Remit
At its meeting on 20 October 2012, the Committee agreed to undertake an inquiry into the Scottish Government proposal to increase foreign language learning in primary schools. This proposal put forward plans to teach all young people two languages (as well as their mother tongue) from the first year of primary school onwards. The Scottish Government piloted this exercise in selected schools across Scotland.
Read the Scottish Government report Language Learning in Scotland: A 1 + 2 Approach.
In the course of its inquiry the Committee considered the means and allocation of funding for the project, the skills base and resources that would be made available for it, and the specific languages to be taught. The Committee also considered the capacity for the proposals within the current curriculum, as well as the role of languages in overall economic development.
Timetable
The inquiry was conducted in three stages:
Evidence
The Committee issued a call for evidence on its inquiry into the teaching of foreign languages in primary schools on 14th December 2012. The taking of formal written and oral evidence focused on issues of funding, skills and resources, the capacity within the curriculum to accommodate further language study, the choice of languages for teaching, and the role of languages in economic development.
Written Evidence
The Committee received written submissions to its inquiry between 14 December 2012 and 22 February 2013.
Read written evidence received by the Committee
Oral Evidence
The Committee took oral evidence from stakeholders on 10th and 24th January, 7th and 21st February, 7th and 21 March, and had a final session with the Minister on 18th April 2013.
Read submissions from stakeholders in support of their oral evidence
Report
Additional Information
See below for SPICe briefing on Foreign Language Learning in the European Union:
- SPICe research paper - Foreign Language Learning in the European Union (194KB pdf)
See below for Scottish Government Language Working Group Reports on language tuition: