A new action plan to improve modern foreign languages for 14- to 19-year-olds in Wales has been launched by education minister Leighton Andrews.

The plan, developed with educational charity CILT Cymru, will provide more opportunities for students to improve their language skills or learn a new foreign language as part of the 14-19 learning pathways policy.

It aims to strengthen modern foreign language (MFL) delivery in the first three years of secondary school and encourage young people to continue learning a language beyond the age of 14.

The Assembly government will work with CILT Cymru to provide advice, support and professional development for secondary schools in the delivery of MFL, and to extend the range of languages available to students, including opportunities to learn Spanish and Mandarin.

A range of flexible language learning options will be developed in addition to GCSE and A-levels, which are relevant to the needs of young people and businesses.

Mr Andrews said: “Through this action plan, I hope to see increased take-up of modern foreign languages, improved levels of attainment and more flexible access to high quality courses.” DE.