Question reference: S6W-24923
- Asked by: Pam Gosal, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 29 January 2024
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Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 19 February 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what measures it is taking to improve the take-up of languages in education.
Answer
Since 2013 the Scottish Government has provided local authorities and third sector partners with funding of over £50m in support of the implementation of the 1+2 languages approach in schools.
A 2021 survey of local authorities confirmed that pupils across Scotland are now learning languages from primary one and continuing throughout their broad general education, up to the point when they make their subject choices.
We remain committed to language learning in the broad general education and the senior phase. We continue to work with Education Scotland which provides national guidance, resources and professional learning programmes for teachers. We also continue to fund third sector partners such as Strathclyde University who host Scotland’s National Centre for Languages (SCILT). SCILT provides professional development, classroom resources and undertakes activity to promote language learning. We are also happy to meet with other partners and interested parties to discuss further ways of supporting languages in schools.
In terms of post-school education, universities and colleges are responsible for their own course provision. In line with our Purpose and Principles for the post-school education and skills system, the Scottish Government will continue to work with both sectors to ensure that they deliver the best outcomes and impact for learners, the economy and society.