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Promoting Languages
Young culinary and linguistic talents celebrated
21 June 2019 (SCILT)
Thirty-one young learners from across Scotland cooked up a storm on Friday 14 June 2019 at the City of Glasgow College, testing their culinary and language skills in the LinguaChef 2019 competition final. Dunblane High School were crowned as winners in the Secondary category. Glasgow Academy Milngavie were winners in the P1-P4 category, whilst Doune Primary took the honours in the P5-P7 age group.
The competition is a partnership project from Scotland's National Centre for Languages (SCILT) and City of Glasgow College. It brings together languages and food, challenging primary and secondary school pupils to create an international dish from a country whose language they are learning in school, or which is spoken at home.
Participating schools entered the recipe for the dish, including ingredients and instructions, in both the language of the chosen country and in English. Finalists from each of the age categories (P1-P4, P5-P7 and Secondary) were selected to attend the Grand Final where they prepared, cooked and presented their dish to professional chefs and judges.
One teacher said of the competition: "It was an excellent experience for pupils to see the college facilities and to engage with cooking and language skills."
A participating pupil added: "I liked that it gave us a chance to have a conversation in French and to work in a team."
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT, said: "Food is a fundamental part of any culture and is inextricably linked with language. Much of the vocabulary used in English to describe food originates in other parts of the world. Words from other languages, such as chef, cuisine, pizza, tapas, paella and frankfurter are all commonplace and English speakers feel particularly comfortable with them. It is therefore very fitting to see our children and young people exploring culture and deepening their language skills while developing their understanding of food, its origins and preparation. The competition provides another great example of the cross-sector work going on in the languages community in Scottish schools, colleges and universities and we are thrilled to be working with our colleagues from City of Glasgow College in this initiative."
As activities heated up in the kitchen, dishes from France, Greece, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and South America were produced, celebrating culinary and cultural diversity.
The pupils got the chance to discuss their dish with the judges, both in English and the target language, and decorated their presentation table with artefacts representing the country and culture.
Winners were selected based on the culinary success of their dish, presentation and table display and the ability to discuss their recipe in the target language. The successful teams were awarded a trophy. All participants at the event received a certificate and goody bag.
LinguaChef is an annual competition that provides pupils in primary and secondary schools across Scotland with an opportunity to have fun with food and languages whilst honing other important skills such as team-work, communication and IT.
Entries were submitted from schools in East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Shetland, Stirling and West Lothian.
Find out more about the event and winning recipes on the SCILT website.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Cross-Curricular Working, Cross-Sector Working, Cultural Diversity, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
Latest edition of the SCILT newsletter published
7 June 2019 (SCILT)
The Summer 2019 edition of the SCILT newsletter has been published. We hear from local authorities about successful language learning initiatives, including partnerships with businesses, cultural trips and creativity in the classroom. Our partners share their latest news on work going on around the country, and you can read all about recent SCILT projects supporting teachers and learners.
Posted in: Celebrating Languages, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
Student mentors help pupils say 'si' to GCSE languages
18 May 2019 (The Guardian)
It is a question arguably more fiendish than mastering the French subjunctive or the thousands of characters in Mandarin. How can schools halt – and even reverse – the swift decline of languages at GCSE and beyond?
Now a pilot project may have found the answer. A report published today finds that numbers of pupils choosing to take a foreign language can be dramatically increased by mentoring from undergraduates who have chosen to specialise in the subject at university.
Independent analysis of a government-funded pilot in 10 Sheffield secondary schools found that more than half of participating pupils said they would take a language GCSE as a result of mentoring by undergraduates. The study showed that the programme also boosted take-up among pupils who were not mentored: GCSE entries this year for languages across schools in the Sheffield pilot are up 43% on 2018.
Posted in: England, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Supporting Japanese language and culture in Scottish schools - survey
10 May 2019 (Japanese Language Group)
The Japanese Language Group has been meeting for a number of years and has been instrumental in organising two youth conferences in Aberdeen and in Fife. In collaboration with the Japan Foundation, Edinburgh University and The Japanese Consulate in Edinburgh we have managed to organise numerous events and promoted many more, e.g. teacher CLPL and cultural events.
We are looking for a clear steer in what people are looking for in our small group and where and what we can organise to help others promote Japanese language and culture and would like to gather feedback from schools through the link below.
For further information, please contact Petra McLay.
Posted in: CPD, Promoting Languages, Japanese
Children great Gaelic Visual Art exhibition in East Ayrshire
28 April 2019 (Cumnock Chronicle)
The Dick Institute is delighted to present Gaelic Visual Art: Project Exhibition, an exhibition by pupils from East Ayrshire's Gaelic language provision primary school 'Sgoil na coille nuaidhe', translated as 'New Beginnings School' which will be on display from Friday 24 May until Saturday 22 June in the Young People's Gallery.
Guided by visual artist and Gaelic speaker Eòghann MacColl, the pupils have been responding to themes from the exhibitions Michael Morpurgo, A Lifetime in Stories and Karl Blossfeldt, Artforms in Nature to create their own new artwork featuring video, large-scale charcoal works and illustrations.
Now in its second year, this unique creative learning project aims to promote the use of Gaelic and the development of Gaelic language skills utilising visual arts and culture, and is supported by Bòrd Na Gaidhlig and Creative Scotland.
Posted in: Primary, Gaelic, Community Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Business Brunch 2018-19 events webpage now live!
26 April 2019 (SCILT)
Take a look through some of the materials now available on our website which includes resources that will be of interest to teachers who want to promote languages for employability. Resources include presentations from speakers and inspiring quotes from business leaders at each event, highlighting the value of languages in the workplace.
The Business Brunches were held in December 2018 and January 2019 in venues across Scotland, and supported DYW and the Attainment Challenge by giving young people the opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding about the role of languages in the business world. Find out more by visiting the Business Brunch webpage.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, Scotland, Business, Careers, Language Learning for Work, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
Young poets' multilingual talents celebrated
The multilingual talents of young poets from across Scotland were celebrated at a prestigious award ceremony at University of Strathclyde on 16 March 2019.
Children and young people used their language skills to create and share poetry as part of this year's Mother Tongue Other Tongue competition.
Mother Tongue Other Tongue is an exciting competition that celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity through creative writing and showcases the many languages used by children and young people across Scotland, in education and at home. The competition is organised by SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages, based at University of Strathclyde.
This year, over 100 entries were submitted from across the country. Winning and Highly Commended entries came from schools in Argyll & Bute, East Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and Stirling.
One teacher said of the competition: "Thanks for this wonderful opportunity to celebrate language, diversity and togetherness through poetry. The young people in today's ceremony gave us all food for thought."
A parent commented: "I can only express the pride that all the mums, dads and carers must have felt to witness their children express themselves so fluently and confidently in the language of their homes."
A participating pupil added: "It was good to see so many different languages spoken by children my age. I found that it was an amazing opportunity to express my thoughts in another language and a good challenge."
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT, said: "The SCILT team is proud to offer Scotland's young linguists the opportunity to participate Mother Tongue, Other Tongue. The competition, anthology and celebration event all showcase the diversity of our communities and the wealth of languages being spoken and learned across the country. This year we received very high quality entries in 23 different languages. It is humbling to read these wonderful poems written by youngsters on a range of themes such as migration, the position of women and the need to respect our planet. We can learn a lot from their words of wisdom and thoughtfulness. Well done to each and every one of you."
Mother Tongue invites competitors who do not speak English as a first language to write a poem, rap or song in their mother tongue and share their inspiration. Other Tongue encourages competitors learning another language to use that language creatively with an original poem, rap or song in that other tongue. Prizes are awarded in both categories.
Mother Tongue Other Tongue is supported by creative writer Juliette Lee, the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland, Languages in Colleges and the Scottish Poetry Library.
Mother Tongue Other Tongue supports the Scottish Government initiative, "Language Learning in Scotland: A 1+2 approach" by allowing pupils to apply their language learning in a creative way and by providing children who do not have English as their first language with an opportunity to celebrate their mother tongue.
The targets laid out in the Scottish Attainment Challenge are about achieving equity in educational outcomes, with a particular focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap. One of the key drivers is improved literacy. Through reflecting on poetry in their mother tongue and creating poetry in another tongue, learners are developing their literacy skills.
Details of the winners and the anthology are published on the SCILT website.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Cross-Curricular Working, Cultural Diversity, Language Learning, Language Skills, Mother Tongue, Multilingualism, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
Pupils who learn lessons in Gaelic come top of the class
20 March 2019 (The Herald)
An ever-present amongst the top schools in Scotland over the past few years has been the Glasgow Gaelic School.
This year is no exception with the school coming top for council-run state schools in Glasgow and tenth overall after 68 per cent of school-leavers secured five or more Highers.
Although located to the west of the city centre, the school is unusual because its catchment area covers the whole of Glasgow and all lessons are taught through the medium of Gaelic.
When the secondary opened in 2006 it only had 33 pupils, but there are now 343 and numbers are growing.
Donalda McComb, the school's headteacher, said the bilingual nature of the education on offer helped boost attainment and provided a special atmosphere.
Posted in: Gaelic, Scotland, Bilingual Education, Language Learning, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Brexit: Why Scotland faces a slow decline
13 March 2019 (The Scotsman)
Brexit will not be a cliff but a long decline, with a steady trickling away of energy and vibrancy from Scotland, a country with closer cultural ties to Europe than you might think, writes Alistair Heather.
[..] More than genetics, more than common names bind us to our European neighbours. The very words in our mouths indicate our shared past and common present. The Scots language has common words in the Scandinavian language – such as 'bairn' for child and 'braw' for good – and in Ireland, our near European neighbour, Ulster Scots retains some vibrancy. Our own Scots Gaelic started life as the Ulster dialect of Irish, the shared languages evidence of endless Hiberno-Scottish relations.
[..] There are many tens of thousands of new Scots who are absolutely European, and no vote will change that. The Polish, Baltic state, Romanian migrants and their children, many Scottish born, who make up chunks of our population are and will remain European. Their next generation will likely be at least bilingual, with one modern European language as a mother tongue. Much as the great Irish migrations have redoubled the connections between Scotland and Ireland, so too will the legacy of the more recent eastern European migrations culturally tether future Scots to those countries.
This is not an article in defence of the EU. This is an article in favour of open borders, of knowledge sharing, and of cooperation.
Posted in: Scotland, Celebrating Languages, Cultural Diversity, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press, Brexit
'How learning a foreign language changed my life'
12 March 2019 (Hanahan Herald)
The number of teenagers learning foreign languages in UK secondary schools has dropped by 45% since the turn of the millennium.
The reaction to the research was mixed. Why learn a foreign language when English is spoken by hundreds of millions of people worldwide, some people wondered.
Others questioned the need for a second language when translation technology is advancing so quickly.
But many speakers of foreign languages extolled the benefits. Four native English speakers tell how making the effort to learn a second language is important – and how it changed their life.
Posted in: Language Learning - Benefits, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Argyll and Bute Council's Gaelic gathering a success
5 March 2019 (Buteman)
The second Argyll Gaelic Gathering took place at Corran Halls in Oban on Saturday (March 2).
More than 60 delegates enjoyed a packed full day, with a call to increase the pace of Gaelic language development delivered by keynote speaker John Swinney MSP, the Deputy First Minister.
The theme was picked up by policy and practice experts who included Shona MacLennan for Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Dr Gillian Munro for Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.
The value of Gaelic to Scotland's heritage and its economy was discussed by Ruairidh Graham from Historic Environment Scotland and Rachel MacKenzie from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The importance of keeping Gaelic of continued appeal to young people was ably demonstrated by Dòmhnaill Morris of Spòrs Gàidhlig and Arthur Cormack from Feisan nan Ghaidheal, and not least by young advocates of the language themselves – musicians and broadcasters Kim Carnie and Iain Smith.
Councillor Robin Currie, policy lead for Gaelic, said: "It was great to see academics, professionals, learners and ordinary members of the community get together to share our passion and commitment for increasing the use of Gaelic both in our communities and in the fields of tourism and heritage.
"Argyll and Bute Council was pleased to see the variety of good ideas and hope to build on them going forward."
Posted in: Gaelic, Scotland, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Brexit Britain cannot afford to be laissez-faire about its languages crisis
1 March 2019 (The Guardian)
National myths play a central role in the story of a country, and the UK is no exception. Over the centuries, we Britons have come to believe that we are naturally proficient – exceptional, even – in certain pursuits. These include engineering, literature, the classics, pop music, geography and football. As the country that gave the world Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Beatles, and the beautiful game, perhaps we have a point. To be British, we understand, is to excel in these areas, and this tacit understanding powers us on to ever greater achievements.
But it is instructive, when thinking about the UK and Britishness and what might lie in store for us in the future, to consider the pursuits about which we do not feel so confident. Of these, by far the most significant – and the most worrying – is other languages.
At some point in our history, we seem to have accepted the idea that we do not need to learn languages and that we are not very good at them anyway. This is curious, given that we are an island nation that needs to trade to survive.
[...] This simply cannot go on. With Brexit just around the corner, it is critical we start to value languages and wake up to the enormous advantages multilingualism can bring.
Posted in: Language Learning, Language Learning - Benefits, Multilingualism, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press, Brexit
'How can we rejuvenate languages learning in Britain?'
1 March 2019 (TES)
Get the basics of recruitment, retention and training right - then build a genuine love of learning languages, writes Geoff Barton.
This week's dispiriting news about the decline in young people choosing to study French and German at GCSE is also a sad reflection of what is wrong with the government's approach to education policy in general.
To recap: a BBC analysis shows that foreign language learning is at its lowest level in UK secondary schools since the turn of the millennium, with German and French falling most. And this analysis shows drops of between 30 and 50 per cent since 2013 in those taking GCSE language courses in the worst-affected areas in England.
My take on these stark findings is that when we examine why this is happening we encounter some familiar themes.
The first of these is teacher supply. The most recent initial teacher training census shows us that the government has failed to hit the target for recruiting trainee modern foreign languages teachers for the past five years in succession.
The second is lack of funding. In an education system which is struggling to make ends meet, the most vulnerable subjects are those with smaller classes – and inevitably this often means languages.
And the third is the idea that accountability measures are a magic wand. The government's solution to the languages crisis is to make languages part of the EBacc and set a target for a 90 per cent uptake by 2025.
In reality, the percentage of pupils entering EBacc is stuck stubbornly at around 38 per cent. The latest DfE statistics tell us: "Of those pupils who entered four out of the five EBacc components, the majority (83.8 per cent) were missing the languages component in 2018."
So, the crisis in modern foreign languages is a microcosm of the wider problems with education policy. Not enough money, not enough teachers, and an over-reliance on the blunt instrument of accountability.
Of course, a lot of people will say that the mistake with languages was made back in 2003 when the then Labour government decided they should no longer be compulsory after the age of 14. And there will be plenty of people out there who think the answer is to make them mandatory at key stage 4 once again.
But I don't subscribe to that view. I think we need to move away from the mindset that making people do things is the answer to problems and instead take a more productive view about how we would really solve this crisis.
(Note - subscription required to read full article).
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, England, Language Learning, Language Learning - Decline, Language Policy, Motivation, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Call for Research Papers within the context of the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages
25 February 2019 (UNESCO)
UNESCO is calling for the joint action of researchers and practitioners in order to put its message across and have an impact on the way in which indigenous languages are conceived, and their value appreciated by multiple stakeholders – governments, broader civil society, academia, the private sector and other actors. Making available these publications to the wider public through Open Access under the Creative Commons or any other open licensing system is intended to facilitate the promotion of indigenous languages globally.
Posted in: Minority Languages, Promoting Languages, Research
Espacios Increíbles project
22 February 2019 (SCILT)
Espacios Increíbles – Our learners need you!
You might have seen our tweets with the #getgeorgetothefinal #espaciosincreíbles but what is it all about?!
What is the project?
For the project 'Espacios Increíbles', based on the TV show 'Amazing Spaces', our young people will be designing 'un espacio increíble' in either Bolivia or Chile with whom the department of architecture at the University of Strathclyde run exchange programmes for undergrads. Through this project learners will be researching and finding out about both countries using the internet, looking at photos taken by students at the University of Strathclyde whilst on their exchanges abroad and reading and listening activities which have been developed specifically for this project. When they have completed their research they will design their 'espacio increíble' in either Bolivia or Chile and present their final design to their class in Spanish. A winning team from each of the 5 schools will attend a final at the university and present their project to an audience of their peers and a panel of judges.
SCILT have been working in partnership with the department of architecture at the University of Strathclyde and with teachers across 2 subject areas, languages and design and technology, in 5 schools across 3 challenge authorities to develop this cross-sector interdisciplinary project;
St. Peter the Apostle (West Dunbartonshire)
Clydebank High School (West Dunbartonshire)
St. Thomas Aquinas (Glasgow)
St. Margaret Mary's (Glasgow)
St. Matthew's Academy (North Ayrshire)
What role have the schools had in the partnership?
Teachers in the participating schools have led on the development of lessons, resources and activities for the project whose inspiration came from @MrGeorgeClarke programme 'Amazing Spaces'. Through their participation there has been inter-authority moderation taking place to ensure that all resources developed meet with national benchmarks at level 4 for languages and technologies. The project has also sought to ensure that our young people 'make well informed choices about learning opportunities and pathways and relate these to possible future careers' (HWB 4-20a) by giving them an insight into other further education pathways which exist and are not exclusively language based.
How you can you help our learners?
Our learners need your help in this pilot to #getgeorgetothefinal @MrGeorgeClarke. As part of a social media campaign to encourage Mr Clarke to attend our final as a judge at the University of Strathclyde on 24th April learners will be tweeting the various stages of their project via twitter with our hashtags. It would be great if George could attend but we appreciate he is a very busy man so even a video message for the final would be gratefully received. Please follow the hashtags below and retweet your support for our learners
#getgeorgetothefinal #espaciosincreíbles
At the end of the project all resources, lessons and activities will be made available via the SCILT website for you to use in collaboration with design and technology departments in your own context. This is a full unit of work which can be used when doing the topic of town with your own learners.
If you wish any further information about this project please contact via email at louise.m.whyte@strath.ac.uk or twitter @Louise_SCILT
Posted in: S1-S3, Spanish, Scotland, Cross-Curricular Working, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
HERE OUI GO Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers speaks fluent Spanish and French to stunned students at Strathclyde Uni event
20 February 2019 (Scottish Sun)
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers wowed students during a foreign language event - by talking fluently in Spanish and French.
Rodgers, 46, told students and schoolkids at the Q&A at Strathclyde University in Glasgow that learning foreign lingos was vital for his role as Hoops gaffer.
And he impressed with his skills in Spanish and French as he chatted away with uni boffins in the lecture theatre.
One attendee told The Scottish Sun: "Brendan really inspired students with his talk. That was the aim and that's what he achieved.
"The event was all about the importance of communication - and foreign languages - for him in his job.
"He answered one question in Spanish from an audience member, which was good and spoke a bit of French at the beginning as well.
"The evening was very good. He emphasised the need to speak a foreign language. The feedback from students was very positive.
"It was very interesting, and not just about football. It was very kind for him to give up his time."
The Northern Irishman was the very first speaker at the Living Languages event hosted by Senior Language Teaching Fellow Cedric Moreau on Monday night.
Kids from St John Ogilvie High School in Hamilton and Holyrood Secondary in Glasgow were also invited to hear his chat about his love of linguistics.
Posted in: French, Spanish, Careers, Language Learning, Language Learning for Work, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press, Sport
Doric at the centre of new documentary made by Aberdeen University
18 February 2019 (Press and Journal)
North-east Scots, usually known as 'the Doric' or 'Toonser' has been the subject of a new documentary, made by the University of Aberdeen's Elphinstone Institute.
The video explores the past, present and future of the Mither Tongue, and is filmed and produced by Mearns-based production firm Pict Digital and Alistair Heather of the Elphinstone Institute.
Doric poets Jo Gilbert and Sheena Blackhall share their experiences working in the language at both local and national levels, and the everyday difficulties of using Doric, from knowing when to switch from a Scots to an English voice, to trying to decide what usage is 'authentic'.
Banff Academy's Dr Jamie Fairbairn and recent graduate Robert Legge discuss their successes at introducing the new SQA Scots Language Award to the curriculum, and the positive ramifications of their efforts.
The narration is provided by Simon Gall, a public engagement officer at the Elphinstone Institute. Although a regular speaker of Doric Scots at home, it was the first time he had engaged with it professionally.
Mr Gall said "Fan I'm spikin wi ma faimily, I aye eese ma Doric but I dinna really tak it oot the hoose. Narratin this film has been braw as its teen me oot o ma comfort zone; somethin I wis needin. As Doric grows in status, mair fowk'll tak their Doric oot o the hoose an back in tae work, an intae mair formal situations."
