Language barrier

In relation to comments regarding the lack of a modern language component in teacher training (Letters, 13 January),

one of the fundamental barriers to reform of initial teacher education (ITE) to include languages as a core subject for primary trainees is opposition from teaching institutions.

In 2005, an ITE review group rejected a similar proposal on the grounds of limited space in an already tight teacher training curriculum..

If space remains an issue within the ITE curriculum, we have to accept that inclusion of an additional subject requires

a reduction in the time allocated to some of the current core subjects, such as English and maths, or an extension of the time spent training teachers.

However, with training institutions' opposition appearing to put internal politics above the nation's education, and with apparently clear guidance making the case for change, there are signs that a reform first mooted a decade ago will finally be implemented.

It will, however, require a tough stance from the new minister of education to resolve this "multilingual muddle".

MARIA JULIA TAKAHASHI

Middlefield Terrace

Aberdeen