”

As part of the Teacher, Demand and Supply 2024 Report released by the Education Ministry, the Government has several ongoing initiatives to ease teacher supply shortages such as providing funding to encourage former teachers to return to the profession and providing more support to overseas teachers looking to relocate to New Zealand.