Posted in: Scotland, Community Languages, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press, Scots
City's first Doric poetry slam to take place
16 February 2019 (The Press and Journal)
A new event to promote Doric among younger audiences has been launched. Jo Gilbert, 43, will host the first ever Doric Poetry Slam next month, and hopes the event will attract people from all backgrounds.
The competition will be judged by a panel of local creatives, including writer Shane Strachan, spoken word artist Mae Diansangu, Aberdeen University Literature Society's Rebecca Clark and Scots Language advocate Alistair Heather.
Each entrant will prepare three poems either in or influenced by Doric – in a bid to make the slam inclusive to all, whether performers are familiar with Doric or not.
Ms Gilbert, herself a writer, said "I'm half-toonser, half-teuchter. When I'm writing, sometimes the words just come out in Doric. I love bringing a north-east voice to slams and poetry nights all over Scotland and it's always well received.
"I wanted for the competition to have a younger feel to it. Part of writing in Doric for me is to keep the language alive. Most Doric writing is archaic and twee, so I began writing about more contemporary subjects."
Posted in: Celebrating Languages, Community Languages, Minority Languages, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
LinguaChef 2019
We are thrilled to announce that we are once again working in partnership with City of Glasgow College to host our LinguaChef competition. It brings together two of our favourite topics – languages and food! As well as practising linguistic and culinary skills, pupils will work on their wider social, literacy, numeracy and financial skills.
Pupils from P1 – S6 are invited to work in teams of 2 or 3 to submit a recipe for an international dish symbolic of a country where either a language they are learning in school or a language that pupils use at home is spoken. So we are expecting to see some exciting recipes from France, Spain, Germany, South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Poland, Russia, the Middle East or even as far as China or Japan. We are also encouraging pupils to be creative, for example they could incorporate a bit of Scottish 'fusion' into their recipe to give it a twist.
Three semi-finalists from each age category will be selected based on their submitted recipes and they will then be invited to the grand finale with a chance to prepare, cook and present their dish in the professional kitchens at City of Glasgow College. An overall winner from each category will be chosen to win a prize for themselves and their school.
Schools have until 8 March 2019 to register their interest.
More detailed information about the competition and last year's final can be found on SCILT's website.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Cross-Curricular Working, Cultural Diversity, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
MTOT 2018-19 winners announced!
We would like to thank and congratulate everyone who took part in this year's Mother Tongue Other Tongue multilingual poetry competition in Scotland. We received a wonderful range of poems which were creative, amusing, poignant and thought-provoking. Judging proved extremely difficult!
After much deliberation, we are pleased to announce this year's successful entries for the 2018-19 anthology as follows:
P1 – P3
David Taiwo (Yoruba)
Our Lady of Peace Primary
Giulia Ferretti (Italian)
St Aloysius College JS
Syeda Jannata Farhin Ishal (Bengali)
West Primary
Nermeen Jamal Horani (Arabic)
St John Ogilvie Primary
Jamal Oladunjoye (Yoruba)
St Charles's Primary
Lucja Lubanska (Polish)
P7-S1
Qainat Qamar (Urdu)
Pollokshields Primary
Kitty Zhu (Mandarin Chinese)
St James' Primary
Shahd Dongo (Arabic)
Craigmount High
Alex Mandova (Czech)
Bishopbriggs Academy
Lovely Selwyn (Tamil)
Diana Procházková (Czech)
George Heriot's
Alexandra Grimaldo (Spanish)
Craigroyston Community High
Other Tongue
P1-P3
Anna Inglis (Spanish)
Holly Price (French)
Doune Primary
Milly Russell (French)
St George's Primary
Orla Kelly (Spanish)
Melody Elizabeth Clark-Want (Gaelic/English)
Port Charlotte Primary
Emily Feerick (Japanese)
Bearsden Academy
Brooke Braidwood & Chloe Gibb (French)
Graeme High
Boglarka Balla (French)
Simi Singh (French)
Well done to everyone who took part in the competition. It's been a marvellous celebration of the various languages spoken in our communities. You should all be very proud of your work.
To mark participation in the competition, registered schools will shortly be sent a certificate which can be printed out and presented to pupils who took part. The finalists above will be invited to receive theirs at the MTOT celebration event on 16 March.
Thank you all once again and keep writing!
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Mother Tongue, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
In pictures: FilmG Awards winners
12 February 2019 (BBC)
A short film about domestic violence has won two top prizes at the 2019 FilmG Awards.
Sòlas won its creator Lana Pheutan the best drama accolade and Lewis-based actor Mairi MacLennan the prize of best performance.
Held annually since 2008, FilmG is a Gaelic-language short film competition.
[..] The theme for 2019 entries was "In the Blink of an Eye", and the full list of winners can be found on FilmG's website.
Posted in: Gaelic, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Cross-Curricular Working, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Registrations now open for Language Linking Global Thinking 2019-20
8 February 2019 (SCILT)
SCILT is now inviting schools to register their interest in taking part in the Language Linking Global Thinking initiative in session 2019/20.
The project links students on their year abroad with primary and secondary schools. Students communicate with a designated class in their partner school during the course of the year to illustrate how enriching it is to spend a year abroad using a language other than English.
While the student is abroad, the partner school receives regular contact from the student through blog posts, emails and other resources. The two-way correspondence between student and class brings the language alive for pupils and shows them the real relevance of learning a language.
Visit the LLGT webpage for more information on Language Linking Global Thinking, and to read some of the student blogs from previous years.
For further information and to request a link for 2019/20 please contact SCILT. Please note places are limited.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, SCILT news
New job profile on the SCILT website
We have a selection of job profiles on our website covering a range of careers and roles where languages are being used.
Our latest addition comes from Craig Smith, a manufacturing engineer with Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Europe Ltd based in Livingston. As the company has its HQ in Japan, he tells us that learning Japanese has been a great advantage and improved his future career prospects.
Teachers, share his profile with your pupils to highlight the benefits language learning for life and work.
Posted in: Business, Careers, Language Learning, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Learning for Work, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Resources, SCILT news, Japanese
Business brunches inspire Scotland's future global workforce
28 January 2019 (SCILT)
Young people from 21 schools across the Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders areas had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at Dynamic Earth on 15 January 2019. 195 learners from S3 and S4 heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company. The Business Brunch demonstrated the relevance of language skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
A teacher attending the event said: "Today's event has opened my learners' eyes to languages as a key skill for work in all industries, and as something to enrich their lives."
One of the young people added to this, and commented: "I learnt that languages are useful for everything, including my personal life. I also discovered that knowing a language makes you a lot more employable."
Lynn Houmdi from Maroc-o-phile and one of the speakers, stated: "The event was really well-organised. I chatted to people on a few of the stands and was really impressed that so many companies and organisations are actively seeking language skills."
Sophie Dawes, Project Officer at Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian regional group, and one of the organisers, stated: "Giving young people an opportunity to hear directly from businesses across a broad range of sectors highlighted why continuing with languages at school could be so beneficial to opening up a world of opportunities beyond school. With a variety of industry led workshops and exhibitors speaking directly with young people, everyone had opportunities to be informed and inspired. The day was action packed from start to finish and the feedback received from young people and teachers has been so positive. We're already looking forward to planning for 2020!"
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages based at University of Strathclyde, in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian, West Lothian and Borders regional groups together with the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland (UCMLS).
Schools represented were Armadale Academy, Balerno High School, Bathgate Academy, Beeslack Community High School, Broughton High School, Currie Community High School, Earlston High School, Firrhill High School, Forrester High School, Holy Rood RC High School, Jedburgh Grammar, Kelso High School, Newbattle Community High School, North Berwick High School, Peebles High School, Portobello High School, Ross High School, St Thomas Of Aquin's High School, The Royal High School, West Calder High School and Whitburn Academy.
Companies attending included China-Britain Business Council, easyJet, Edinburgh International Festival, J.P. Morgan, Maroc-o-phile, Scotch Whisky Association and The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
The following businesses supported the event by hosting a stall in the Marketplace: Asia Scotland Partnership for the Environment, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh Napier University, Farne Salmon, Historic Environment Scotland, Kath Lothian Languages, Macdonald Hotels and Resorts, Mitsubishi Electric Ltd, Plexus, Project Trust, Royal Navy, Skills Development Scotland and The Open University in Scotland.
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT said: "In these times of uncertainty, it is even more important than ever that we equip our young people with the skills they will need for life beyond school. We want them to be outward-looking and able to operate in an interdependent world. Events such as these highlight the importance of language skills and intercultural competencies in the world of work.
"The business leaders who speak at these events give of their own time because they understand how much these skills are needed and valued by employers and how vital they are for Scotland's business community. This kind of collaboration is an example of how education and business sectors can work together for their mutual benefit so that we can support young people and help them develop the portfolio of skills that employers require in their workforce."
Meaningful employer engagement and providing relevant careers advice are both key recommendations of Scotland's Youth Employment Strategy, "Developing the young workforce". This Business Brunch supported these aims by giving young people the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role of languages in the business world. The targets laid out in the Scottish Attainment Challenge are about achieving equity in educational outcomes, with a particular focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap. Through hearing from a range of business leaders and interacting with employees, the aspirations of the young people who attended were raised.
This collaboration between schools and businesses supported Scotland's International Policy to equip young people with international communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy.
The event is one of a series of Business Brunches being held across Scotland in December 2018 and January 2019.
More information on SCILT's 2019 Business Brunches.
Posted in: Business, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
Latest edition of SCILT newsletter published
The latest edition of the SCILT newsletter has been published. In this issue you can read about how European Day of Languages was celebrated across the country. Local authorities share their stories on how language learning and cultural understanding is being promoted in schools, including international links, interdisciplinary projects, and pupil-led lessons. You can also find out about SCILT's latest work to support teachers, and hear from our partners about their successful initiatives to encourage partnership working in a languages context.
MSP urges young Gaelic speakers to pass on language to next gen
24 January 2019 (The Herald)
Young Gaelic speakers have a duty to pass on the language to the next generation, according to SNP MSP Kate Forbes.
Ms Forbes made the comments ahead of delivering the first annual address in memory of John Macleod, the former president of An Comunn Gaidhealach - the Highland Association.
She will deliver her lecture in Gaelic at the University of Edinburgh later on Thursday.
The organisation was set up in 1891 to help support and promote the Scottish Gaelic language, culture and history at local, national and international level.
Young Scots have a duty to protect Gaelic, says SNP MSP (The Scotsman, 24 January 2019)
Posted in: Gaelic, Scotland, Language Learning, Minority Languages, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Inspiring Scotland's future global workforce in Dundee
Young people from 12 schools across Dundee had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at the University of Dundee on 9 January 2019. 115 S2-S5 learners heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company. The Business Brunch demonstrated the relevance of languages in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
A teacher attending the event said: "Today's event has given learners an insight into the benefits of language learning throughout life and what a bonus a language can be, given the wide range of skills language learning develops, when looking for employment."
One of the young people added to this: "I didn't know how helpful it was to know a second language. I learnt today how different businesses use languages and why it is beneficial to learn a language at school."
Paul Sheerin from Scottish Engineering and one of the speakers commented: "This was a great opportunity for Scottish Engineering to press the importance of languages to our future workforce. Engineering and Manufacturing, by its nature, tends towards international operations, and we will increase our competitiveness as a trading nation with people who, through language learning, understand how to communicate and connect with people around the world."
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages based at University of Strathclyde, in partnership with the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland (UCMLS). Schools represented were Arbroath Academy, Beath High, Blairgowrie High, Carnoustie High, Grove Academy, Harris Academy, Holyrood Secondary, Lochgelly High, Madras College, Montrose Academy, St John's RC High and Webster's High.
Companies attending included Dover Fueling Solutions, Michelin Tyre PLC, Outplay Entertainment, Scottish Dance Theatre and Scottish Engineering. The following businesses supported the event by hosting a stall in the Marketplace: Al-Maktoum College, Glamis Castle, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy / Royal Marines, The British Army, The Open University in Scotland, The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and the University of Dundee.
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT added: "In these times of uncertainty, it is even more important than ever that we equip our young people with the skills they will need for life beyond school. We want them to be outward-looking and able to operate in an interdependent world. Events such as these highlight the importance of language skills and intercultural competencies in the world of work.
More information on SCILT's 2019 Business Brunches
Posted in: Promoting Languages, SCILT news
Our job profiles demonstrate how useful languages can be for work or as a life skill. The latest addition comes from Francisco de Brito Coelho da Silva. He aims to combine his knowledge of languages with his Master's degree in Information Systems and believes his Mandarin skills will open up many opportunities in the future.
Teachers, use his profile in class to highlight the benefits of learning languages to enhance career prospects and explore new cultures.
Posted in: Chinese, French, Spanish, Careers, Language Learning, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Learning for Work, Promoting Languages, Resources, SCILT news, Portuguese
Exclusive: The schools reversing the languages decline
11 January 2019 (TES)
Making language lessons fun, staging foreign film nights with exotic food laid on, and focusing on high-value language and transferrable structures to make it easier for pupils to have conversations in the language they are learning.
These are just some of the ways in which a minority of schools have managed to go against the grain and boost the uptake of languages GCSEs.
At the end of last year, the Department for Education admitted that the government was "struggling hugely" with the decline in GCSE languages.
And figures from the British Council show that nationally the proportion of GCSE candidates taking at least one language has dropped to 46 per cent (down from 76 per cent in 2002). This has been put down to budget cuts, lack of quality teachers and attitudes surrounding Brexit, among other factors.
But Tes research has identified at least 37 schools that have boosted uptake by 50 percentage points between 2013 and 2017, according to the latest available figures.
Posted in: England, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Skye website translated into Mandarin for Chinese visitor boom
10 January 2019 (The Scotsman)
A website about Skye has been translated into Mandarin in a bid to encourage people from China to visit the island.
The site features the animated Donald from Skye character, who gives recommendations of what to see and do in the area.
It has now been translated into Mandarin to help the growing number of Chinese people visiting Skye and to encourage further visitors to the island.
Donald from Skye said: "I love telling people from all over the world about the beautiful Isle of Skye, so to be able to tell people in China what Skye has to offer is brilliant.
"My aim is to make Scotland accessible to everyone, wherever they're from, and now anyone who visits www.donaldfromskye.com can see all the information on Skye in English or Mandarin.
"I hope this is the start of many translations of the website, allowing potential visitors to see the numerous sights and attractions they could see on Skye.
"Whether they need help booking accommodation, finding activities to do, details on where to park or where to eat, I'm the man to ask.
"I can't wait to welcome new friends from China and all over the world to Scotland and to Skye."
Posted in: Chinese, Scotland, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
First ever Doric film festival to shine a light on north-east language
7 January 2019 (Press and Journal)
Entries have opened for a first-ever Doric film festival, designed to showcase the north-east's cultural heritage to as wide an audience as possible.
Organisers are hoping to receive hundreds of entries ahead of a red carpet screening of the best submissions in June.
The competition is open to children of all ages, students, community groups and individuals and has been backed by organisations including Aberdeenshire Council and Robert Gordon University.
And as part of the festivities, training sessions on topics ranging from pre-production to storyboarding and editing will be held across the region over the coming months.
The initiative has been thought up by Scots language podcast, Scots Radio, which started up in 2013.
Director Frieda Morrison said: "The Gaelic Film Festival has been enjoying success for eleven years and there's ample media support for film creativity in English.
"So Scots Radio wishes to encourage and shine a light on story-telling in Scots – and in this first instance, on north-east Scots or Doric."
Posted in: Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Community Languages, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press, Scots
17 December 2018 (SCILT)
Over 200 young people met with local employers at the largest business and languages engagement event to date! Twenty-five schools from across the west of Scotland were represented at the Business Brunch in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 5 December 2018. The event saw learners from S3-S6 engage with employers from a range of sectors, all who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company.
A teacher attending the event said: "All my pupils came away from the event with a renewed sense of enthusiasm for languages, and I have had emails from parents commenting how excited and motivated pupils were in sharing their experiences of the event. It is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to be exposed to a range of different people, careers and industries."
One of the young people added to this and commented: "I gained an understanding of the successes that the speakers had achieved due to them having knowledge of another language."
Gordon Robb, VR Growth and one of the speakers, stated: "What a fantastic opportunity for young people thinking about leaning languages to find out what a difference it can make to them and their future opportunities in business."
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages based at the University of Strathclyde in partnership with the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland.
Schools represented were All Saints RC Secondary School, Alloa Academy, Ardrossan Academy, Auchinleck Academy, Bishopbriggs Academy, Boclair Academy, Caldervale High School, Cathkin High School, Clydebank High School, Duncanrig Secondary School, Eastwood High School, Grange Academy, Gryffe High School, Hamilton College, Hyndland Secondary School, John Paul Academy, Linwood High School, Paisley Grammar School, Renfrew High School, Sanquhar Academy, Smithycroft Secondary School, St Aidan's High School, St Ninian's High School, St. Andrew's High School and The Glasgow Academy.
Companies attending included Albion Overseas Ltd, Radio Lingua Ltd, Russian Centre in Scotland 'Haven', Scottish Engineering, Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP, The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and VR Growth Ltd.
The following businesses supported the event by hosting a stall in the Marketplace: Alex Begg, BSL Partnership in Scotland, Food and Drink Federation Scotland, Founders4Schools, Glasgow Life, IBM, KF German Translations, Supreme Tours Ltd, The Open University in Scotland, University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde.
Posted in: All Languages, Business, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages
7 December 2018 (SCILT)
We have a range of job profiles on our website showcasing professions where language skills are being used.
The latest addition comes from Francesca Smith, a former marketing professional who is now studying for a PGDE Secondary in Modern Languages (Spanish and German).
Having embraced languages from an early age, Francesca tells us her skills gave her confidence and opened many doors and opportunities for her around the world. Her aim now is to share that experience and encourage language learning in secondary schools in Scotland.
Teachers share her profile with your pupils to demonstrate the benefits of language learning for life and work.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, French, German, Spanish, Language Learning, Language Learning for Work, Promoting Languages, SCILT news, Portuguese
Stephen Kinnock: We need a Chief Government Linguist to promote modern languages
26 November 2018 (The House)
If the UK is to talk – and be heard – around the world in the post-Brexit era we need a voice in government that is dedicated to modern languages, says Stephen Kinnock MP.
Call for new chief government linguist to boost profile of languages in policy (Civil Service World, 28 November 2018)
Posted in: All Languages, Promoting Languages
NEW! Languages in a nutshell
16 November 2018 (SCILT)
Languages in a nutshell is a guide to learning languages, produced by SCILT in partnership with The National Parent Forum of Scotland. Aimed at parents, this leaflet explains how the 1+2 Approach will be put into practice and why learning other languages is so important. It also suggests ways parents can support their child's language learning.
If you are interested in ordering this leaflet for your school please visit our Leaflets page.
Languages in a nutshell is one in a series of Nutshell leaflets produced by The National Parent Forum of Scotland.
Posted in: Celebrating Languages, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, Parental engagement
Inspiring the future global workforce in North Ayrshire
Young people from seven North Ayrshire schools had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at Prestwick Airport on 6 November 2018. Over 80 S3-S6 pupils heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company.
The event "Broaden your horizons with languages" demonstrated the relevance of language skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
Pupils attended from Ardrossan Academy, Arran High School, Auchenharvie Academy, Greenwood Academy, Irvine Royal Academy, Largs Academy and St Matthew's Academy.
A teacher from Greenwood Academy said: "The event made languages very relevant to our pupils. All the opportunities and perks that languages bring had not crossed their minds before."
A teacher from Irvine Royal Academy added: "Today's event gave learners real life examples of how people need languages in a wide range of jobs. The messages around the value of languages were very clear from each presenter."
Jim Fleeting, former Director of Football Development at the Scottish Football Association, stated: "It is so exciting to be involved in a session like this. I would encourage young people to be ambitious to take up the challenge of learning languages. They will be a valuable asset for their future."
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages based at University of Strathclyde, in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Ayrshire. Companies attending included Choice Language, Alex Begg, Skills Development Scotland, KF German Translations, Project Trust, Radio Lingua, ARCS Partnership and easyJet.
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT said: "Events such as these are a really important way of providing young people with high quality careers advice delivered by the business people themselves and of demonstrating to them the value of language skills in our increasingly globalised world."
Meaningful employer engagement and providing relevant careers advice are both key recommendations of Scotland's Youth Employment Strategy, "Developing the young workforce". This event supported these aims by giving young people the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role of languages in the business world. The targets laid out in the Scottish Attainment Challenge are about achieving equity in educational outcomes, with a particular focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap. Through hearing from a range of business leaders and interacting with employees, the aspirations of the young people who attended were raised.
The event is one of a series of employer engagement events being held across Ayrshire during this academic session. These events are organised by SCILT and DYW Ayrshire and aim to promote language skills.
More information on the work of SCILT to promote languages for employability.
