Capacity within Scottish local authorities to deliver the Government’s flagship policy “Language learning in Scotland: A 1+2 approach” was increased recently through a week-long training course at the University of Strathclyde.
Lead educators from across Scotland attended the course at the end of June, which marks the start of a twelve-month professional learning programme, “Train the trainer”. The programme is aimed at developing leadership and sustainability within the policy and is organised by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages and Education Scotland.
Fhiona Fisher, Director of SCILT, said: “Now more than ever, the aims of the 1+2 policy are vital. We should think about the attributes and skills we want our children and young people to develop and the kind of society in which we want them to flourish. This is really what we mean by the four capacities. Language skills not only make our youngsters more employable, but will help create that open, outward looking and welcoming society that we want Scotland to be.”
The programme engages lead language educators in designing, promoting and supporting the provision of effective language learning experiences for all young people and high quality professional learning for in- and pre-service teachers. More than thirty participants from fifteen local authorities attended workshops delivered by Education Scotland, SCILT, the Association of Directors of Education Scotland (ADES) and the Scottish College for Educational Leadership (SCEL). All sectors were represented, from primary to secondary, higher education and initial teacher education.
Anne Marie McGuigan, one of the ML Trainer Team for South Lanarkshire Council, described her positive experiences on the course: “What a journey it has been! I think everyone was feeling a bit apprehensive initially but this quickly changed to encouraged and inspired. Just what was needed in light of political events. Vivent les langues!”
Virginie Bradbury, the 1+2 Staff Tutor for Dundee City Council confirmed: “I feel inspired and more equipped to take this forward.”
Helen Longford, a primary teacher in Midlothian, stated: “I didn’t think I could be more motivated to teach languages, or help others to do so, but after this week it seems I am!”
TTT is a programme that aims to support language leaders in schools and local authorities. It is designed and delivered by SCILT and Education Scotland in collaboration with Richard Talleron of LFEE.
Related Links
For a flavour of the week's activities see our
Train the Trainer Summer School 2016 presentation.