But the government says it is already a compulsory National Curriculum subject and the English Baccalaureate is to encourage more students to take up geography and history in addition to RE - not instead of it.

BBC: UK

How much is down to low priority that the language has in some English-medium schools, despite being a compulsory part of the curriculum?

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Also, foreign languages have now been compulsory in the secondary school curriculum since 1992 and the literacy strategy means primary school children are now more familiar with the rules of grammar.

BBC: Parlez-vous francais?

The prime minister is also asked why there will be no referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, whether political correctness has damaged freedom of expression and whether education about drugs should be a compulsory part of the school curriculum.

BBC: PM launching online question time

The new curriculum will make it compulsory to take part in "recognised and recognisable sports" and will set out requirements for "team outdoor and adventurous activity".

BBC: School competitive team sports move unveiled

In the near future Learning for Life and Work would become a compulsory part of the post-primary curriculum.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Northern Ireland | Exam reform may not affect NI

"The National Curriculum science is the only compulsory part of sex and relationships in education in schools and must teach children about how their bodies work to prepare them for growing up and to protect them from harm, " it says.

BBC: Curriculum plan 'waters down sex education' experts warn

When Lolo was sent away on compulsory military duty, Dunham went to work for U.S. AID, then developed a curriculum, hired teachers and began classes for businessmen to learn English.

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