Posted in: Senior Phase, Business, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages
9 November 2018 (SCILT)
The job profiles on our website cover a range of professions where languages are being used.
We have a new profile from David Cant, Managing Director of Albion (Overseas) Ltd, a company which helps UK businesses to enter the Russian market. After learning French and German at school, David tells us that he took up Russian by chance at university - a choice which became life-changing.
Teachers use our profiles in the classroom to enhance learning about the world of work and how languages can play a part.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, French, German, Business, Careers, Language Learning, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Learning for Work, Promoting Languages, Resources, SCILT news, Russian
We have a range of job profiles on our website where language skills are being used. The latest addition comes from Erin Duffy, a student of Spanish and Linguistics at the University of Glasgow.
Erin is currently teaching in Spain and tells us her knowledge of languages has also enabled her to study and work in China. Her language skills have been integral to the job opportunities she has acquired and helped her form friendships across the globe.
Teachers, share Erin's profile with your pupils to demonstrate the advantages and benefits of learning languages.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, Chinese, Spanish, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Learning for Work, Promoting Languages, Resources, SCILT news, Russian
Gaelic is the talk of the town for Scottish tourists
25 October 2018 (Press and Journal)
Gaelic could add more than £82 million per year to tourism, Visit Scotland revealed yesterday.
Cabinet secretary for culture, tourism and external affairs, Fiona Hyslop officially launched The Gaelic Tourism Strategy for Scotland 2018-2023 at The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh alongside Lord Thurso, chairman of VisitScotland and Shona Niclllinnein, chief executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
The five-year plan is aimed at boosting the use of Gaelic in the tourism industry and using the language as a "unique selling point" to market to visitors.
The strategy will focus on using the language in everyday use with tourists, and developing the major benefits to businesses that come from the culture and arts associated with Gaeldom.
It will see the introduction of Gaelic ambassadors in every area of Scotland, and "Gaelic spoken here" badges for businesses, in a bid to promote the language to visitors.
Scottish tourism industry urged to 'exploit' Gaelic (The Scotsman, 25 October 2018)
Scotland to increase promotion and access to Gaelic (FTN News, 25 October 2018)
Language ambassadors part of Scotland's first Gaelic tourism strategy (Shropshire Star, 24 October 2018)
Posted in: Gaelic, Scotland, Language Ambassadors, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Youth committee to lead Mod into the future
A youth committee is working with An Comunn Gàidhealach to shape the Mods of the future.
The group was set up this year giving a nod to The National Year of the Young Person – and so far has set its sights on modernising the way in which the historic organisation communicates with the public to secure its future.
The committee of three – Shannon MacLean, 21, Padruig Morrison, 22 and Katie MacInnes 18 – is supported by 25-year-old Alison Bruce who is also employed by An Comunn Gàidhealach.
Miss MacLean, from Mull, said: "Being on the committee has been very interesting. Our main goal is to get more young people to come to the mod and get them involved in local mods around the country.
"This is my third mod in Dunoon, and it is certainly the competitions that have helped me, as a non-native speaker, take the language seriously.
"My job is to make sure it survives for a long time yet."
Top Gaelic learner blooms at the Mòd (The Scotsman, 17 October 2018)
Posted in: Gaelic, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Inspiring the future global workforce in East Ayrshire
15 October 2018 (SCILT)
Young people from seven East Ayrshire schools had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at Prestwick Airport on 9 October 2018. Over 80 S3-S6 pupils heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company.
Pupils attended from Auchinleck Academy, Cumnock Academy, Grange Academy, Kilmarnock Academy, Sanquhar Academy, St Joseph's Academy and Stewarton Academy.
A teacher from Auchinleck Academy said: "Today's event has opened learners' eyes to the competitive job market and how working hard at languages can really be worthwhile and improve their job prospects."
Jim Fleeting, former Director of Football Development at the Scottish Football Association and a speaker at the event, stated: "The group of pupils who attended today seemed very positive and it is so exciting to be involved in a session like this. I would encourage young people to be ambitious to take up the challenge of learning languages. They will be a valuable asset for their future."
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages based at University of Strathclyde, in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Ayrshire. Companies attending included Choice Language,
Supreme Tours, ARCS Partnership, Language Within, The Park Hotel Ayrshire, Radio Lingua, Scottish Football Association and easyJet.
More information on the work of SCILT to promote languages for employability is available on our website.
Posted in: Partnership Working, Promoting Languages
International friendships at Carluke High
Young people from Barcelona and Dublin had the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a Scottish secondary school when they visited Carluke High on 27 September 2018. Students from across the school welcomed the visitors, who had a chance to take part in a ceilidh, sample Scottish cuisine, attend classes and participate in the Carluke "Jam and ham" concert at night.
The visit was part of "What's ours is yours", a partnership project between Carluke High, Institut Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia (Barcelona), and Mercy College (Dublin). It is an Erasmus+ funded project with the objective of promoting an awareness and understanding of other cultures. The project also aims to change attitudes and promote responsible local and global citizenship.
Emma Drennan, Principal Teacher of Modern Languages at Carluke High said: "This has been a brilliant opportunity to get pupils together from different countries. It was lovely to see pupils using Spanish, English and teaching each other some Irish! This was an unforgettable experience for all involved and we hope these international friendships will last."
Alan Sinclair, Teacher of Music and Music Technology, added: "It's just fantastic to see our pupils working so well with their peers from other countries and I'm so glad that the Erasmus+ project allowed us to provide our pupils with this opportunity. One of my favourite moments was when a pupil told me they were happy to 'have made new friends'. Definitely a proud teacher moment there!"
Eilidh, a S3 pupil involved in the project, commented: "Getting to know new people, a new culture and learn the language has had a big impact on me."
The day was organised collaboratively between the three schools. Representatives were in attendance from SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages based at the University of Strathclyde, and British Council Scotland.
Louise Whyte, Professional Development Officer at SCILT, said: "What an inspiring Erasmus+ project across two subjects – music and languages – and three partner schools. It was nice to see it in action as pupils were immersed in a day of learning activities with a special Scottish theme. Bravo to all those involved!"
This collaboration between these three schools from across Europe supports the Scottish Government's International Policy to equip young people with the international communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy.
Gaelic Ambassador of the Year announced at Royal National Mod
13 October 2018 (BBC)
A 22-year-old singer from Skye has been named Gaelic Ambassador of the Year, as the Royal National Mod gets under way.
Eilidh Cormack, from Portree, said she was "absolutely delighted".
The Gaelic cultural festival began in Dunoon on Friday night, with a special celebration honouring Scotland's Year of Young People.
Over the next eight days there will be more than 200 competitions and events in Highland dancing, sport, literature, drama, Gaelic music and song.
Posted in: Gaelic, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Inspiring the future global workforce in South Ayrshire
2 October 2018 (SCILT)
Young people from seven South Ayrshire schools had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at Prestwick Airport on 25 September 2018. Over 70 S3-S6 pupils heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company.
Pupils attended from Ayr Academy, Belmont Academy, Kyle Academy, Girvan Academy, Marr College, Queen Margaret Academy and Prestwick Academy.
A teacher from Queen Margaret Academy said: "All speakers spoke about the importance of languages in their line of work, which pupils don't often hear, except from language teachers. Jim Fleeting adding at the end of his Q&A session that you need a language to work at the Scottish Football Association, and that was such an important point."
A teacher from Prestwick Academy added: "Pupils have heard how competitive the job market is. To realise that languages are not just an asset but a necessity in their future will have been a very beneficial lesson for our pupils."
Jim Fleeting, former Director of Football Development at the Scottish Football Association and a speaker at the event, stated: "The group of pupils who attended the event seemed very positive and it is so exciting to be involved in a session like this. I would encourage young people to be ambitious to take up the challenge of learning languages. They will be a valuable asset for their future."
IBM, Alex Begg, Radio Lingua, Scottish Football Association and easyJet.
Posted in: Business, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages
Diary of a Wimpy Kid gets bairn again with first ever Scots translation
29 September 2018 (Daily Record)
Teen classic Diary of a Wimpy Kid is to get a braw makeover - being translated into Scots for the first time.
Jeff Kinney's best-selling book series has been given a Caledonian re-vamp by Itchy Coo, the Scots language imprint for children at Black & White Publishing,
The first book in the series is "Diary o' a Wimpy Wean", re-worked by Scots writer Thomas Clark.
In the translation, twelve-year-old hero, Greg Hefley, tells the reader all about his life in modern Scots patter.
Posted in: Scotland, Promoting Languages, Translation, Languages in the press, Scots
Support for DYW agenda
28 September 2018 (SCILT)
SCILT has published a series of videos demonstrating the value of languages in a variety of sectors. Contributors include Judy Murray and Jim Fleeting from the SFA. The series looks at languages in the creative industries, hospitality and tourism, engineering, health and business.
To complement this resource, SCILT has produced a toolkit to support schools in organising their own business and language events. These might include:
careers fairs
promotional talks
partnerships with schools and individual businesses
business brunches
Posted in: Careers, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
Global Treasure Apps / Rocket Fund £100 Boost
27 September 2018 (Global Treasure Apps)
Global Treasure Apps allow schools to publish their own local walking tour content. These tours could be of a local tourist attraction or of the local area. The school could choose to develop the content in L2 or L3, providing students with a practical, hands-on approach to language learning.
Global Treasure Apps workshops are on the school crowd funding site Rocket Fund. Rocket Fund are currently offering a £100 funding boost to the first 50 projects launched before 5th October.
Visit the site to find out about a project at Edinburgh Castle where digital and language students at Edinburgh College worked together to produce a digital treasure trail.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, All Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages
'The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it'
25 September 2018 (The Irish Times)
Learning a new language can seem like a mammoth challenge, but for those who are really intent on developing fluency, nothing beats full immersion by moving to the country where it is spoken day-to-day. Ahead of European Day of Languages on September 26th, readers living around the world share their experiences of the frustration and joy of learning a new tongue.
Posted in: All Languages, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Language Skills, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Languages Beyond School
As the UCAS application process gets underway, make sure any pupils thinking of continuing their language studies check out the Beyond School section of our website.
This section contains useful information to help senior pupils decide on the different language courses and options available once they have left school, at college, university or as part of a gap year. There are links to courses available in Scotland and across the UK.
Pupils, parents, guidance and careers staff should all find this section of our website useful.
Posted in: Senior Phase, All Languages, Funding, Immersion, Language Learning, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Learning - Further Education, Language Learning - Higher Education, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, SCILT news
Scottish Parliament publishes new Gaelic promotion plan
19 September 2018 (Daily Mail)
A new five-year plan for promoting Gaelic has been unveiled by the Scottish Parliament.
The proposals set out how the language will be supported between 2018 and 2022 within Holyrood.
They include providing awareness training to all front-of-house staff, showing it as much respect as English as well as creating a space where the Gaelic business community can raise issues with representatives.
Parliament publishes new 5-year Gaelic plan (Holyrood, 20 September 2018)
Castles light up in celebration of Gaelic and Scots (The Scotsman, 19 September 2018)
Scottish Parliament publishes new Gaelic promotion plan (Evening Express, 19 September 2018)
Posted in: Gaelic, Scotland, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Scottish Parliament, Languages in the press
What's on in October – Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival 2018
18 September 2018 (Edinburgh Reporter)
The 5th Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival takes place from 4-20 October 2018.
Festival Opens With First Ever Basque Film Screened At Edinburgh Filmhouse.
The 2018 Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival presents a total of 15 feature films and 7 short films in Spanish from 4-20 October in Edinburgh (Filmhouse), Stirling (MacRobert Arts Centre) and Glasgow (Film Theatre).
[..] Many of the films are suitable for all ages and in addition there will be a special screening of Nur And The Dragon Temple for schools at 10am on Wednesday 3rd October. There will also be workshops which will explore Spanish language, cinema and youth taking place in schools throughout Scotland.
Posted in: Spanish, Scotland, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Agenda: Let's raise a toast to a decade of BBC Alba
17 September 2018 (The Herald)
In a world dominated by media the importance of broadcasting cannot be overemphasised in efforts to revive lesser used languages and so the 10th anniversary of the establishment of BBC Alba – launched on September 19, 2008 – is cause for celebration for all committed to the survival and advancement of the Gaelic language. That it was set up under the aegis of the BBC was a crucial achievement especially in the context of that year's global financial crisis and the inevitable questions around the licence fee, charter renewal and the like. Therefore, to have our Scottish Gaelic channel on the first screen of the BBC iPlayer – located between the Parliament channel and S4C (the Welsh language channel) – remains a source of pleasure to language activists.
Indeed the creation of a dedicated Gaelic channel is now acknowledged as one of the key cultural developments of the new millennium in Scotland (cf National Theatre of Scotland, Dundee V & A) and crucially complements Gaelic-medium education; and arguably, in terms of impact, more significant than the Gaelic Language Act (2005).
Mother Tongue Other Tongue (MTOT) multilingual poetry competition 2018-19
Today we're launching the 2018-19 Mother Tongue Other Tongue (MTOT) multilingual poetry competition in Scotland.
All students who are learning a language at school, college or university, or who speak a native language at home, can get involved in celebrating their linguistic and cultural diversity through creative poetry writing as there are options to enter in either the Mother Tongue or Other Tongue category. All entries must be the students' own, original work.
For more information about this year's competition and previous events, visit our MTOT website and register to take part! The closing date for registrations is 26 October 2018.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, FE, HE, All Languages, Scotland, Awards, Bilingualism, Celebrating Languages, Cross-Curricular Working, Language Learning, Minority Languages, Mother Tongue, Multilingualism, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
Dunoon gears up for Royal National Mòd
12 September 2018 (Oban Times)
Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail (The Royal National Mòd) will return to Dunoon next month (Friday 12 October – Saturday 20 October) for the eighth time – with a very special focus on Scotland's Year of Young People 2018.
The nine-day spectacular of Gaelic music, arts and sport will take place in Dunoon for the first time since 2012, with a host of initiatives aimed at encouraging more young people to get involved already under way.
Throughout the year, Dunoon schools have welcomed tutors from FèisSgoil to help them prepare for Mòd competitions, as part of An Comunn Gàidhealach's Mòd Academy initiative, which aims to help youngsters learn and develop their musical and Gaelic skills.
Local drama workshops for Dunoon's youngsters were hosted in recent months in a bid to inspire more children to get involved with Gaelic drama, with a group set to perform at this year's festival; and organisers have been working closely with the Camanachd Association to arrange a junior shinty Mòd Cup match before the annual senior match.
This year also saw the establishment of the first ever Young Person's Committee, supported by the Year of Young People 2018 Event Fund, which has allowed young Gaels the opportunity to get involved in the Mòd planning process, and to have their say on what they would like to see.
The return of Business Brunches 18-19: Language skills in the world of work
7 September 2018 (SCILT)
Would you like to invite 10 of your S3-S6 pupils to discover the benefits of language skills in the world of work and engage with a variety of dynamic employers to encourage learners to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their education, and beyond school? Look no further….
For the fifth year in succession, SCILT, in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce and the University Council of Modern Languages Scotland will be hosting a series of five Business Brunch events in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness over the course of December this year, and January 2019. Registration will open at 9am on Friday 14th September.
Find out more on our Business Brunches webpage.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Scotland, Business, Careers, Language Learning, Language Learning for Work, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
Languages in the Lords
6 September 2018 (They Work For You)
Baroness Coussins, co-chair of the All-Party Group on Modern Languages, calls for language skills to be prioritised in careers advice in schools in today's Lords' debate.
In contributing to the debate she highlighted the specific need for careers education and advice to convey the enormous and increasing value of language skills to school leavers and graduates as they make their career choices. Stating this advice must also start early enough for school students to have the opportunity to choose one or more foreign languages among their GCSE options.
She went on to stress that it is often wrongly assumed that studying foreign languages is just for the brightest students, and that they can be beneficial for anyone, at whatever level. Foreign language skills are in use in practically every sector in the economy, with higher than average demand in the financial services, IT and telecommunications, passenger transport, fashion and design and hotel and catering industries. They are in use at all levels in the workforce, not just senior management. In fact, the greatest skills gaps are among administrative and clerical staff, and those working at elementary grades. All that is before we even mention the need for languages and linguists in diplomacy, defence and security.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Careers, Language Learning, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Learning for Work, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Support for promoting languages via DYWScot Founders4Schools
30 August 2018 (SCILT/CISS/Founders4Schools)
SCILT/CISS would like to bring the DYWScot Founders4Schools online platform to the attention of all teachers, especially language teachers looking for support for promotional events.
This free platform allows teachers to explore businesses in their area and invite them to visit their school to attend language promotions, careers events, deliver workshops or meet with school parents.
To find a business in your area simply visit the Founders4Schools website and select 'Create event+'. Enter the school postcode, and the platform will allow you to explore who is available to support your event. You can select what type of support you are looking for and your preferred date.
Remember requests do not necessarily have to be only for one-off events, and you may be able to build a lasting relationship with the business contact.
Visit the DYWScot Founders4Schools website for more information.
Posted in: All Languages, Business, Careers, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
European Day of Languages 2018
24 August 2018 (SCILT)
The European Day of Languages (EDL) is celebrated across Europe on the 26th of September every year. It aims to promote the rich linguistic diversity of Europe and raise awareness of the importance of lifelong language learning for everyone.
SCILT is helping schools across Scotland to celebrate by distributing materials developed by the ECML. These resources are free to order and act as excellent prizes and rewards.
Visit our European Day of Languages 2018 webpage for information on how to order packs, for ideas on how to celebrate, and to find out how your school could feature in our EDL 2018 blog.
Posted in: Early Years, Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Celebrating Languages, Europe, Linguistic Diversity, Multilingualism, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
Outlander is boosting a renaissance of the Scots language – here's how
20 August 2018 (The Conversation)
Pithy Scots brogue and throwaway insults punctuate Outlander, the phenomenally successful TV series that explores the final great Jacobite uprising of 1745 – the rebellion against King George II led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. Like 18th-century period dress or columns of troops, the Scots language is colourfully employed to lend authenticity to the drama.
The Scots spoken in Outlander may not be the language spoken today in Scotland, but rather a stage-Scots – essentially English dressed in tartan and cockade – yet it is still to be cheered. In fact, the presence of Scots in Outlander is a sign of how far an historically repressed language has come in just a few decades.
Full article written in Scots is also available.
Speaking our language: Historical films give a boost to Scots tongue (The Herald, 23 August 2018)
Posted in: Scotland, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press, Scots
The benefits of language learning
17 August 2018 (BBC Radio 5 Live)
Listen to Antonella Sorace from Bilingualism Matters talking to Stephen Nolan about the multiple benefits of language learning on BBC Radio 5 Live. (Listen from 1:54). Broadcast is available until 15 September 2018.
Posted in: All Languages, Language Learning - Benefits, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Behemoth, bully, thief: how the English language is taking over the planet – podcast
13 August 2018 (The Guardian)
No language in history has dominated the world quite like English does today. Is there any point in resisting?
Listen to the podcast or read the text version online.
Posted in: Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Scottish youth to explore the way of the dragon...
13 August 2018 (4barsrest)
Carnoustie High School Band will head east this September to become the first youth brass band to tour China.
The remarkable opportunity came following a performance at the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow in 2016 for the renowned Confucius Institute for Scotland.
Such was the success that it led to the school's head teacher Donald Currie being contacted to set the ball rolling on the ambitious initiative — and now, after almost two years of research and fundraising the band will fly out on 7th September for 15 unforgettable days of music and cultural learning.
Confucius Hubs are based in schools and seek to make links with local communities throughout Scotland — with Carnoustie serving the Angus area. It promotes the joint planning of cultural activities, sharing ideas and resources to stimulate the learning and teaching of Chinese language and culture.
The band will fly out from Glasgow, and after a short stop in Dubai will carry on to China where they will enjoy seven days in Tianjin and seven more in Beijing before their return.
While in Tianjin, the band members will be learning Mandarin, as well as performing three concerts. They will also visit Chinese families and schools, enabling the young musicians to experience Chinese culture first hand with a chance to learn Gongfu (Chinese martial arts), Tai Chi, and the ancient arts of calligraphy and mask painting.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, Chinese, Scotland, Cross-Curricular Working, Cultural Diversity, Immersion, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, Languages in the press
Scotland experiencing 'mass movement' of parents seeking Gaelic schools
10 August 2018 (The Herald)
Scotland is experiencing a "mass movement" of parents who want their children to be educated in Gaelic, creating increasing demand for more specialist schools to be built.
Allan MacDonald, chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the public body responsible for Gaelic, said there had been a "significant" boost in the number of families interested in Gaelic education in towns and cities.
He said the language was experiencing a "shift in emphasis" away from its heartlands and towards the Central Belt as populations continue to plummet in Scotland's most rural areas.
