As globalisation takes hold languages are becoming more and more vital, and not just in the business world.

With over 100 languages spoken in London it's becoming important even in everyday interaction.

Since the UK joined the EU learning a foreign language is compulsory in secondary schools across the country. But, many of us do not truly appreciate the importance of the subject.

When it came to picking a subject in Year 9 I chose Spanish, believing it to be more interesting and useful than French. After all, it is the fourth most spoken language on the planet.

However, as I entered my rebellious stage I started to lose interest in the topic. Don't get me wrong, I love interacting with new cultures and learning the native language. I'm fluent in three languages. But sitting in a hot, stuffy classroom reciting word after word is not my idea of fun.

I remember a friend saying “What's the point of learning a language? I'm never going to a country that doesn't speak English and in 10 years' time they'll all be speaking it anyway."

I was shocked by this attitude and lack of respect.

Admittedly, I failed my language exams thanks to a conflicting timetable. But a little over a year on I am learning new languages and will continue to do so.

I believe the education surrounding languages needs an urgent review. It simply isn't taken seriously enough by bureaucrats at Westminster. It requires the same attention as the three key subjects of English, maths and science.

By Jake Etheridge, age 17, from Dartford