Dear colleagues

I hope this June edition of SCILT’s 1+2 newsletter finds you well as session 2015-16 draws to a close. We are at a crucial and pivotal moment in the implementation of Language Learning in Scotland: A 1+2 approach. There has been much good work done across the country and it is very heartening to hear of enthusiastic children who are enjoying their experience of a reinvigorated language curriculum. It’s also encouraging to note the overwhelmingly positive response from parents who see their children developing very important skills for learning, life and work.

There is still, however, some way to go in order to achieve full implementation across the country so that language learning from P1 to S3 becomes the norm in all our schools. In the year ahead, SCILT intends to work closely with universities and teacher educators to support them as they consider how best to ensure that student teachers are equipped to be able to deliver the recommendations of 1+2. We will also be redoubling our efforts to support secondary schools to find creative ways of delivering the full entitlement to L2 and L3. To this end, two new case studies of secondary departments who are offering L3, without taking time away from L2, will be published by SCILT at the beginning of the new session.

Additionally, we will be looking to develop our engagement with parents through partnership working with such agencies as the National Parent Forum, and will continue to progress the work we have been doing around Developing the Young Workforce so that language skills are seen as key to enhancing young people’s employability.

Having said all that, professional learning is still at the heart of the support that SCILT offers the profession. Our new CLPL menu for 2016-17 is just about to launch and we look forward to working with many of you over the coming year. Please keep in mind that all SCILT’s services are free of charge to local authorities and we are always available to help with enquiries and offer support, advice and guidance.

With best wishes

Fhiona

Fhiona Fisher, Director

Download entire issue of SCILT 1+2 Newsletter June 2016 as PDF