He added: "The numbers are growing in the cities and the bigger towns all the time. And that contrasts quite significantly with the economic situation – not just in the Western Isles, but in other areas of the Highlands as well."
t comes as a series of commitments aimed at boosting the strength of Gaelic were unveiled at a milestone meeting of public bodies chaired by Deputy First Minister John Swinney.
This includes plans to publish the first ever Gaelic tourism strategy this autumn to help bring visitors into contact with the language.
Officials also want to increase the number of school subjects which can be taught in Gaelic.
Perth summit pledges action to accelerate use of Gaelic language (The Courier, 10th August 2018)
Posted in: Gaelic, Scotland, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Government to Improve Foreign Language Teaching in Schools
3 August 2018 (Good Morning Britain)
The government has announced plans to improve teaching to boost the number of students opting to take foreign languages at GCSE level. Minister for School Standards, Nick Gibb, believes that learning an extra language is good for young people for traveling and opens more opportunities within the workplace.
See the video interview broadcast on Good Morning Britain.
Languages boost to deliver skilled workforce for UK's businesses (3 August, UK Goverment)
Nick Gibb: Languages should not be an aspiration – they're crucial to our children's future (3 August, i News)
School chosen as one of nine 'Centres of Excellence' for foreign languages (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 6 August 2018)
School is made a language hub (Lancashire Post, 6 August 2018)
Govt announces £4.8m boost for language learning in England (The Pie News, 9 August 2018)
Posted in: All Languages, England, Business, Careers, Funding, Language Learning, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Manchester's Language Army
28 June 2018 (CIOL)
Set in the culturally diverse Crumpsall/Cheetham Hill area of Manchester, Abraham Moss Community School is one of very few schools in northwest England to operate a formal programme that identifies bilingual pupils and offers them basic training in the skills required to act as language mediators within the school environment.
More that 60 languages are spoken at Abraham Moss, which began the programme five years ago with a group of just eight pupils in Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16). Since then it has blossomed into an impressive 'language army' – nearly 40-strong – of 'young interpreters' aged 12-16, who cover languages as diverse as Arabic, Chinese, Hungarian, Italian, Pashtun, Polish, Spanish, Turkish and Urdu.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, England, Language Ambassadors, Multilingualism, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Swimming lessons in Gaelic a first for Scotland
26 June 2018 (BBC)
Swimming lessons have been offered in Gaelic for the first time in Scotland.
More than 30 young Gaelic speakers have signed up for the classes at the High Life Highland-run Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William.
Eilidh Mcarthur, a student teacher working at the pool, suggested the idea after she found out that 11 of the site's staff were Gaelic speakers.
Posted in: Gaelic, Scotland, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Yell pupils pick up French language awards
20 June 2018 (Shetland News)
TEN pupils at Mid Yell Junior High School received prizes on Monday (18 June) as part of a celebration of the teaching and use of French in Scottish schools.
The S2 students, winners of this year's Concours de la francophonie competition, received their prizes during a special award ceremony at the school in the presence of education attaché of the French Embassy in the UK Thomas Chaurin and Shetland Gas Plant facilities management co-ordinator Jenny Wink, who was also representing sponsor Total E&P UK.
The VIP visit came after the Yell bairns were unable to attend the official award ceremony in Edinburgh in March.
With the majority of children now learning French from P1 in Scotland, la francophonie is said to be thriving.
Posted in: S1-S3, French, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
New promotional postcards available designed by learners
21 May 2018 (SCILT)
Earlier this year, SCILT invited pupils in S1-S3 to design a promotional postcard for SCILT to use at events to give to pupils and parents to promote the importance of language learning. The winning postcard was to contain key messages on the value of language skills and to have an eye-catching design.
We received 86 entries from seven schools. There were lots of great designs and many of them contained clear, powerful messages.
In the end we selected two winners:
Ailie Robertson from Stirling High School designed Why learn a language?
Ellie Rawding from Loudoun Academy designed The world at your fingertips
We are delighted that both winners could attend the Word Wizard final to collect their certificates and prizes.
Their designs are now available for schools to order from the SCILT website.
Business Brunches 2018 webpage now live!
The Business Brunches took place earlier on this year across Scotland, and supported DYW and the Scottish Attainment Challenge by giving young people the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role of languages in the business world.
Take a journey through the entire series of events and explore some of the highlights for yourself, such as:
A taste of what really went on at these events and why languages play an important role in the world of work by viewing our Business Brunch video located on the main page
Inspiring quotes and uploads of presentations from a handful of business leaders who were present that you can share with your own learners
Feedback received from pupils who participated
Images, tweets, press releases and more
Read through our resources and materials which you may find useful to promote languages for employability in your own school.
Important news! Business Brunches will be returning for year 2018/19. Further details will be announced on the SCILT website and through our e-bulletin after the summer with instructions on how you can register your school to attend. Keep your eyes peeled!
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Scotland, Business, Careers, Language Learning for Work, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
Word Wizard Final 2018: Motivating young people in their language learning
18 May 2018 (SCILT/CISS)
S1-S3 pupils from across Scotland took part in the national final of Word Wizard at the Scottish Parliament on 11 May 2018. Word Wizard is a multilingual spelling competition for pupils learning French, Gaelic, German, Mandarin and Spanish. Forty-eight learners from ten local authorities and independent schools competed in the final in front of an audience of teachers, supporters and guests.
Each year pupils and teachers report that the competition increases motivation, enhances language performance and improves attitudes to language learning. Word Wizard promotes literacy skills amongst pupils and helps schools develop partnership working with universities.
A teacher entering pupils into the final commented: "It provided our pupils with a huge sense of motivation and excitement for learning languages."
A pupil competing in the final said: "I liked learning new vocabulary and getting to show it off to everyone."
Word Wizard is organised by SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages based at University of Strathclyde, in partnership with the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland.
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT said of the competition: "It's wonderful to see so many young people taking part in the Word Wizard competition representing a wide range of local authorities. Having an understanding of another language can really transform a person's life and encourages the development of a whole range of important skills. Through such events, SCILT aims to offer teachers really motivating ways of enhancing the curriculum so that Scottish young people can reap the benefits of learning languages."
Word Wizard supports the Scottish Government initiative, "Language Learning in Scotland: A 1+2 approach" by offering a diversity of languages as recommended by the report. The targets laid out in the Scottish Attainment Challenge are about achieving equity in educational outcomes, with a particular focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap. One of the key drivers is improved literacy.
In March 2018, 190 pupils from 14 local authorities and independent schools competed in semi-finals in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh to battle it out for a place at the prestigious final.
Word Wizard is supported by the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland (UCMLS) and the final was sponsored by Joan McAlpine MSP
Full details of the winners and further information on the competition can be found on the SCILT website.
Posted in: S1-S3, Chinese, French, Gaelic, German, Spanish, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Scottish Parliament, SCILT news, CISS news
SCILT/CISS supporting promotional events
The SCILT/CISS team are now taking requests for input at promotional events for next session. Input at your promotional event may include:
Talks promoting the value of language learning to classes/year groups/assemblies
Providing a stall at your event such as careers fairs, parents nights or business and language events
In order to ensure all schools have the opportunity to benefit from our involvement, we are now requesting that you complete an online application form.
You will be asked to outline how a promotional event might support your uptake in the senior phase, if applicable, and what other measures you are putting in place to address the Attainment Agenda, National Improvement Framework and Developing Scotland's Young Workforce.
All requests for the 2018/19 session must be received by 31st October 2018 in order for schools and the SCILT/CISS team to plan effectively.
Please email SCILT in the first instance to receive a link to the request form.
Posted in: All Languages, Promoting Languages, SCILT news, CISS news
Aberdeen primary school announces official launch of Mandarin language hub
7 May 2018 (Evening Express)
An Aberdeen primary school has announced its new hub for promoting the teaching of Mandarin.
Danestone School launched its Confucius Classroom, which will be a central location for all Aberdeen-based primary schools teaching the language to pupils.
It aims to boost skills in children in line with Scotland's 1+2 languages policy, which allows every child the opportunity to learn two languages in addition to their mother tongue by 2020.
The hub concept promotes joint planning of cultural activities, sharing ideas and resources to stimulate the learning and teaching of Chinese language and culture. The launch event included children singing in Mandarin, and a mixture of Scottish music and dance.
Posted in: Primary, Chinese, Scotland, 1+2, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
New job profile on SCILT's website
4 May 2018 (SCILT)
For relevant, labour-market focused career advice on languages, direct from the workplace, read our latest Job Profile on Michael Dewar, whose love of languages has led to him working as a language tutor. Teachers, use this resource in your classroom to enhance learning about the world of work.
Posted in: French, Spanish, Language Learning, Language Learning for Work, Language Skills, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Resources, SCILT news, Arabic
New report calls on Wales to sell its language and culture to the world
26 April 2018 (Nation Cymru)
Wales should do much more to raise awareness of the Welsh language and its own culture in order to differentiate the country from the rest of the UK.
That is one of the recommendations of a new report from British Council Wales published today.
The report says Wales should better use the appeal of its 'soft power', its culture, education and sport sectors, to gain more recognition and influence on the world stage.
"We feel there is much that could be done with the language outside of Wales, effectively using it as a way to both raise interest in Wales and differentiate it from the rest of the UK," the report says.
"As such, we recommend Wales make greater efforts to share the language with international audiences, incorporating it in tourism promotion campaigns."
Posted in: Wales, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
£8.7million Gaelic School opens in Portree
16 April 2018 (Press and Journal)
Pupils from Portree will today attend different primary schools for the first time as a new Gaelic School opens its doors.
The school becomes the fifth dedicated Gaelic specific school across Scotland – and the third in the Highland region – to offer pupils the opportunity to be educated in the form of Gaelic medium education.
The construction phase of the £8.7million project began in September 2016 and concluded this month as parents and friends of the school will gather at the end of this week to celebrate the schools opening with a family ceilidh.
New beginnings as Gaelic school opens in Portree (West Highland Free Press, 19 April 2018)
Row over £10m Gaelic school opening on Isle of Skye (The Scotsman, 20 April 2018)
Isle of Skye's Gaelic-only school 'will divide community' (The Herald, 21 April 2018)
Posted in: Primary, Gaelic, Scotland, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
How Netflix's increasing use of foreign language content is helping to fight xenophobia
14 April 2018 (The Independent)
Netflix's increasing use of foreign languages is building a global community where English isn't king.
And it's about time, as we need every tool we have to fight rising xenophobia.
Narcos may have kicked off this trend, but it goes way beyond just reading the subtitles. An audience of 104 million Netflix subscribers are devouring content in Spanish, German and Arabic.
Nielsen released viewer numbers on two original Netflix programmes that debuted the same week: the sci-fi movie Cloverfield Paradox drew in 5 million viewers in the first week, and Altered Carbon, a television series based on an English book, brought in 2.5 million viewers. In both instances, leads spoke a language other than English throughout its run time. Chinese actor Zhang Ziyi plays an engineer in Cloverfield, and all her lines are recited in Chinese. Mexican actor Martha Higareda's dialogue in Altered Carbon is primarily English, delivered with a hint of accent. However, she frequently reverts to her native Spanish in the series, as do the actors who play her family members. Co-star Waleed Zuaiter, who plays her partner, also speaks Arabic in key scenes.
The streaming service is producing popular programming depicting foreign and first-generation English-speaking actors, each communicating in their native tongue. The English speakers simply respond without skipping a beat. The implication is that they understand one another and choose the language they're most comfortable responding in.
Posted in: Chinese, Spanish, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press, Arabic
Graeme High pupil wins multilingual poetry award
2 April 2018 (Falkirk Herald)
The multilingual talents of budding poets from Graeme High and Moray Primary were celebrated in the 2018 Mother Tongue Other Tongue awards.
Graeme High pupil Danai Nikitea was crowned the winner of the Mother Tongue category during a prestigious ceremony at University of Strathclyde on March 17.
While Kole Murray from Moray Primary and Harely Ewen and Simi Singh, both from Graeme High, were Highly Commended in the Other Tongue category.
These students used their language skills to create and share poetry for the ceremony.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Language Skills, Linguistic Diversity, Mother Tongue, Promoting Languages, SCILT, Strathclyde University, Languages in the press
Scottish Education Awards 2018 - Finalists announced!
29 March 2018 (Daily Record)
Following an editorial campaign running in the Daily Record, the finalists for this year's Scottish Education Awards have been announced.
Finalists will attend the prestigious awards ceremony at Glasgow's Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central on June 6th, where each of the fifteen winners will be announced.
Details of all the finalists can be found in the Daily Record news article online.
Congratulations and good luck to the schools shortlisted in the language-related categories!
Falkirk district schools aiming for top marks at Education Awards (Falkirk Herald, 16 April 2018)
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Campaign to make state school pupils Latin lovers
A drive has been launched to revive a classical education in state schools across Scotland.
Leading classics organisations have joined forces to promote the study of Latin and the history and culture of Ancient Rome and Greece.
Once a fundamental pillar of education, Latin has declined dramatically since the 1970s and now very few state schools offer it.
In 2013, just 218 candidates sat Latin at Higher compared to 243 the previous year. Only 48 pupils took Latin as an Advanced Higher.
In order to lead a revival the UK charity Classics for All, which provides grant funding to schools, opened a Scottish hub in September last year.
Alex Imrie, an academic from Edinburgh University and the charity's Scotland representative, said the hub was seeking to introduce a Latin module aimed at primary school pupils.
It also wants to revise and update existing qualifications in Classical Studies for secondary school pupils and to work with university departments to reintroduce the subject as a specialism within postgraduate teaching qualifications.
He said: "We're approaching councils across Scotland to try and get them on board to try and reintroduce classics into the curriculum.
"We are enjoying a lot of enthusiasm with the people we are speaking to, but it is early days and we need to get more momentum and spread the word even further.
"There are academic benefits with improvements to English and other areas of the curriculum and it is long overdue that we break the myth that classics is only for the elite or only for those who go to independent schools."
Posted in: Scotland, Language Learning, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
North-East language board set up to promote Doric
28 March 2018 (BBC)
A new body to promote Doric and the North-East Scots language is being launched in Aberdeen.
The North-East Scots Language Board aims to promote the language with the goal of making it more visible in everyday life, including Doric signage.
The body will be made up of representatives from Aberdeen's two universities and north east councils.
As well as the Doric, the board aims to promote other local dialects from the north east of Scotland.
A Scots language course is also being launched at the University of Aberdeen.
Posted in: Scotland, Minority Languages, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press, Scots
Our latest addition comes from Ross Yuill, a student and front desk associate for the Marriott Hotel whose interest in Korea and its culture led to him learning the language. He's been able to apply these skills in the workplace with visiting guests.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, Language Learning, Language Learning for Work, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
While the student is abroad, the partner school receives regular contact from the student through emails, sending postcards and other resources. The correspondence between student and class brings the language alive for pupils and shows them the real relevance of learning a language.
Key points for teachers
Please note this is a two-way correspondence, and schools are expected to reply to blog posts, submit questions, and fully engage with their link student.
A representative from the school, ideally the class teacher using the link, must attend the training day on 8th June in Glasgow.
If you would like to request a link for this project in session 2018-19, please complete the registration form.
Posted in: Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, SCILT news
English-speaking Macron campaigns for French to be global language
20 March 2018 (The Telegraph)
Emmanuel Macron launched an international drive to promote French as a "world language" on Tuesday, urging Francophone countries to resist the temptation to turn to English.
"France today should be proud of being one country among others that learns, speaks and writes in French," he told the Académie Française, an august body of luminaries that has struggled for decades to turn back the relentless tide of English expressions flooding into French. "French should become the language that creates tomorrow's world."
However, French commentators were quick to point out that the 40-year-old president, a fluent English-speaker, is himself fond of using English expressions.
"France is back" and "start-up nation" have become catch-phrases associated with him.
Listen to Ludovica Serratrice from the University of Reading on BBC Radio Berkshire (from 1 hr 47 mins) talking about President Macron's bid to boost the French language. (Recording available until 20 April 2018).
Posted in: French, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Six reasons why everyone should learn Español
12 March 2018 (The Independent)
We've read the arguments for learning French, but let's be honest: Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, or any other language with growing global importance would be a better choice.
Spanish may be the best choice of all for a second language, which is why its popularity in schools is soaring worldwide.
In honour of Hispanic Heritage Month, here are some reasons why you should estudiar.
Posted in: Spanish, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Business brunches inspire Scotland's future global workforce in Edinburgh
Young people from twenty schools across the Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders areas had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at Dynamic Earth on 30 January 2018. 208 learners from S3 heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company. The Business Brunch demonstrated the relevance of language skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
A teacher attending the event said: "The presentations were relevant. Pupils could relate to the speakers, especially those from Scotland. They really highlighted languages as an additional skill that give you the edge, which is an important message for our learners."
One of the young people added to this, and commented: "I learnt that knowing a language can bring you a lot of opportunities and can be fun."
Leanne Banks, Industry and Education Partnership Manager at Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian regional group, and one of the organisers, stated: "Allowing young people to hear directly from businesses across a wealth of sectors highlighted why continuing with their language(s) at school could be so beneficial to opening up a world of opportunities beyond school. With a variety of industry led workshops and exhibitors speaking directly with young people, everyone had opportunities to be informed and inspired. The day was action packed from start to finish and the feedback received from young people and teachers has been so positive we ought to start planning for the next one to make it bigger and better for 2019."
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages based at University of Strathclyde, in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian, West Lothian and Borders regional groups together with the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland (UCMLS). Schools represented were Beeslack Community High, Broughton High, Drummond Community High, Dunbar Grammar, Firrhill High, Liberton High, Newbattle Community High, North Berwick High, Portobello High, Preston Lodge High, Ross High, St Augustine's High, St David's High, Galashiels Academy, Kelso High, Peebles High, Armadale Academy, Bathgate Academy, St Kentigern's Academy and Whitburn Academy.
Companies attending included China-Britain Business Council, GlobalScot, The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, NHS, JPMorgan, Skyscanner, Food and Drink Federation Scotland and College Development Network, Asia Scotland Institute and Asia Scotland Partnership for the Environment. Apex Hotels, Dig It! 2017 Archaeology Scotland, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh College, Farne Salmon, Napier University, University of Edinburgh, Historic Environment Scotland, Laing O'Rourke, Languages by KLothian, Macdonald hotels, Multrees Walk, Project Trust, Royal Air Force, Scotland-Russia Forum, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Tourist Guide Association and The Open University in Scotland supported the event by hosting a stall in the Marketplace.
Marion Spöring, Senior Lecturer (Languages and European Studies) at the University of Dundee and Chair of UCMLS said: "The learning of languages is not only fun, but also essential for the future employment opportunities of our young people in Scotland. Languages set the foundation for varied careers, for future engineers as well as artists and in tourism, to name but a few."
The event is one of a series of Business Brunches being held across Scotland in January and February 2018.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, Language Learning - Benefits, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
SCILT postcard competition – can your learners help to promote languages?
SCILT (29 January 2018)
SCILT is inviting pupils in S1-S3 to design a promotional postcard that SCILT will use at events to give to pupils to promote the importance of language learning.
The winning postcard will contain key messages on the value of language skills and will have an eye-catching design.
The pupil who designs the winning postcard will be awarded £25 amazon vouchers and be invited to attend the Word Wizard finals in the Scottish Parliament on 11 May 2018 to receive their prize.
Postcards should be designed on two sides of A4. Please bear in mind that this will be shrunk to postcard size.
The maximum word count for each side of the design is 100 words.
Postcards should contain key messages on language learning. Please visit our website to find reports and suitable sources (www.scilt.org.uk). Reports and facts can be found on the Business pages, the Beyond School pages and in the leaflets in the Learners & Parents pages.
Teachers may wish to work with a group of pupils or a class on this, but students should each submit their own work and entries will be judged on an individual basis.
Pupils can design their own visuals or download pictures from the Internet. Any images need to be covered by CC0. We have listed some suitable websites below.
If any photos of pupils are used, appropriate permissions need to be in place. The postcard will be uploaded onto our website and will be printed and distributed widely. It may also be used on social media.
All sources for statements and images should be clearly stated on the cover sheet.
We will add logos and web addresses. SCILT reserves the right to edit as appropriate.
Entries must be submitted with cover sheet.
Entries should be sent electronically to SCILT by 30 March 2018.
Some suggested websites for images
Unsplash: High-resolution photos licensed under CC0 which means you can copy, modify, distribute, and use the photos for free, without asking permission from or providing attribution to the photographer or Unsplash. You don't need to create an account to download.
Pexels: No attribution needed and you don't need an account to download the photos. These photos are also licensed under CC0.
Pixabay: All images and videos on Pixabay are released free of copyright under CC0. You may download, modify, distribute, and use them royalty free for anything you like. Attribution is not required and there are thousands of photos to choose from.
Business brunch in Inverness inspires Scotland's future global workforce
Young people from thirteen schools across Highland, Moray and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on 22 January 2018. 112 learners from S3-S6 heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company. The Business Brunch demonstrated the relevance of languages in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
A teacher attending the event said: "Pupils had the opportunity to see that languages are important and valued in the workplace in different sectors. The event encouraged them to consider the importance of a second language in progressing in the world we live in."
