A FALL in the number of pupils studying languages may threaten the region's tourist industry, it has been claimed.
There is concern that fewer County Durham teenagers opt to study a foreign language before their GCSE year.
The reduction is partly due to changes in the National Curriculum which mean studying a language is no longer compulsory for 14-year-olds.
It is thought this change hastened the decline, with about 50 per cent of pupils entering year ten not taking a language this academic year.
That means about 1,000 fewer pupils studying a language at GCSE-level. A similar drop is reported in numbers studying two languages.
Ian McKenzie, the county council's head of overview and scrutiny, said the decline was contrary to the council's aims. He said: "The study of modern foreign languages by pupils in the county could add value to the tourist industry."
Mr McKenzie called on the council to encourage a more strategic approach to the issue to meet the needs of tourism and industry.
The council has also been urged to raise the issue with the Local Government Association. The overview and scrutiny committee will discuss the issue on Monday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article