CHILDREN at a Bolton primary school may soon be learning Mandarin as the government recommends pupils learn a foreign language from as young as seven.

Pupils at Chorley New Road Primary School in Horwich are already learning French from the age of five and their headteacher believes they will become so advanced in the language, they would be capable of passing a GCSE in it when they are 13.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson is looking at making language learning compulsory from the age of seven until 14, with Mandarin and Urdu being among the options.

Children may also be encouraged to learn the basics in a number of languages rather than fluency in one, and learning a foreign language could once again become compulsory for GCSE students.

But Andrew Hurst, headteacher at Chorley New Road Primary School says his pupils are already ahead of the game since it is the only school in the borough to teach foreign languages to five-year-old children.

He said: "At this school we want to equip children with the skills they need for the 21st century. In today's world our children need to be able to speak another language to be able to compete. Children in Europe can speak two languages at a young age."

The school introduced the teaching of languages in 2005, and every Wednesday is French day.

Under Government plans £50 million will be put aside to support teaching in primary and secondary schools and to help fund supporting organisations.

Mr Hurst said: "It is not cheap, we use the services of a specialist teacher. But it is worth it. It is important for the Government to back up the initiative with money so that quality lessons can be delivered, rather than expecting existing staff to do it."

The French lessons are a big hit with children at the school.

Daniel Grime, aged five, said: "It is great being able to speak French. When I went to France I could not speak it, but now I can't wait to go back and speak it."

Classmate Chhaya Nadina, aged six, added: "It is important to be able to speak a different language so you can visit different countries."

Teaching assistant Caren Chamberlain said: "Children at this age are not afraid to try pronouncing words, and are willing to give it a go, whereas in secondary school pupils can be a bit more reserved."

According to Bolton Council most primary schools in the borough run a language course.

Cllr Linda Thomas, executive member for Children's Services, said: "We have been working with schools to improve modern languages for the past few years.

"Modern languages have seen a decline in recent years in secondary schools and we have attempted to revive the interest at grass roots level. Starting a language is best done when young."