One of the young people added to this, and commented: "I learned about some of the opportunities languages can provide, and the paths along which language learning can take you. I was surprised at the diverse range of jobs where languages play a role."
Andy Maxtone, Programme Manager at Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Inverness and Central Highland and one of the organisers said: "We were delighted to be involved with the event in Inverness. Having a second language can have a profound influence on the lives of young people. It was very inspiring to hear the speakers bring to life the abundance of career and lifestyle opportunities that can be gained through learning a language.
"It is vital that we retain our young talent here in the Highlands and, with so many Highland businesses trading globally, it was hugely helpful for our young people to learn that a second language is as valuable at home as it is abroad."
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages based at University of Strathclyde, in partnership with DYW Inverness and Central Highland and the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland (UCMLS). Schools represented were The Nicolson Institute, Inverness Royal Academy, Tain Royal Academy, Inverness High School, Charleston Academy, Fortrose Academy, Alness Academy, Ullapool High School, Keith Grammar School, Dingwall Academy, Culloden Academy and Nairn Academy. Companies attending included Inverness Chamber of Commerce, BBC Alba, The Grant Arms Hotel, pentahotel Inverness and Visit Loch Ness and Cobbs Group. Skills Development Scotland, Culloden Battlefield, Project Trust, The Open University in Scotland and University of the Highlands and Islands supported the event by hosting a stall in the Marketplace.
Glasgow Business Brunch inspires Scotland's future global workforce
Young people from fourteen schools across the west of Scotland had the opportunity to engage with local businesses at the University of Strathclyde on 12 January 2018. 128 learners from S3-S5 heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company. The Business Brunch demonstrated the relevance of languages in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
A teacher attending the event said: "Pupils were hugely inspired by all of the speakers. It was good for them to hear the many ways in which languages can be used. It was poignant that all of the speakers highlighted the fact that languages will be more important than ever post-Brexit and, furthermore, that languages are not only an asset in terms of job opportunities but help to break down barriers and unite people."
One of the young people added to this and commented: "I learnt that languages are relevant to a wide range of jobs. I will definitely consider languages going forward."
Jo Heinemeier from Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP, one of the exhibitors, stated: "Being able to communicate with people from other cultures will enrich your life and career in immeasurable ways. Foreign languages are the key to expanding your opportunities across the world."
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages in partnership with the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland. Schools represented were Dumbarton Academy, Grange Academy, St Ninian's High (East Dunbartonshire), Hyndland Secondary, Dalziel High, Linwood High, Shawlands Academy, Renfrew High, St Mungo's Academy, Kilsyth Academy, Douglas Academy, Carluke High, Marr College and Calderside Academy. Companies attending included Shepherd and Wedderburn, Bank ABC, Keppie Design, Russian Centre 'Haven', GlobalScot and Radio Lingua. Project Trust, The Open University in Scotland, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Food and Drink Federation Scotland and College Development Network, Investment 2020 and University of Strathclyde supported the event by hosting a stall in the Marketplace.
This collaboration between schools and businesses supported Scotland's International Policy to equip young people with international communication and employability skills that they will need in our increasingly globalised society and economy. The event is one of a series of Business Brunches being held across Scotland in January and February 2018.
Inspiring Scotland's future global workforce - launch of 2018 Business Brunch series
Young people from twelve schools across Dundee and the surrounding area had the opportunity to engage with local businesses in the first of a series of Business Brunch events, held at the University of Dundee on 10 January 2018. 118 S3 learners heard from a range of business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company. The event demonstrated the relevance of languages in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
A teacher attending the event said: "The Business Brunch showed pupils that knowing a language can have a positive impact on them in a variety of ways and can help at various stages of their lives, both in and out of work."
One of the young people added to this and commented: "I discovered that a language can be very useful when competing in the jobs market. It was fascinating to discover the practical applications of knowing a language in a work context, for example helping to negotiate with colleagues in another country."
Donald Mackenzie, Factory Personnel Manager at Michelin Tyre PLC and one of the keynote speakers told the learners: "Speaking and understanding another language allows me to do a job, to connect with more people and to work in a different environment. In my case, knowledge of a language facilitates my role rather than being a job in itself!"
The event was organised by SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages based at University of Strathclyde, in partnership with the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland (UCMLS). Schools represented were Craigie High, Woodmill High, Blairgowrie High, Beath High, Montrose Academy, Grove Academy, Webster's High, McLaren High, Graeme High, Holyrood Secondary, Brechin High and Levenmouth Academy. Companies attending included Michelin Tyre PLC, University of Dundee, Valentine International Business Connections LLP, Scottish Dance Theatre, Outplay Entertainment and Tokheim UK Ltd. Scotland-Russia Forum, Project Trust, The Open University in Scotland and Skills Development Scotland supported the event by hosting a stall in the Marketplace.
The event is the first of a series of Business Brunches being held across Scotland in January and February 2018.
Posted in: Language Learning for Work, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
German Educational Trainees Across Borders 2018/19
12 January 2018 (SCILT / German Consulate General)
Expressions of interest are now being taken from local authorities who would like to host a German student teacher for a 6 month placement during the 2018-19 school session.
German trainee teachers from Universities in Mainz, Leipzig and Koblenz are available to work in Scottish schools for a six month placement from September/October 2018 to March/April 2019. Participating students are native German speakers, training to become secondary teachers of English.
German Educational Trainees (GETs) support language teaching and intercultural understanding, bringing language alive for learners with a trained and motivated native speaker.
For more information please see the attached 'GET 2018 Information Sheet'.
Local authorities interested in hosting GETs should complete and return the Note of Interest form by Thursday 1st February.
GET 2018 Information Sheet (332 KB)
2018 GET Note of Interest (29.0 KB)
Posted in: German, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages
Scottish pupils release Gaelic Christmas song to highlight its importance in North Lanarkshire
2 December 2017 (The National)
A new Christmas song is highlighting the importance of Gaelic in North Lanarkshire.
'S e Nollaig a th' ann! (It's Christmas!) was recorded by Làn Chomais, a rock band made up of pupils from Greenfaulds High School in Cumbernauld, with the backing of almost 1000 young voices from the area.
Gaelic teacher Kevin Rodgers mentored the young musicians and helped them make their first recording, and was supported by North Lanarkshire Council and Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
Rodgers said: "At Greenfaulds High School, we have been searching for a way to make the North Lanarkshire community more aware of the fact that Gaelic is alive and well in our area."
Posted in: Gaelic, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Word Wizard 2018 - new semi-final added!
3 November 2017 (SCILT/CISS)
SCILT's Word Wizard competition is returning for its fifth year and we are delighted to announce we are adding a fourth semi-final date!
In addition to the semi-finals already taking place at the Universities of Strathclyde, Aberdeen and Dundee, in collaboration with the UCMLS, this year we will be holding another semi-final at Edinburgh College.
Word Wizard is a multilingual spelling competition open to S1-S3 pupils learning French, Gaelic, German, Mandarin or Spanish. The competition provides a perfect opportunity for language teachers to address The Attainment Challenge by allowing pupils of all levels the chance to excel in language learning. Word Wizard develops skills in acquisition of vocabulary, pronunciation, spelling, recall and public speaking; not to mention the many literacy outcomes it addresses. This hugely motivating competition encourages links with other curricular areas and with health and wellbeing, culminating in a high profile celebration of language learning.
Visit SCILT's Word Wizard webpage to find out more about this year's competition and to register your school.
Posted in: S1-S3, Chinese, French, Gaelic, German, Spanish, Celebrating Languages, Promoting Languages, SCILT news, CISS news
The return of Business Brunches: Language skills in the world of work
We are delighted to announce that SCILT, in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce and the University Council of Modern Languages Scotland, will be hosting a series of five Business Brunch events across Scotland over the course of January and February 2018. These events will take place in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.
Aimed specifically at S3 – S6 pupils, these events will demonstrate the relevance of language skills in a work context with the intention of encouraging pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education and beyond.
Schools will be invited to nominate up to ten pupils who will be able to discover how languages can enhance communication skills, motivation and employability opportunities in line with 'Developing the young workforce', Scotland's youth employment strategy, and the National Improvement Framework.
Young people will hear from a wide range of dynamic business leaders who view languages as a key skill in today's globalised world and engage with exhibitors whilst enjoying refreshments.
The purpose of the exhibitor gallery is to present opportunities to speak with representatives from a variety of businesses. Young people will be able to ask questions directly and discover more about the range of careers and employment opportunities available within each of the sectors present.
The networking with exhibitors will be followed by a keynote speaker after which pupils will be invited to listen to two interesting presentations. They will be allocated groups prior to the event and will be able to hear first-hand the important role that languages play in the business community. To finish off the day, an inspirational speaker will address pupils.
This is the fourth year we have offered this successful opportunity to schools.
Business Brunches 2018 Registration
10 January 2018: University of Dundee
Registration will open on 3 November 2017
12 January 2018: University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
TBC - 22 January 2018: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
30 January 2018: Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
For this event only, places are restricted to S3 pupils and to the following authorities:
City of Edinburgh, East Lothian. Midlothian, Scottish Borders and West Lothian
Register now via Marketplace.
You will be asked to create an account if you do not have a login to the Marketplace, and will be directed to the page once you have signed up.
7th February, 2018: The Aberdeen Altens Hotel, Aberdeen
Posted in: Senior Phase, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning for Work, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
'Sing songs to learn Gaelic', say education experts
23 October 2017 (Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig)
A second language can be learned more easily when it is taught through music, was the message given out at the Royal National Mod in Lochaber earlier this month.
Jackie Mullen, a consultant trainer for the Go! Gaelic programme being run by Gaelic educational resources organisation Stòrlann, has seen first hand how effective music is as a learning tool. The Go! Gaelic programme includes a comprehensive programme of online resources that are used in primary schools across the country to teach some Gaelic to children who are in English Medium Education.
Visit the website or see the attached press release for more information.
Press Release - Music for language learning (334 KB)
Posted in: Primary, Gaelic, Scotland, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
The need for a national languages policy and a more holistic approach towards languages in the UK
21 October 2017 (MEITS)
In this podcast Wendy Ayres-Bennett from the University of Cambridge talks to Baroness Jean Coussins, Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages, about the need for a national languages policy and a more holistic approach towards languages in the UK.
Posted in: All Languages, Business, Careers, Economy, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Learning - Decline, Language Policy, Language Skills, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations, Brexit
Koenigspost competition 2017
Students are invited to write an article of around 400 words in German in response to the question: 'Soziale Netzwerke in der Politik: Welchen politischen Einfluss haben die virtuellen Gemeinschaften?'
Entries should be submitted by 22 November 2017. See the flyer below or visit the website for more information.
UK-German Connection opportunities
UK-German Connection offers a number of initiatives and opportunities for partnerships between schools in Germany and the UK. Click on the relevant link below to find out more about their latest initiatives:
School Partnership Bursaries - Special **school partnership bursaries of £1,000** are currently available to help keep you UK-German partnership alive and help cover any costs arising from recent changes to safeguarding regulations. All you need to do is answer a few short questions about your partnership activities this year and your plans for next year by **7 November 2017**.
Young Europeans Award - Are your pupils interested in European issues? Encourage them to enter the competition and win a trip to Warsaw! With the UK (and UK-German Connection) as a partner for 2017-18, pupils are invited to team up with young people from Germany, Poland and France and enter with a project on the theme 'To be or not to be... a European.'
To find out more about other activities the organisation provides, you can also visit the UK-German Connection website.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, German, Funding, Language Learning, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Call for Gaelic language czar for Scotland
16 October 2017 (The Herald)
A Gaelic tsar would ensure Scotland's mother tongue flourishes in the classroom in the wake of a controversial failed bid to create a new Gaelic primary school, an academic has claimed.
Professor Rob Dunbar, chair of Celtic languages at Edinburgh University, said the current mechanism to force councils and other bodies to promote the language was too weak.
It comes after a bid by parents for Gaelic primary school education was rejected by East Renfrewshire Council despite new laws designed to encourage the spread of the language.
Posted in: Gaelic, Scotland, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Tianjin scholarship
13 October 2017 (CISS)
The application process for the Tianjin scholarship 2018-2019 is now open. Further information about the scholarship which offers young people the opportunity to study Mandarin in Tianjin can be found on our website. The closing date for applications is Monday 6 November 2017.
Please note that we can only accept applications from current 6th years in an authority with a Confucius Classroom hub.
If you have any questions or would like any further information, please contact ciss-info@strath.ac.uk.
Posted in: Senior Phase, Chinese, Scotland, Funding, Language Learning, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, CISS news
Languages Lost and Found (Being Human Festival)
12 October 2017 (University of Dundee/UCMLS)
A series of events celebrating languages and cultures across Scotland as part of the UK's annual Being Human Festival of the Humanities, 'Languages Lost & Found' aims to make visible the often hidden richness and diversity of languages and cultures in Scottish society through community-led workshops and demonstrations.
Events will take place simultaneously on 18 November in a number of locations across Scotland, and activities will vary by location. The event series is organised by the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland with support from Scotland's National Centre for Languages and British Council Scotland and financial support by the AHRC Modern Languages Leadership Fellow funds (Prof. Janice Carruthers).
Posted in: All Languages, Scotland, Celebrating Languages, Cultural Diversity, Linguistic Diversity, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
European Youth Event (EYE) 2018
11 October 2017 (European Parliament)
There's still time to apply for the third European Youth Event (EYE) which will be taking place 1-2 June 2018 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
EYE provides a unique opportunity for young Europeans, aged between 16 and 30, to make their voices heard and to come up with innovative ideas for the future of Europe.
EYE2018 includes a wide range of activities in English, French and German run under the motto "The plan is to fan this spark into a flame." (Hamilton, My Shot). The activities centre around five main themes:
Young and old: Keeping up with the digital revolution
Rich and poor: Calling for a fair share
Apart and together: Working out for a stronger Europe
Safe and dangerous: Staying alive in turbulent times
Local and global: Protecting our planet
Visit the EYE2018 website for more information. Groups of at least 10 young people who want to take part need to register on the website between October and December 2017.
Posted in: Senior Phase, FE, HE, French, German, Cross-Curricular Working, Cross-Sector Working, Cultural Diversity, Europe, Language Skills, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, News from language & education organisations
Paul Belmonte, BSL / English Interpreter
My World of Work have created a video to complement our job profile of Paul Belmonte, who works as a BSL / English interpreter. This video can be used in the classroom, together with Paul's Job Profile, to enhance learners' understanding about the world of work.
Juvenes Translatores
10 October 2017 (European Commission)
Juvenes Translatores is the annual translation contest for 17-year old students (those born in 2000). The 2017 contest will take place on 23 November.
To participate, schools must register first — between 1 September and 20 October 2017.
The materials for the Juvenes Translatores are available to download on the day of the competition so that schools can make use of them even if they are not selected to take part. Perhaps you may wish to use them to organise a competition in your own school?"
See the website for full details.
Posted in: Senior Phase, Europe, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Translation, News from language & education organisations
Euroquiz 2018
9 October 2017 (SEET)
Euroquiz, the annual project for P6 pupils in Scotland, is once again open for those wishing to participate in 2018.
The project, which sees team of four working together to broaden their knowledge of Europe and the wider world, includes coverage of foreign languages, history, geography, sport, culture and European affairs.
Heats take place in every local authority from January to March 2018, with the winning teams from all areas going forward to the National Euroquiz Final held in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament in May 2018.
Visit the Scottish European Education Trust (SEET) website for more information about Euroquiz and how to register your school to take part.
Posted in: Primary, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Scotland, Celebrating Languages, Cross-Curricular Working, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
DAAD/IMLR Competition
9 October 2017 (DAAD)
Jointly organised by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the IMLR, this year sees the fourth writing competition for all learners and lovers of German. The competition is open to secondary schools, undergraduates, postgraduates and anyone else who feels up to the challenge!
This year, the task ties in with the 500th anniversary of Luther's publication of his 95 theses that sparked the Reformation. Put yourself in the shoes of a time-travelling spy: you overhear a conversation between Luther or one of his German, Austrian or Swiss contemporaries (real or imagined) and a figure from public life in 2017 Britain. Is the German-speaking 16th-century time traveller debating Brexit with Boris Johnson or comparing sporting skills with Andy Murray? Does Jamie Oliver try to revolutionise cooking skills of Reformation Germany? Write down what you hear! The only two rules: the dialogue must be written in German and it must not be longer than 350 words.
Visit the DAAD website for more information and to submit entries by 23 October 2017.
The week ahead: The Mod
9 October 2017 (The Herald)
Behold Alba, the peculiar country. One of Scotland's peculiarities is the way that people get their drathais in a twist about language.
And when we say language we mean Gaelic. Only last week, announcements that Gaelic would appear on road signs in Edinburgh and efforts made to revive the language in Tayside gave rise to frothing of the mouth and gnashing of the teeth therein from the usual suspects.
Odd thing: a desire to kill a language. Fair enough, it has declined on its own, as it were, submerged in a larger culture that for a while outlawed it. But it isn't dead yet, and the urge to kick it when it is down is a strange aspect of the Scottish character, one with which we are familiar in its wider context of national self-loathing.
Posted in: Gaelic, Scotland, Celebrating Languages, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
GCSE modern languages scheme 'doubles uptake' in some areas
7 October 2017 (BBC)
A scheme to encourage more pupils in Wales to take modern languages at GCSE has reported "significant" success.
More than a third of Welsh schools now have less than 10% of Year 10 pupils studying a foreign language.
But the Welsh Government-funded modern foreign languages (MFL) mentoring project said it had seen uptake double in some schools.
The scheme trains students from Welsh universities to talk to pupils about the benefits of studying languages.
Posted in: All Languages, Wales, Language Learning, Policy, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
What's your story? - Creative writing programme for teens in Scotland
6 October 2017 (Scottish Book Trust)
Are you 14-17 years old, living in Scotland, and care about creative writing and illustration?
Do you want to meet other teens interested in creative writing and illustration?
Do you want to improve your own creative skills?
Do you want to help create events and resources for other teens?
Do you want to show Scotland that teenagers make brilliant creative work?
If this sounds like you, read on to find out more about our What's Your Story? Development Programme and how to apply to join us this year! It's free to apply and to take part.
The programme invites and encourages Gaelic speakers to get involved.
Application deadline: 12 noon on Monday 16 October 2017.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, Gaelic, Scotland, Cross-Curricular Working, Mother Tongue, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
2017-18 Tianjin Scholars Blogs now live
6 October 2017 (CISS)
The first blog entries from a number of Tianjin Scholars are now available to read on the Confucius Institute for Scotland's Schools website.
Posted in: Chinese, Cultural Diversity, Immersion, Language Learning, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, CISS news
The 13th Japanese Speech Contest for University Students
2 October 2017 (Japan Foundation)
We are delighted to announce that the 13th Japanese Speech Contest for University Students is open for applications!
This contest gives students the chance to make their voices heard in Japanese, and win some fantastic prizes! Finalists will all perform their speeches on Saturday 24 February 2018 at King's College London.
The contest is aimed at undergraduate students who are currently studying Japanese as a foreign language at a university in the UK or Ireland.
Visit the Japan Foundation website for more information and to apply by 9 November 2017.
Posted in: HE, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations, Japanese
Edinburgh Council publish Gaelic language plan ahead of consultation
2 October 2017 (The Scotsman)
Edinburgh Council have released their Gaelic language plan to support and promote the language and culture ahead of consultation. The plan aims to promote a city that develops and supports more fluent and confident Gaelic speakers as well as promoting thriving Gaelic communities and cultures.
The 'Draft Gaelic Language Plan' was published by the City of Edinburgh Council today and is open for consultation until December 15. It is part of the Council's commitment to work in partnership with Gaelic communities, organisations who deliver Gaelic services, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Scottish Government to support the language and culture.
Gaelic learning to be expanded in Edinburgh (The Herald, 2 October 2017)
Posted in: Gaelic, Community Languages, Language Policy, Minority Languages, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
New job profile on SCILT website! Clare O'Toole - Law with Spanish student
For relevant, labour-market focused career advice on languages, direct from the workplace, read our latest Job Profile on Clare O'Toole, Law with Spanish student. Teachers, use this resource in your classroom to enhance learning about the world of work.
Mother Tongue Other Tongue competition 2017-18
22 September 2017 (SCILT/CISS)
Today sees the launch of this year's Mother Tongue Other Tongue (MTOT) multilingual poetry competition and we're delighted to announce the addition of a category for students in further and higher education, enabling all Scottish educational establishments to participate.
Whether pupils are learning a language at school, college or university, or whether they speak a native language at home, everyone can get involved in celebrating their linguistic and cultural diversity through creative poetry writing as there are options to enter in either the Mother Tongue or Other Tongue category. Even if you've taken part in the competition before, please note and read the new rules and criteria as only original work will be considered.
