Question reference: S6W-16506
- Asked by: Meghan Gallacher, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 5 April 2023
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Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 5 May 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered introducing a minimum level of competency in relation to a first additional language (L2) throughout Scotland.
Answer
Our approach to language learning is a national one, giving every child the entitlement to learn a first additional language from P1 until the end of the Broad General Education (BGE) in S3. Additionally, each child is entitled to learn a second additional language or languages from P5 onwards.
In line with the flexibility of the Curriculum for Excellence, local authorities and schools are responsible for delivering a curriculum suited to their learners and local circumstances. However, national guidelines from Education Scotland on language teaching provide an agreed approach, as well as practical resources, on areas such as classroom language and how to plan for progression.
The entitlement to a first additional language (L2) is supported by a full suite of experiences and outcomes from the First to Fourth curriculum level. These describe the expected and appropriate level of proficiency at each curriculum level, but do not place a ceiling on achievement. As with other curricular areas, there is an expectation that most learners will reach the Fourth level in the L2 by the end of the BGE, and this is underpinned and supported by a framework of progression from Education Scotland. This provides a strong platform for attainment in National Qualifications or to pursue accreditation and recognition through the Languages for Life and Work award.