TEENAGERS are to be given the opportunity to learn "economically useful" languages such as Mandarin alongside French and German, the Government has confirmed.

Secondary schools in England will be given greater freedom to teach a wider choice of languages as part of proposals to update the curriculum.

Ministers have asked the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority to review what pupils aged 11 to 14 should study.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson is now likely to accept their recommendations that major world languages such as Mandarin and Urdu be offered alongside traditional favourites such as French, German and Spanish, the Department for Education and Skills said.

The new programme of study will not stipulate which languages should be taught, but offer suggestions.

The change is in line with proposals from Lord Dearing, who was asked to investigate the collapse of language study in secondary schools that followed the Government's decision to make it optional after age 14.

Mr Johnson said in the global economy, Mandarin or Urdu could be "as important" as EU languages. He said: "Young people need to be aware that languages can make you attractive to employers - and more employable. We need to raise our game in languages in schools if we are to compete in an increasingly globalised economy."