For more information about this year's competition and previous events, visit our MTOT website and register to take part! Closing date for registrations is 27 October 2017.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, FE, HE, All Languages, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Community Languages, Cross-Curricular Working, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Minority Languages, Mother Tongue, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
GTCS Excellence in Professional Learning Awards
On Thursday 21 September, the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) hosted their first Excellence in Professional Learning Awards held at the Hilton Grosvenor Hotel in Glasgow.
The Excellence in Professional Learning Award for Schools and Learning Communities recognises the central role that leadership at all levels plays in creating and sustaining professional learning environments where teacher professionalism can flourish and bring sustained impact on learning and learners.
Sir Harry Burns, Former Chief Medical Officer for Scotland and Ken Muir, CEO of the GTCS presented this new award to Windygoul Primary School, East Lothian; North Ayrshire Professional Learning Academy and Fife Pedagogy Team and St Ninian's RC High School, East Dunbartonshire. See the GTCS website for more detail about the individual successes.
In addition, professional learning programmes that have been accredited with Professional Recognition were also celebrated. As such, Lynne Jones Professional Development Officer at SCILT was delighted to accept a trophy on behalf of SCILT and Education Scotland as further validation of the 1+2 Languages Leadership Programme (formerly known as Train the Trainer). Visit the SCILT website for more information about this national, flagship professional learning opportunity.
Posted in: 1+2, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, CPD, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Teacher Education, SCILT news
Scots language writing competition
2017 is the year of History, Heritage & Archaeology . To celebrate, Education Scotland are launching a Creative Writing competition at the Scottish Learning Festival on 20 September. Learners of any and all ages are invited to enter to win Scots Language books for their school. Learners should write a poem or short story of not more than 750 words in length. The story or poem must be written in Scots language – though can be in any dialect of Scots, as broad or unique as the writer would like.
Log onto Glow and join the Scots blether to be kept up to date on all information on the competition. Go to the Visit Scotland website for more info on the 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Cross-Curricular Working, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations, Scots
Glasgow named one of the top cities in the world to learn about Chinese language and culture
20 September 2017 (Glasgow Live)
Glasgow is officially home to a world leader in the teaching of Chinese language and culture.
The Confucius Institute for Scotland's Schools (CISS) has been appointed a Model Confucius Institute by the global headquarters, Hanban.
The centre, based at the University of Strathclyde, is one of only 40 facilities out of 500 across the globe to be given the status.
Bosses have also announced the institute, which is open to people from all over the country, is set for a move to a new HQ at the university's Ramshorn Theatre.
The Grade A-Listed building is being given a £2 million refurbishment - which includes a substantial investment by Hanban - to develop it as a publicly-accessible hub for learning and cultural exchange.
The new premises will have the capacity to host performances, conferences and exhibitions.
A plaque marking the new status of the institute was unveiled at a conference attended by Scottish Higher Education Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville.
Liu Xiaoming, China's Ambassador to the UK, was also a keynote speaker at the event, held to mark the fifth anniversary of the foundation of the Institute.
Strathclyde Principal Professor Sir Jim McDonald said: "As a leading international university, we are extremely proud of our academic links around the globe and our diverse student and staff community.
"This prestigious accolade for our Confucius Institute reflects the important role it plays in improving understanding of Chinese language and culture across Scotland, and we congratulate everyone involved on their fantastic achievement.
"I'm particularly pleased that the Institute's move to its new headquarters on campus will enable even more schools, businesses and community groups to benefit from increased educational and economic opportunities, with a further 10 Confucius Classroom Hubs being announced today."
China bolsters Confucius Institute culture scheme in Scotland (The Times, 20 September 2017)
Confucius Hub opens at Braehead Primary (Stirling Council, 21 September 2017)
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, Chinese, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Cultural Diversity, Funding, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Strathclyde University, Languages in the press
A great, fun opportunity for students to practice and improve their Mandarin Chinese language skills. The competition also offers the chance to win a week in Beijing.
Find out more about the competition and how to apply. Entry deadline is Friday 6 October 2017.
Alliance Française newsletter - September 2017
The autumn term has just begun at the Alliance Française in Glasgow. In their latest newsletter, find out more about the upcoming courses and events taking place, including:
Beginner course for primary school teachers
Grammar course and oral skills course for university students
October break workshop for children
DELF/DALF exams
Distance learning with 'Frantastique' - access a free trial
For all this, and more, see the newsletter online.
Posted in: French, Scotland, CPD, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Qualifications, Teacher Education, News from language & education organisations
Magical Christmas Trips deadline reminder: 26 September
There's still time to apply to take part in a Magical Christmas Trip to Germany this year!
There are two options for getting involved: either by applying to take part in a visit to Berlin run by UK-German Connection or by applying for funding to run your own Christmas visit to a partner school anywhere in Germany.
Visit the UK-German Connection website for more information and to apply by 26 September 2017.
Posted in: Primary, German, Cultural Diversity, Funding, Language Learning, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, News from language & education organisations
18 September 2017 (Language Perfect)
The 2017 Language Perfect Northern Championships dates have been announced!
Join schools from the northern hemisphere 7-14 November for a week of online competition, and celebration of language learning!
Visit the website to find out about how the competition works and register to take part.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Would you like to have authentic German cultural input in your school? Through the Host a Teacher from Germany programme, your school can host a German teacher for two or three weeks during the academic year, at no cost.
There's still time to apply. Closing deadline is 21 September 2017.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, FE, German, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Our World film making project
14 September 2017 (SEET)
Want to get pupils more engaged in language learning and encourage uptake? Are you keen to improve their confidence and win an award or two? Then get involved!
SEET's Our World is a free film making project, run by the Scottish European Educational Trust, which is designed to encourage language learning and uptake among pupils. The project is open to any team of four from S3 - S6 (no previous film making knowledge is required) and last year resulted in over 88% of participant pupils saying they were more likely to take languages into their next year as a result of taking part.
All teams have to do to enter is come up with a creative idea for a film, based on this year's theme. Then, with our help teams put that idea into storyboard form and send it to us with an audio or video clip explaining it. The deadline for storyboard submissions is 4 December 2017.
Visit the website to find out more about the project and how to enter.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Cross-Curricular Working, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
ALL Language Teacher of the Year Award 2018
7 September 2017 (ALL)
Do you know an inspirational primary or secondary teacher?
The Association for Language Learning (ALL) are now looking for nominations in the two categories for the 2018 awards – which are now open to teachers throughout the UK.
The award scheme aims to support and promote language teaching, recognise the efforts and achievements of language teachers, encourage and disseminate exciting, motivating practice among language teachers and raise the profile of language teaching as a career.
Visit the ALL website for more information about each award and how to make a nomination.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
British Sign Language alphabet: How an intricate system of gestures gave a voice to millions
7 September 2017 (The Independent)
As Britain's pupils return to school for the start of the new academic year, Google marks the occasion with a new Doodle paying tribute to British Sign Language (BSL).
BSL is a vital tool that has enabled generations of young deaf and speech-impaired students in the UK to communicate with their teachers and classmates, ensuring their disability does not have a negative impact on their opportunities in the classroom.
But how was BSL first conceived and how has it developed?
British Sign Language alphabet is celebrated in a Google Doodle (Alphr, 6 September 2017)
Google Doodle: Who was Thomas Braidwood and why are deaf children grateful to him? (The Express, 6 September 2017)
Who was Thomas Braidwood? Google celebrates British Sign Language with a Doodle and video (The Telegraph, 7 September 2017)
Posted in: Promoting Languages, Languages in the press, BSL
News from UK-German Connection
6 September 2017 (UK-German Connection)
UK-German Connection offers a number of funded opportunities for schools in the UK to link with schools in Germany as well as providing resources and activities for the classroom and professional learning for teachers.
In their latest newsletter you can find out more about current opportunities, including:
Deadline reminder: seas and oceans youth seminar
Host a Teacher in 2018
Voyage kids: back to school special
Partnerships Bursaries
Find out more on their website.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, German, CPD, Cross-Curricular Working, Funding, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, Teacher Education, News from language & education organisations
German Debating Competition 2017
5 September 2017 (Goethe-Institut)
This year the Goethe Institute Glasgow is proud to launch a German Debating Competition for Higher and Advanced Higher secondary school students in Scotland.
Debating in German is an innovative method for language teaching and learning and is of major benefit to all students: participants can improve their language and communication skills and develop a higher motivation for further language learning.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more information and to register by 30 September.
Posted in: Senior Phase, German, Scotland, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
10 of the best language with activity holidays around the world
5 September 2017 (The Guardian)
Spanish and tango? German and skiing? Or even Japanese and manga? Learn a language in the native country and add some extracurricular fun with these holiday courses that offer a skill or some culture, too.
Posted in: All Languages, Extra-Curricular, Immersion, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, Languages in the press
Here's how Outlander Sam Heughan is doing his bit to save an award-winning museum in the Scottish Highlands
1 September 2017 (Scottish Sun)
Outlander stars are doing their bit to save an award-winning museum in the Scottish Highlands.
The Gairloch Herittage Museum – dubbed "one of the best in Scotland" by the National Trust – will lose its home next year.
And telly hunk Sam Heughan is getting behind a crowdfunding campaign to raise the final £60,000 needed for its proposed new location.
Fans of the hit time travel show now have the chance to get their hands on some coveted Outlander goodies.
Some of the prizes up for grabs include a limited number of Gaelic dictionaries signed by Sam and the Outlander cast.
Fans can also win Gaelic lessons with Adhamh O'Broin, who is the Gaelic consultant on the show.
Adhamh said: "Not many people are aware but Gairloch and Wester Ross have played an integral part to the creation of the TV series, Outlander.
"We use the Wester Ross Gaelic dialect throughout the series and I often called upon Gairloch man, the late Roddy Mackenzie, for advice when we were on set.
"Roddy, who was also heavily involved in the Gairloch Heritage Museum, helped us by providing accurate translations and local sayings to ensure we were portraying the language as authentically as possible."
European Language Gazette Issue 37
31 August 2017 (ECML)
The May-July 2017 edition of the European Centre for Modern Language's newsletter is now available online.
The European Language Gazette highlights the latest developments, programmes and initiatives in language education in Europe.
Posted in: Europe, Celebrating Languages, CPD, Cross-Sector Working, Language Learning, Language Policy, Language Teaching, Linguistic Diversity, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, Teacher Education, News from language & education organisations
Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2017: Open Word - Open World
28 August 2017 (Michael Kerins)
This exciting new project will run from 20 to 31 October 2017. The idea is to create new writing using vocabulary that differs by the addition of only one letter - one single letter and the meaning changes. Not only in English - but in a wide variety of languages.
To find out more about the project and how you can participate, visit the website or contact michael.kerins@gmail.com.
Posted in: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Literacy, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations, Russian, Scots
Thought for the Day - Learn a language
28 August 2017 (BBC)
The Reverend Nick Baines shares his 'Thought for the Day' on BBC Radio 4 about the importance of children learning languages. The broadcast is available on iPlayer until 27 September. (Please note registration is required to access).
British Council Modern Language Assistants have arrived!
28 August 2017 (British Council)
We were very pleased to welcome our new cohort of Modern Language Assistants (MLAs) to Scotland last week with an induction meeting in Edinburgh.
This year, we have almost 80 assistants from 10 different countries in 8 Local Educational Authorities.
Huge thanks to our colleagues at SCILT who supported the event, as well as Louise Glen from Education Scotland and representatives from the Institut Français and the Spanish Consejería.
If you are interested in hosting a language assistant, or would simply like more information, please email languageassistants.uk@britishcouncil.org or visit the British Council website.
Posted in: Foreign Language Assistants, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
The European Day of Languages (EDL) is celebrated across Europe on 26 September every year. It aims to promote the rich linguistic diversity of Europe and raise awareness of the importance of lifelong language learning for everyone.
SCILT is helping schools across Scotland to celebrate by distributing materials developed by the ECML. These resources are free to order and act as excellent prizes and rewards. Visit our European Day of Languages webpage for information on how to order packs, for ideas on how to celebrate, and to find out how your school could feature in our EDL2017 blog.
25 August 2017 (SCILT/CISS)
The SCILT/CISS team are available to support language promotion events in your school. A promotional event may include talks at assemblies, business and language events, career fairs, parents' nights and other similar input.
Please email SCILT in the first instance to receive an application form.
Posted in: Promoting Languages, SCILT news, CISS news
24 August 2017 (European Parliament)
The third European Youth Event (EYE) will be taking place 1-2 June 2018 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. It provides a unique opportunity for young Europeans, aged between 16 and 30, to make their voices heard and to come up with innovative ideas for the future of Europe.
Posted in: Senior Phase, FE, HE, French, German, Cross-Curricular Working, Cross-Sector Working, Europe, Language Skills, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, News from language & education organisations
Ambassador Ammon's piece for The Telegraph on the importance of learning foreign languages
23 August 2017 (German Embassy London)
Since my return to London as German Ambassador, the GCSE and A-level results published in August have always been a moment of disappointment for me, as the number of students taking German has kept falling. The relentless decline of modern language teaching and learning across the UK remains both a saddening and troubling trend.
When the author David Cornwell, better known as John le Carré, spoke at the annual German Teacher Awards ceremony at my Residence in June, he said these powerful words:
"The decision to learn a foreign language is to me an act of friendship. It is indeed a holding out of the hand. It's not just a route to negotiation. It's also to get to know you better, to draw closer to you and your culture, your social manners and your way of thinking."
While I recognise the importance and global role of English, I firmly believe that language skills are more vital than ever in the 21st century.
The UK rightly intends to play an even greater role in a globalised world after Brexit. This, I believe, will not be possible unless young Britons are encouraged to be outward-looking from an early age. Learning a foreign language will be key, and German, which is mother tongue to more people in Europe than any other language, would be an ideal choice.
Britain must reverse the decline in foreign language learning if it's to thrive outside the EU (The Telegraph, 17 August 2017) - the original published article.
Posted in: German, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations, Brexit
Minato Japanese course for teachers
A unique opportunity for teachers to start learning Japanese as a complete beginner.
The Marugoto A1-1 (Katsudoo - Activity & Rikai - Grammar) Tutor Support Course gives a comprehensive introduction to Japanese language and culture. This course will combine online self-study with submission of assignments to a real-life tutor, in addition to live lessons with the tutor.
Enrolment deadline: 31 August 2017
Course period: 14 September – 15 December 2017
Course fee: £40 (50% launch discount; usual cost £80)
Each participant needs to have their own individual account and computer (or other suitable internet-enabled device), headphones and webcam to have the opportunity to speak and practice Japanese.
Please note a maximum of 40 people can be accepted on the course. Your suitability for this course will be assessed by the Japan Foundation after your application has been received.
Visit the course website for full details and to register.
Posted in: CPD, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Teacher Education, News from language & education organisations, Japanese
What not to do: Tips from a returning Tianjin scholar
21 August 2017 (CISS)
Having returned from her year on the scholarship programme, Maeve MacLeod shares her experiences and advice on making the most of China.
Posted in: Senior Phase, Chinese, Cultural Diversity, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, CISS news
21 August 2017 (Vocab Express)
The next League of Champions competition from Vocab Express will be taking place from 28 September to 4 October 2017.
It's a fantastic way to engage students in vocabulary building by challenging them to compete against other schools across the UK and from around the world.
The challenge will feature French, Spanish, German, Greek, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Urdu, Arabic, Hebrew and Latin competitions.
The challenge is free to all schools subscribing to Vocab Express. In addition, there are 150 free school places available to non-subscribers, each for up to 150 students. Free spaces are still currently available!
Visit the website for more information and to register your school.
Teachers can also sign up for guest access to a free trial of the Vocab Express platform using their school or academic e-mail address.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations, Russian, Japanese, Arabic, Portuguese, Polish, Urdu
Our latest addition comes from Emma Gallacher, whose language skills have taken her from Scotland to the Costa Blanca, where she now works as receptionist for an established Real Estate firm. She firmly believes learning the language has enabled her to settle and integrate into the Spanish way of life.
Teachers use our profiles in the classroom to enhance learning about the world of work and how language skills can play a part.
Posted in: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Business, Careers, Cultural Diversity, Immersion, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Learning for Work, Language Skills, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
The Institut français d'Ecosse is pleased to launch this year's concours de la francophonie, a national school competition to encourage all young French learners and their teachers around Scotland to celebrate the international day of la francophonie.
All Scottish primary and secondary schools offering French may enter this competition by submitting a short video of a classroom activity in French.
Visit the Institut français website to find out more about the competition and how to enter by 19 December 2017.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, French, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Funding for Gaelic Centre
17 August 2017 (Scottish Government)
A Gaelic music, culture and heritage centre planned in South Uist has been awarded £1 million funding.
The £7 million Cnoc Soilleir project will receive the investment from the Scottish Government's Gaelic Capital Plan and is expected to create around 40 jobs.
Cnoc Soilleir will support the growth of Ceòlas Uibhist community-led activity around Gaelic language learning, music and dance, as well as the Lews Castle College UHI music programmes. Additional creative industry courses will be provided to enable further growth in student numbers.
Established in 1996, Ceòlas Uibhist has grown from a week-long music and dance school to become one of Scotland's leading Gaelic culture, heritage and arts organisations.
Posted in: Gaelic, Scotland, Funding, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
'The Smart Choice: German' schools network
The Goethe-Institut is accepting applications to join the schools' network 'The Smart Choice: German'.
In 2016 the Goethe-Institut set up 19 Digital German Networks in the United Kingdom. It is now looking to build on this success and to identify further networks of secondary and/or primary schools that have the intention to start, facilitate and strengthen the teaching of German.
At least three schools need to build a network. The lead partner can apply for the funding with the Goethe-Institut. It can be a secondary school supporting feeder schools or a cluster of primary schools reaching out to a secondary school teaching German. It can also be three primary schools in one area wanting to make a start with German or already having started with it.
Visit the Goethe-Institut website to find out more and to apply by 30 September 2017.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, German, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Braehead Primary School Stirling - Getting to grips with languages!
15 August 2017 (SCILT/CISS/Braehead PS)
The children of Braehead Primary have been making languages come alive through a collaborative project with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) at Stirling Castle. This project saw P5 pupils working in groups on a number of different tasks. The end result was a virtual tour of Stirling Castle in Chinese, signage in Chinese, language training for castle tour guides and maps of the castle in Chinese. Learners' literacy skills benefited from the project, and their understanding about the world of work increased.
You can see the film in Chinese, set within the castle walls, on the school's YouTube channel. The film will be entered for the British Film Festival awards in London in October.
The project had a positive impact on the wider school community. The school has recently launched a Chinese character challenge. This is a whole-school competition where one character a week is introduced on their interactive wall in the dining hall – highly visible to all. At the end of term, pupils and teachers will take part in a quiz based on these characters with Chinese-themed prizes up for the taking! Pupils continue to produce language podcasts in Chinese and other languages. The podcasts can be accessed via the Braehead Primary Languages Café on the school's website.
There are six classes at Braehead learning Chinese as L3 from P4 to P6. The P5s are the trailblazers and have been learning the language for nearly two years.
Read the full case study of the project for replicable ideas for your own school context to support partnership working and help your school deliver on Developing the Young Workforce.
Posted in: Primary, Chinese, Scotland, Business, Citizenship, Cross-Curricular Working, Language Learning, Language Learning for Work, Language Skills, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
The Concours de la francophonie was launched in 2016 by the Institut français d'Ecosse to showcase the vitality of the French language in Scottish schools and to encourage all learners from P1 to S6.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, French, Scotland, Celebrating Languages, Cross-Curricular Working, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Magical Christmas Trips 2017
apply to take part in a visit to Berlin run by UK-German Connection to set up a link to a school in Germany
apply for funding and organisational support to run your own Christmas visit to an existing partner school anywhere in Germany
To find out more, please visit the UK-German Connection's website and apply by 26 September 2017.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, German, Cultural Diversity, Funding, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Glasgow's elderly combat dementia symptoms with fun foreign language classes
4 August 2017 (Glasgow Live)
A Glasgow based organisation is blazing a trail in the battle against dementia faced by Glasgow's elderly population.
Lingo Flamingo, based in Govan, is the world's first non-profit organisation that provides outreach foreign language classes tailored to older adults.
It is currently launching a drive for more students, enlisting the use of their pink flamingo mascot to help spread the word to places across Glasgow and the West of Scotland.
Their 10 week foreign language workshops are provided in German, Italian, Spanish and French and take place in care homes, sheltered accommodation and day centres across the city.
Posted in: Language Learning - Adults, Language Learning - Benefits, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Japanese Taster for Schools (JTS) Programme
1 August 2017 (Japan Foundation)
The Japan Taster for Schools (JTS) Programme exists to create links between schools and Japanese-speaking volunteers. JTS volunteers carry out school visits across the UK to introduce students at any level to the Japanese language, often as part of an International or Japan day. One of the main purposes of JTS is to give schools that do not teach Japanese the opportunity to find out what it is like to learn the language and to provide them with further information should they wish to start offering Japanese. More information about the programme can be found on the Japan Foundation website.
Japan Foundation London currently has a UK-wide network of over 300 volunteers, and are always looking for more! Guidance and training sessions are offered to all members to prepare them for delivering Japanese taster sessions at schools. The next Volunteer Training Day will take place in London on 12 September 2017. If you speak Japanese and are interested in becoming part of the volunteer network, find out more and book your place now!
Posted in: Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations, Japanese
From Brexit to Scandi-noir: The Importance of Modern Foreign Languages
31 July 2017 (AHRC)
Many of us will be familiar with the sight of groups of young language students in UK cities over the summer months. Their excitement at being abroad away from their parents often for the first time is obvious. In 2016, he International Association of Language Centres (IALC) reported that there were 2.28 million language students travelling abroad each year, with English language travel making up around 61% of this market.
Whilst these language-learners only represented 0.25% of second language learners across the entire globe, most travelled to English-speaking countries to learn English. If the motivation for learning English in our increasing globalised world is clear, the British often struggle to appreciate the reasons for learning another language.
"The headline news for Modern Languages recently has not been good, with decreasing numbers of entrants at A-level and a number of university departments under threat of closure or severe contraction", said Wendy Ayres-Bennett, Professor of French Philology and Linguistics from the University of Cambridge.
In response to this national concern and its global implications, the AHRC has committed £16m to research in modern foreign languages (MFL) in its Open World Research Initiative (OWRI) project. Its aim is to explore and understand the language learning landscape of the UK, and how it might be transformed.
As part of OWRI, the AHRC has invested in four major research programmes, one of which is Multilingualism: Empowering Individuals, Transforming Societies (MEITS). Alongside her responsibilities at Cambridge, Prof Ayres-Bennett is Principal Investigator for the MEITS project.
"I think that in the current political climate of Brexit and of extensive migration, the need to learn modern foreign languages has arguably never been more important", says Prof Ayres-Bennett.
"I believe that there are huge benefits from being able to step outside a single language, culture and mode of thought", explains Prof Ayres-Bennett. "It enables you to see the world through other people's eyes".
Prof Ayres-Bennett argues that the ability to speak another language is valuable to many different areas of society. "Whether we think of international relations, diplomacy, security and defence, or areas such as conflict-resolution and peace-building, or, crucially today, business, international trade, and social cohesion, all of these have languages at their heart."
Linguists are needed to provide vital translation and interpreting services. However, the need for direct communication between parties was well demonstrated by the experience of the British military in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Prof Ayres-Bennett also thinks that through reading literature in the language in which it was written, we can begin to see the world through the linguistic categories and worldview of its speakers.
"The gradual opening up of new worlds and the move from incomprehension to being able to make sense of another language and culture can be truly magical ", says Prof Ayres-Bennett.
Scandi noir dramas have become very popular and one of the biggest hits of the year has been the Spanish language song 'Despacito'. Many young people in Europe improve their English through listening to music and watching films in English so that they no longer need to depend on subtitles."TV and the internet increasingly provide opportunities for people to view foreign language material and to learn about other cultures."
Posted in: All Languages, Language Learning, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Policy, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Research, News from language & education organisations, Brexit
Young Brits to make German connections
19 July 2017 (UK Government)
More British youngsters will be able to learn about German language and culture after a new agreement was made between the Foreign Secretary and the German Foreign Minister.
Boris Johnson and Sigmar Gabriel have signed off on a doubling of funding for UK-German Connection (UKGC), which means an increase in the number of places available on the scheme.
The funding increase, to around £230,000 and matched by the German government, will expand the scheme's work in bringing together children and teachers in both countries to learn about each other's language, history, and culture.
Posted in: German, Funding, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
16 Glaswegian phrases translated into Spanish just in time for your summer holiday
2 July 2017 (Glasgow Live)
Whether it be a quiet family holiday to Santa Ponsa or on the randan with your pals in Magaluf, Spain is the most popular destination for Glaswegians to go to looking to escape the dreich weather and soak up some summer sun.
And to help shave off those extra Euros on the taxi fare, become best pals with the local bar staff or to give you a helping hand if you're looking for a lumber, we've come up with a list of Spanish phrases to do the trick.
Posted in: Spanish, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Coming soon: SCILT Associates
New for session 2017/18, SCILT is compiling a database of partners and stakeholders, including teachers from all sectors, who wish to become associate members of the SCILT team.
Throughout the year, we may contact our associates if we are planning either a project or piece of work where we require additional capacity, expertise or advice.
If you think you might like to work more closely with the team and help us enlarge the 'SCILT family', then please keep your eye on the bulletin at the start of the new session when we will be able to give further information and sign up details.
Posted in: All Languages, Scotland, Business, Cross-Sector Working, Language Ambassadors, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
New approach to SCILT/CISS promotional events
23 June 2017 (SCILT/CISS)
SCILT and CISS are currently reviewing their strategy for promotional events. In order to ensure all schools have the opportunity to benefit from our involvement, we are now requesting that you complete an online application form. You will be asked to outline how a promotional event might support your uptake in the senior phase and what other measures you are putting in place to address the Attainment Agenda, National Improvement Framework and Developing Scotland's Young Workforce.
Please contact us at SCILT (scilt@strath.ac.uk) in the first instance. An application form will be sent to you once finalised.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Scotland, Policy, Promoting Languages, SCILT news, CISS news
Bilingual story book readings
22 June 2017 (The Language Hub)
From August 2017 until April 2018, the Language Hub in Glasgow will be running bilingual story book readings at Hillhead and Partick Library. Whilst aimed at pre-school aged children, everyone is welcome. These sessions are free to attend and have been funded by the participatory budgeting project 'Over to you Glasgow North' delivered by WSREC (West of Scotland Regional Equality Council).
Visit the website for more information about these events.
Posted in: Language Learning - Early Years, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
More school pupils to benefit from Bangor University language mentors
13 June 2017 (Daily Post)
More school students across North Wales will be able to take part in a successful Modern Languages Mentoring programme thanks to a further Welsh Government investment of £140,000 for the third year of the project.
Launched in 2015, the Modern Foreign Languages Student Mentoring project places undergraduates from Bangor, Aberystwyth, Cardiff and Swansea universities into local schools to mentor pupils and encourage them to consider modern foreign languages when choosing their GCSE options.
The mentoring project is part of the Welsh Government's Global Futures plan, which aims to improve and promote the take-up of modern foreign languages in schools in Wales.
Over the last two years the mentoring scheme has had a significant impact on partner schools, who have reported an increase in pupils choosing languages at GCSE as well as improved motivation to continue learning languages and to consider university.
The Welsh Government is now extending the project to include a new digital platform to increase its reach to schools and pupils who have not been able to engage with the project due to geographical location.
Posted in: Wales, Language Ambassadors, Language Learning, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Top tips for kids learning a foreign language in Glasgow
13 June 2017 (Glasgow Live)
It's no secret that Glaswegians, and Brits, are guilty of being reluctant to speak foreign languages.
However Glasgow City Council, along with many other local authorities, are under increasing pressure to make foreign language learning one of their top priorities in education - particularly at primary level.
And it appears they have good reason to do so.
Studies show that children who study a language from as young as three years old possess better critical thinking skills and score higher in maths and problem solving.
It can also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimers in later years.
Of course, leaning a language takes time and dedication.
But according to Rose McGinty, principal teacher at Glasgow's first Spanish immersion camp for children, Oso Spanish, there are plenty of ways to make language learning effective and great fun.
Posted in: Primary, Spanish, Scotland, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
'A German Classic' - essay prize for senior phase students
12 June 2017 (Oxford University)
The University of Oxford is delighted to announce the launch of a new essay prize competition: 'A German Classic'. It is aimed at students with a GCSE or equivalent in German and currently in Sixth-form (equivalent to Years 12 and 13 or S5 and S6 in Scotland).
The classic celebrated this year is Goethe's Faust, Part I. The task is to write an essay in English (between 2000 and 3000 words) so students who are not yet able to write fluently in German can focus on the challenges of engaging with the language, ideas and conflicts of the work itself.
Visit the university's website to find out more about the competition, prizes and how to submit entries by 13 September 2017.
South American Spanish Day @ The Zoo
11 June 2017 (Preston Street Primary)
Thursday the 8th June was an important date for P6 and not because Theresa May decided to have her snap election that day. P6 at Preston Street Primary managed to secure themselves an opportunity to attend a South American Spanish Day event at Edinburgh Zoo.
To start the day off P6 had a short introduction via a video from Dr. Arnaud Desbiez who manages the RZSS South American projects. This was followed by Sandie Robb explaining a new initiative 'Science in the Language Class' which links to RZSS conservation projects to language learning. This led into a fun quiz which covered facts about some South American animals and included Spanish questions on numbers, colours and parts of the body. Afterwards, a gentleman by the name of Xabier San Isidro told us his story of how his love for languages shaped his life.
Posted in: Primary, Spanish, Scotland, Cross-Curricular Working, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
UK-German Connection news - Summer 2017
UK-German Connection offers a number of opportunities for UK schools to partner with a school in Germany. The following options are currently available. Follow the appropriate link for more information:
Host a Teacher from Germany - apply by 10 July / 21 September
Funding for UK-German activities
History Teacher Tour (organised by the German Embassy London)
Visit the UK-German Connection website to find out more about all their activities.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, German, CPD, Cross-Curricular Working, Cultural Diversity, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, Teacher Education, News from language & education organisations
Funding available to partner with schools in China
9 June 2017 (Access China UK / Education Scotland)
Funding is available for schools to set up a successful sister school partnership with China or if you already have a sister school this can be used to re-activate the partnership. The funding is provided by Access China UK Education, which specialises in setting up and supporting schools with active relationships. The deadline to access the fund is 26 June.
Posted in: Chinese, Funding, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Young Applicants in Schools
8 June 2017 (Open University)
The Open University's Young Applicants in Schools Scheme (YASS) gives S6 students in Scotland the unique opportunity to study a range of university level modules in school alongside their other studies.
YASS is designed to bridge the gap between school and university, college or employment and helps motivated students stand out from the crowd. It encourages independent learning and builds confidence. Key skills like time management and accessing electronic resources are developed.
Registration for YASS modules is organised through the school, although students deal directly with The OU when it comes to their course work and assessment.
See the webpage for an overview of the language modules which can be studied.
Visit the Open University website or contact Sylvia Warnecke for more information about the YASS scheme and to enrol.
Posted in: Senior Phase, Scotland, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
St Winning's Primary School, North Ayrshire Council (Making Languages Come Alive)
Ardnamurchan High School, The Highland Council (Gaelic Education Award)
Visit the website for information and photos of all the category winners.
Posted in: Gaelic, Scotland, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Japanese Language Local Project Support Programme 2017
The Japan Foundation London is looking for non-profit-making projects or activities which promote Japanese language education. You can apply for up to £3,000.
We prioritise projects that fit into one of the three following categories:
Introducing Japanese into the curriculum at a primary or secondary school
Supporting GCSE or A-level Japanese courses
Introducing Japanese extracurricular club or enrichment subject at a primary or secondary school
The next deadline to apply for funding is Friday 16 June 2017.
Offers from UK schools to host teachers from Germany in 2017-18 are now being accepted. Application deadlines are 10 July 2017 / 21 September 2017.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, FE, German, Cultural Diversity, Funding, Language Skills, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Celebrating BLC success!
2 June 2017 (CISS)
Pupils from Lasswade High School were presented with certificates and a badge each on Wednesday 31 May for completing an app which they designed for young Chinese visitors to Edinburgh Castle.
The S3 pupils had researched Edinburgh Castle, making a visit before and after designing the trail (the latter visit to test it). With the support of the app company, 'Global Treasure Apps', they created a trail for young speakers of Chinese who might visit the castle. This is an age group the castle want to attract to the premises more effectively; moreover, the number of tourists from China is increasing all the time. After London, Edinburgh Castle is the second favourite spot for Chinese visitors to the UK.
The S3 pupils worked in teams and the winning team all received a phone charger from the app company.
The pupils will build on their success and most will continue with Mandarin into S4.
This is a good example of a Business Language Champions (BLC) project impacting on uptake in the Senior Phase: working together with outside partners such as Historic Environment Scotland, the app company and CISS.
Visit the BLC pages of our website for more information about the scheme and to find out how schools and businesses can get involved.
Posted in: S1-S3, Chinese, Scotland, Business, Careers, Language Learning, Language Learning for Work, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, CISS news
31 May 2017 (EIFF)
The programme for this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) taking place from 21 June to 2 July 2017 has just been published.
The event will showcase films from 46 countries so there are plenty of opportunities to test your language skills!
For more information about what's on offer, visit the EIFF website.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, FE, HE, All Languages, Scotland, Celebrating Languages, Cultural Diversity, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
French summer classes 2017
30 May 2017 (Institut français)
During August the Institut français in Edinburgh is running adults classes for all levels and aims. Whether you are looking to brush up your French over the summer or for some intensive classes, there's something for you.
This year a new intensive course is being launched which might be of particular interest for teachers. This 15 hour course will take place over three days from 8 to 10 August. GTCS registered teachers benefit from a concession fee.
All enrolments before July 11 can benefit from an 'early bird' rate.
See the summer programme for details.
Further information about the Institut français and their full range of activities can be found on their website.
Posted in: French, Scotland, Language Learning - Adults, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
CISS Spring 2017 newsletter
24 May 2017 (CISS)
The Spring 2017 CISS newsletter has now been published online. It is a great showcase of all the fabulous work being done across Scotland to promote Chinese language and culture.
You can view and download the newsletter on the CISS website.
Posted in: Chinese, Scotland, Cultural Diversity, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, CISS news
Promoting linguistic skills a priority under the Czech chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
The Czech Republic takes over the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 19 May. Among the nine designated priorities of the 6 month chairmanship is the promotion of human rights education and linguistic skills.
"The Czech Republic continuously develops and improves tools for linguistic and cultural inclusion in Czech schools to help them deal with the increasing number of pupils whose mother tongue differs from the language of instruction. In this connection, the Czech Chairmanship will actively co-operate with the European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe (ECML) on promoting teachers' and other language professionals' capacities to develop linguistic skills and intercultural competences of learners, as a prerequisite for their successful education.
Posted in: Europe, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Euroscola dates for autumn 2017
16 May 2017 (European Parliament)
Euroscola brings together about 600 students from all over the European Union for a day in Strasbourg discussing aspects of European integration, in multilingual working groups of 100 students. It is open to students aged 16-18 and the European Parliament offers a subsidy towards the costs of the journey to Strasbourg.
As working groups consist of students from several member states it is essential that participants have a sound knowledge of at least one other European Union language. For practical purposes knowledge of French is necessary as during the "committee" meetings in the afternoon, students are expected to think and speak in a language other than their mother tongue. The debates are held mainly in French and English.
Dates for the autumn term 2017 are now available.
To find out more and to apply, visit the Euroscola website.
Posted in: Senior Phase, French, Celebrating Languages, Cross-Curricular Working, Europe, Funding, Language Learning, Language Skills, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Falkirk win at Euroquiz final
Congratulations to the P6 team from Comely Park Primary School, who won the Scottish European Educational Trust's National Euroquiz Final 2017, which took place in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament on 15th May 2017.
Team members Tamsin Gold, Edwin Walker, Robyn Dewar-Young and Jaymie Jones were crowned SEET's Euroquiz Champions 2017 at the national final. The winners were closely followed by St Leonard's Primary School team from South Lanarkshire, in a nail-biting final round. Sciennes Primary School from Edinburgh also did incredibly well, winning the prize for third place.
Euroquiz is run by the Scottish European Educational Trust, a non-political charity, which promotes education about language learning, Europe and the wider world amongst Scotland's young people.
See the attached press release for full details about this year's competition and participating schools.
If your school might like to take part in future competitions, visit the SEET website for more information.
Third Place in Euroquiz 2017! (Sciennes Primary School, 15 May 2017) - post includes photos and links to the event on Parliament TV.
Posted in: Primary, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Cross-Curricular Working, Europe, Language Learning, Language Skills, Promoting Languages, Scottish Parliament, News from language & education organisations
Young Language Learner Award - 2017
15 May 2017 (B small publishing)
The Young Language Learner Awards are back!
B small publishing are inviting children and young people to write a four-page story in a foreign language they are learning (choose from Chinese, English, French, German, Italian or Spanish) to be in with a chance of winning books worth £50.
One winner will be picked from the under 6 category and one winner from the 6 and over entries.
Visit the website for full details and to submit entries by 15 June 2017.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Graduate jobs: top 12 degree subjects for getting a job
12 May 2017 (The Telegraph)
Competition for graduate jobs has never been more fierce. With tuition fees and living costs representing financial sacrifices for many, students reasonably demand degree courses that offer them the best value for money in today's tough jobs market.
Languages feature in the list of the top 12 degree subjects.
Posted in: HE, All Languages, Careers, Language Learning - Higher Education, Language Learning for Work, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Language Perfect World Championships 2017
12 May 2017 (ALL)
This year's Language Perfect World Championships take place from 15 - 25 May.
Students participate in the world's largest online languages event over 10 days with the chance to earn certificates and qualify for awards and prizes by translating between their target language and English. The competition is relevant for everyone, whatever their ability.
The first 500 schools to register will receive 50 free entries. (ALL members can register all students for free).
Find out more about the competition via the ALL webpage and the competition website.
Posted in: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Language Skills, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations, Russian, Japanese, Arabic
9 May 2017 (Stephen Spender Trust)
The 2017 Stephen Spender Prize is open for entries. Entrants are invited to submit an English translation of a poem from any language, ancient or modern. As always, there are prizes in three categories – Open, 18-and-under and 14-and-under – and the competition is open to UK and Irish citizens and residents.
Entry deadline is Friday 26 May 2017.
Visit the website for further information and submission guidelines.
Posted in: All Languages, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Translation, News from language & education organisations
Consul General Pan Xinchun Visits Fettes College
9 May 2017 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China)
On 4 May, Consul General Pan Xinchun paid a visit to Fettes College where he delivered a speech to the students and had a cordial meeting with the headmaster Michael Spens.
In his speech, Mr. Pan spoke highly of the Fettes College for its outstanding achievements in education. He indicated that well-educated students with global vision need knowledge about China. As the second largest economy, China has made huge contributions to the global development. He introduced the close links between China and Scotland by giving examples of people's daily life. Mr. Pan said, the demand in other countries for Mandarin speakers is increasing as China's cooperation with the rest of the world is deepening with a growing number of people learning Chinese language and culture. In Scotland alone, nearly 30,000 students from primary and secondary schools are learning. He encouraged the students to work hard and gain more understanding about China so as to build a bridge of friendship and cooperation between China and Scotland.
Posted in: Chinese, Scotland, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
EOL network 'Learning environments where modern languages flourish' - 99 partner schools registered
The EOL ECML project "Learning environments where modern languages flourish" has already succeeded in recruiting 99 partner schools and teachers in ten different countries; we will continue to accept new partner schools until the end of July 2017.
This European network of project partner schools will not only support one another in developing innovative approaches to establishing language friendly learning environments through an exchange of relevant resources, research and practice, but will have dedicated support from the project team throughout the lifespan of their school projects.
Visit the ECML website for more information and to register to join the EOL network.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Europe, CPD, Cross-Curricular Working, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, Teacher Education, News from language & education organisations
Pupil's sign language address to Scottish Parliament
9 May 2017 (BBC)
A profoundly deaf Falkirk High School pupil has delivered the Scottish Parliament's Time for Reflection in sign language.
Jemma Skelding, 12, is the youngest person to deliver the address, which is the parliament's first item of business of the week in the chamber.
Miss Skelding said she was pleased be at Holyrood ahead of next week's Deaf Awareness Week.
She told MSPs her parents and an older sister were also deaf.
Miss Skelding shared her experiences of using sign language in the address, which was translated by Mary McDevitt.
She said she grew up using sign language at home and thought everyone could use it, until she attended her first nursery.
Miss Skelding said that her next nursery taught everyone sign language half a day a week.
She said: "This was a really happy time for me.
"I was with my friends and I just felt like everyone else, we played together and we laughed a lot, we even had special sign names for each other."
Miss Skelding said things changed in P3, and by the following year she was "unhappy and felt very lonely."
Posted in: British Sign Language, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Support language attainment in class with a Modern Language Assistant
Employing a British Council language assistant is a unique way to broaden your students understanding of the world, improve their language skills and increase their cultural awareness.
Language assistants are dynamic, enthusiastic native speakers of French, Spanish, German, Italian and Mandarin Chinese, and are usually undergraduates or recent graduates. As we recruit language assistants directly from their home countries, their language is up-to-date, the classroom resources they provide are relevant and authentic, and they will be well placed to connect with students on their own level . Simply put, employing a language assistant provides the kind of learning experience that cannot be found elsewhere.
In a recent survey of host schools, Heads of Languages reported improved exam results – raising standards in under-performing students and motivating talented students to achieve more. The support of an Assistant is particularly valuable with the on-going focus on languages in the 1+2 initiative, and can particularly help to complement the development of language teaching in primary schools.
The deadline for applications has been extended to 31 May 2017.
For more information and to apply visit the British Council website.
Posted in: Foreign Language Assistants, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
MTOT 2016-17 celebration event webpage now live
We're pleased to announce the SCILT website has been updated and details of this year's Mother Tongue Other Tongue (MTOT) multilingual poetry competition award celebration held at the SEC, Glasgow in March are now available.
Here you can see photos of our winning performers, read the anthology of winning entries, access press articles and see feedback from pupils, teachers and parents.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Community Languages, Cross-Curricular Working, Language Learning, Language Skills, Language Teaching, Minority Languages, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
German Teacher Awards 2017
3 May 2017 (Goethe-Institut/German Embassy)
Does your school have a truly outstanding German teacher? There's still time to get nominations in for the 14th annual German Teacher Award offered by the German Embassy in London.
The purpose of this award is:
to recognise outstanding achievement by individual teachers of German in the UK
to highlight and pay tribute to the work of German teachers in the UK
to encourage the commitment of the winners' schools to modern language teaching
Deadline for applications: 17 May 2017. Nominations must be submitted and signed by the headteacher.
Visit the German Embassy's website for detailed information and nomination form.
Posted in: German, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Scottish Education Awards 2017 - Finalists
2 May 2017 (Scottish Education Awards)
Good luck to the Scottish Education Award finalists in the language categories!
Making languages come alive (primary)
Braehead Primary School, Stirling
Doune Primary School, Stirling
St Winning's Primary School, North Ayrshire
Gaelic Education Award / Duais Foghlam Gàidhlig
Ardnamurchan High School, Highland
Sgoil an Taobh Siar, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Gartcosh Primary School, North Lanarkshire
The award presentations will take place on 7 June. For more information about the awards visit the Scottish Education Awards 2017 website.
Posted in: Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Apply now for a fully funded Chinese Language Assistant!
The British Council and HSBC are pleased to announce that up to ten grants of £3,890 will be offered to cover the costs of hosting a Chinese language assistant for the academic year of 2017/18.
This is a pilot scheme for UK schools in 2017/18 and is intended to support the Sustainable Development Goal "ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning". Successful schools will have the full costs of hosting a Chinese Language Assistant covered from mid-September 2017 to the end of June 2018.
Visit the British Council website for more information and to download an application form.
Application deadline: 31 May 2017.
Posted in: Chinese, Foreign Language Assistants, Funding, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Our latest addition comes from Charlie Foot, founder of Bili, the online language exchange platform for schools. Charlie explains how speaking to people in their own language creates opportunities for much deeper connections and cultural understanding.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, French, German, Spanish, Business, Careers, Language Learning, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Learning for Work, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Resources, SCILT news
uTalk takes language learning to new heights with Emirates, the world's largest international airline
26 April 2017 (uTalk)
London-based language experts uTalk are helping passengers on Emirates Airline prepare for arrival with new inflight language videos. They've produced a series of films, which can be seen on all Emirates flights, giving travellers an introduction to five languages, with beginner lessons covering first words, food and drink and getting around.
Posted in: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations, Arabic
HIBIKI SHAMISEN visit to Orkney, 5-6 May
25 April 2017 (HIBIKI SHAMISEN)
HIBIKI SHAMISEN will have their first public performance in Orkney at the Pier Arts Centre on Friday 5 May at 7:30pm. The performance is free, and will include an introduction to the TSUGARU SHAMISEN, a versatile 3 stringed instrument that extends the range of the traditional shamisen in both sound and volume, and which can be used to improvise in a way similar to jazz.
The shamisen came to Japan originally from India, via China, through Okinawa, and has been established in Japan for about 300 years. It is the instrument associated with KABUKI theatre (in a form called NAGAUTA) and music played by GEISHA (KOUTA) and with the BUNRAKU or puppet theatre. Each of these genres has a particular type of shamisen associated with it.
The TSUGARU shamisen is the biggest and the boldest of all the shamisen types, and is the only one that is also used for contemporary music.
Hibiki Ichikawa, internationally acclaimed master of the tsugaru shamisen, and blues and ENKA singer Akari Mochizuki will perform both traditional and contemporary music, and have prepared some special material in honour of Children's Day, which is celebrated on 5 May in Japan.
The two musicians will also conduct workshops with students from Stromness Academy and Kirkwall Grammar School while in Orkney. The students will have the opportunity to play the instruments and learn about the history of Japanese music.
There will also be an opportunity for them to meet and exchange music with Douglas Montgomery of Saltfish Forty, and Gemma McGregor whose repertoire also includes the Japanese shakuhachi flute.
HIBIKI SHAMISEN will feature at the Japanese Children's Day celebration at the Orkney Library on Saturday 6 May, when they will perform at 11am. This performance will also be free, and all ages are welcome.
HIBIKI SHAMISEN's visit to Orkney has been made possible with the support of the OIC Culture Fund, The Japan Society of Scotland, the Pier Arts Centre, the Orkney Library and blue earth works. The initial contact with HIBIKI SHAMISEN was through the kind offices of Japan Foundation.
For further details about the performance and Pier Arts Centre contact Isla Holloway isla.holloway@pierartscentre.com 01856 850209.
For further details about the visit from Ruta Noreika contact blueworks2@mac.com
07712 411149.
Find out more about HIBIKI SHAMISEN on their website.
Posted in: Cultural Diversity, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations, Japanese
Business Brunch 2017 events webpage now live!
A series of five successful Business Brunch events organised by SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages in partnership with the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland took place this year where 535 learners from S3-S6 were given the opportunity to hear from a wide range of exciting business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company.
The events demonstrated the relevance of language skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
Find out more about the events on our new Business Brunch 2017 webpage.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Scotland, Business, Careers, Cross-Curricular Working, Language Learning, Language Learning for Work, Language Teaching, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
UCMLS 1+2 action plan published!
25 April 2017 (SCILT / UCMLS)
Following our final consultation with stakeholders at the national UCMLS conference in Glasgow on 10 March 2017 we have produced our cross-sector Action Plan in support of Scotland's 1+2 language policy, and it is now available online. Click below for more details but please REFRESH THE PAGE to get the latest version of the webpage!
Marion Spöring, UCMLS chair.
Posted in: FE, HE, All Languages, Scotland, 1+2, Cross-Sector Working, Language Learning, Language Policy, Language Teaching, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, SCILT news, News from language & education organisations
Introduction to Interpreting
25 April 2017 (Heriot-Watt University)
This course, being run by Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, is ideal for anyone fluent in a language but with no interpreting techniques.
As a speaker of a second language, do you find yourself in situations at work where you have to act as an interpreter but have had no formal training? Then this course is for you!
Are you a language student considering a career as an interpreter? Come and join us for a taster course and find out what it means to be an interpreter.
The course will run from 3-7 July 2017 in the university's state of the art interpreting facilities.
Visit the website for more information and book your place by 19 June.
Posted in: All Languages, Scotland, Interpreting, Language Learning for Work, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Franco-German Film Series at the CCA
This year's film collaboration between the Goethe Institut and the Alliance Française will stand under the heading of comedy.
Though the sense of humor varies according to national history and culture, it still manages to reach people regardless of age, gender, race and across country borders.
Visit the Alliance Française website to find out more about the 4 films being screened during May and June at the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow.
The events are free, but registration is essential.
Posted in: French, German, Scotland, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Link with a German school
Broaden your pupils' horizons and enhance your school's international dimension by linking with a German school. Find out how to set up and develop a partnership with a German school, including practical tips and advice on joint activities, projects and visits to Germany.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, German, CPD, Cross-Curricular Working, Cultural Diversity, Funding, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, Teacher Education, News from language & education organisations
We have a selection of job profiles on our website demonstrating languages being used in a wide range of professions.
Our latest addition comes from David Rodger, Area Manager at Amazon Germany. He tells how people engage with you and realise you're on their side if you demonstrate the willingness to understand their language and culture.
Posted in: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Business, Careers, Language Learning, Language Learning for Work, Language Skills, Promoting Languages, Resources, SCILT news
Biscuits galore!
20 April 2017 (CISS)
For some S2 pupils from Elgin Academy, the term began with a busy and exciting visit to Walkers Shortbread HQ in Aberlour, Moray.
The pupils have been studying Mandarin since January with the support of the Hanban teacher Sufang Wang and under the guidance of Jerome Lestienne, PT of Modern Languages. The pupils presented to members of the International team from Walkers and the HR team. The presentations reflected what they had learnt so far, which included simple greetings, some numbers (and how to express numbers with hand gestures) and explanations of what is peculiar to the Chinese language such as learning tones, characters, etc.
The presentations also incorporated advice on effective "dos and don'ts" of Chinese Business Etiquette. These were well received by the International Team, who later explained they are increasingly doing business with China. It is now one of the top ten countries with whom they deal and in the near future will be opening an office in Shanghai.
Pupils were judged on presentation skills, clarity of delivery, content, structure and language skills. (The latter were judged by members from CISS and the Hanban teacher.) The winning group were generously rewarded with a prize and all pupils left with a goodie bag.
Pupils were asked questions by the team regarding how they found learning Chinese. They replied they had found it interesting and were grateful to have the chance to learn some Chinese whilst at school.
The Director of the International Team thanked them for the useful and stimulating presentations. He highlighted the fact that future employees with such knowledge would be most welcome for the company to employ.
Posted in: S1-S3, Chinese, Scotland, Business, Careers, Cultural Diversity, Language Learning, Language Learning for Work, Language Skills, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, CISS news
From Toulon with Love: Jonny Wilkinson on language learning
19 April 2017 (Cambridge University Press blog)
Is it ever too late to learn a language? In 1997, Jonathan 'Jonny' Wilkinson left university to become a professional rugby union player. Since then, Jonny Wilkinson has excelled in the sport, becoming captain of the English rugby national team and seen as the key force that drove his teams to victory in the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cup finals. After 12 years with the Newcastle Falcons, he transferred to Toulon in 2009 and that's when his language-learning journey began… Discover how Jonny found out the hard way the importance speaking the language of his team mates.
All Junior Cert pupils to study a foreign language under new plan
19 April 2017 (News Talk)
(Applies to Ireland) All pupils will study a foreign language for their Junior Cert by 2021 under ambitious new plans being announced by the Education Minister.
The strategy also aims to increase the number of Leaving Cert students studying a foreign language by 10%.
Chinese will be introduced as a Leaving Cert subject for the first time, while so-called 'heritage languages' such as Polish, Lithuanian and Portuguese will get a proper curriculum.
Speaking to Pat Kenny, Minister Richard Bruton explained: "We are going to have to, post-Brexit, realise that one of the common weaknesses of English speaking countries - that we disregard foreign languages - has to be addressed in Ireland.
"We need now to trade in the growth areas - and many of those speak Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin. Those are the languages that we need to learn to continue to trade successfully."
On the subject of Eastern European languages, he observed: "We now have many Lithuanians and Polish here, and we can develop those languages.
"We also need to use programmes like Erasmus - we want to increase our participation there by 50%. Clearly it has to become more immersed in the language.
"At the moment if you look at Leaving Cert and Junior Cert, French dominates. French is a lovely language, but we need to recognise that we need to diversify into other languages."
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Northern Ireland, Business, Economy, Language Learning, Language Policy, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Qualifications, Languages in the press, Brexit
Japanese Language Local Project Support Programme
10 April 2017 (Japan Foundation)
The next deadline for the 2017-18 programme is 27 April 2017.
Visit the Japan Foundation website for more information and to submit your application.
Posted in: Funding, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations, Japanese
Our latest addition comes from Jane Robb, PhD student at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich. Jane has studied several languages, including French, German and Spanish and says her Spanish language skills enable her to conduct fieldwork and live and work in Guatemala.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, French, German, Spanish, Business, Careers, Language Learning, Language Learning for Work, Promoting Languages, Resources, SCILT news
Call for applications - Trends in Translation
30 March 2017 (ALL)
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the French Embassy in London, the Institut Français du Royaume-Uni and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) are looking for the next generation of translators into English.
Higher Education Institutions across the UK are being invited to nominate their most promising undergraduate student(s) to take part in a one-day exclusive Masterclass in Translation to be held at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, on Thursday, 27th April 2017 with the opportunity for two Masterclass students to visit the Frankfurt Book Fair this year.
This call is open to undergraduate students only. Students must have a proficiency in either German or French (Level B1 and higher, according to CEFR). A combination of the two languages is very welcome but not required.
The candidates and the nominators are asked to complete the application form and send it electronically to application@lond.diplo.de by Tuesday 18 April 2017.
For full terms and conditions, visit the Association for Language Learning (ALL) website.
Posted in: HE, French, German, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, Translation, News from language & education organisations
Japanese for young learners - 6 week teacher course
30 March 2017 (Japanese for Young Learners project)
This course, organised by the Japanese for Young Learners Projects, aims to introduce teachers to Japanese language and culture for use in the classroom. Teachers will be introduced to Japanese language for beginners and to cultural learning activities such as origami and Japanese food.
The course will include developing literacy in Japanese and an introduction to Japanese reading and writing - easier than you think!
The course is being delivered in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and the Japan Foundation, UK. It takes place over six weeks, commencing Thursday 20 April.
Visit the website to register for this free professional development opportunity and see the press article below relating to the project's pilot in Liberton Primary School, Edinburgh.
Edinburgh primary leads way with Japanese lessons pilot (Edinburgh Evening News, 27 March 2017)
Posted in: Primary, Cultural Diversity, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Teacher Education, News from language & education organisations, Japanese
Language Linking Global Thinking 2017/18 - Registrations of interest
While the student is abroad, the partner school keeps in regular contact with the student by emailing, sending postcards and other resources. The two-way correspondence between student and class brings the language alive for pupils and shows them the real relevance of learning a language.
If you would like to take part in this project for session 2017-18, please complete the registration form.
Visit the SCILT LLGT webpage for more information on Language Linking Global Thinking, including the blogs students have used to facilitate their contact with the schools.
Posted in: Celebrating Languages, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, SCILT news
French at the Alliance Française in Glasgow
The Alliance Française has a number of upcoming opportunities for French language learners in Glasgow. Follow the relevant link below for more information:
Spring Break Revision Classes April 2017 (3-7 April) - preparation courses for pupils sitting Nat 5, Higher and Advanced Higher French this year and University students due to sit exams later this year.
Easter workshop for primary school pupils (3-7 April) - children will learn about French language and culture through fun Easter-themed activities.
Term D adult courses now enrolling - classes available at all levels from Beginner to Advanced, along with specialised courses such as Conversation, Current Affairs, Grammar and Phonetics. New term commences 18 April 2017.
New adult classes - Beginners, Lunchtime Conversation Class, Phonetics Class, Grammar Class commencing from 18 April 2017.
For further information about the Alliance Française and their full range of activities, visit their website.
Posted in: Primary, Senior Phase, HE, French, Scotland, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Edinburgh primary leads way with Japanese lessons pilot
27 March 2017 (Edinburgh Evening News)
They already love manga, Pokemon and Nintendo and now schoolchildren in the Capital have been given the chance to learn about the language behind some of their favourite pastimes.
Liberton Primary School has become a language trailblazer thanks to a new scheme designed to introduce youngsters to Japanese from an early age.
The Japanese for Young Learners project has seen two P5 classes give the language a go, as well as learning about the history and culture of the far eastern country.
While Liberton already teaches a number of other languages – such as French, German, Spanish and Mandarin – it is the first Edinburgh primary school in many years to add Japanese to its offering.
Posted in: Primary, Scotland, Cultural Diversity, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press, Japanese
Les Resultats ! Le Quiz de la Francophonie
24 March 2017 (Institut français / Canadian High Commission)
The Canadian High Commission in London, who organised the Quiz de la francophonie this year, have just announced the names of the winning schools who are all from Scotland!
Congratulations to:
Sir E. Scott School ( Les Gateaux Gris)
Mid Yell JHS ( Les Petits Crofters)
Westhill Academy ( les Grenouilles 2 E)
Thank you to all participants and well done to the winning schools who will receive their prizes in due course.
Posted in: French, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Jackie Kay celebrates pupils' multilingual poetry success
The multilingual talents of budding young poets from across Scotland were celebrated at a prestigious award ceremony in Glasgow. Jackie Kay, Scotland's Makar, presented the prizes.
Primary and secondary students from Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, Stirling and West Lothian used their language skills to create and share poetry for this year's Mother Tongue Other Tongue multilingual poetry competition. Winners received their prizes on the main Piazza stage at the SEC Glasgow on Saturday 11 March 2017 as part of the wider Languages Show Live Scotland event. Their work is published in an anthology.
Mother Tongue Other Tongue is an exciting project which celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity through creative writing and showcases the many languages which are used by children and young people across Scotland, in school and at home. The competition is organised by SCILT, Scotland's National Centre for Languages, based at University of Strathclyde. Jackie Kay is the patron of the competition.
One teacher said of the event: "Taking part in the Mother Tongue Other Tongue poetry competition was a very worthwhile endeavour. Pupils really enjoyed creating poems in another language and interesting language based discussions were generated. The emphasis on celebrating all languages from across the globe was a great message to share with pupils and they especially enjoyed mixing their own language with the languages they are learning at school. We will definitely be taking part again next year."
Whilst one of the pupils summed up their feelings: "I feel happy, proud and special."
Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT, says: "Mother Tongue Other Tongue is a celebration of the many languages that are spoken and learned by children and young people across Scotland. The collection of their poems weaves a rich tapestry of voices that honours cultural diversity and pays testament to the wealth of Scotland's many languages and cultures. We were delighted to see such a high calibre of entries this year, submitted in 35 different languages. Our congratulations go to the winners and to all who took part in the competition."
Mother Tongue invites children who do not speak English as a first language to write a poem, rap or song in their mother tongue and share their inspiration. Other Tongue encourages children learning another language in school to use that language creatively with an original poem, rap or song in that other tongue. Prizes are awarded in both categories.
Mother Tongue Other Tongue supports the Scottish Government initiative, 'Language Learning in Scotland: A 1+2 approach' by allowing pupils to apply their language learning in a creative way. The competition provides children who do not have English as their first language an opportunity to celebrate their mother tongue.
Mother Tongue Other Tongue is supported by the University Council for Modern Languages Scotland, creative writer Juliette Lee and the Scottish Poetry Library.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Mother Tongue, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
4th Castilla y León Award
Each year the Ministry of Education of the Spanish Embassy in the United Kingdom, with the sponsorship of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Junta de Castilla y León, awards the student with the best results in Spanish in the United Kingdom.
The winner will receive a 3-day (2-night) trip to Castilla y León (Spain) for two people, including travel, accommodation, meals and visits.
For more information see the attached leaflet or visit the Consejería de Educación website. Applications should be submitted by 28 April 2017.
2017 Premio mejor estudiante espa ol del Reino Unido_call form (427 KB)
Posted in: Spanish, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Mary Glasgow invites language students to get their work published!
23 March 2017 (Mary Glasgow Magazines)
Calling all language teachers! Get your students' French, Spanish, German or English writing published on the Mary Glasgow Magazines website.
One of the most popular features of the website is Student News. We publish articles and videos sent by students from around the world who want to share their stories, interests and culture with peers. Students earn points for their stories and comments for a chance to win a prize.
Visit the website to find out more information and to read some sample stories.
Posted in: Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
For relevant, labour-market focused career advice on languages, direct from the workplace, read our latest Job Profile from Lynn Sheppard, Masters Student and travel writer, former English teacher, diplomat and civil servant.
Lynn tells how languages have not only helped in all her diverse job roles, but in developing and maintaining personal and professional relationships around the globe. Language skills have given her a cultural insight into how others think and behave.
Teachers, use this resource in your classroom to enhance learning about the world of work.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Business, Careers, Language Learning, Language Learning for Work, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Resources, SCILT news
Trilingual music project hits the right notes in schools
A pilot project called Listening to Language/ Cerdd Iaith, which aims to encourage language learning using music as a resource, is being delivered in ten primary schools across South West Wales. The trilingual music project addresses the decline of language learning in Wales.
Led by BBC National Orchestra of Wales, British Council Wales, ERW (Education through Regional Working) and University of Wales Trinity Saint David, musicians from the orchestra alongside language specialists have been working with teachers in schools across Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion to develop creative approaches to learning Welsh, Spanish and English.
The project, which is funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, looks at how musical elements of language such as rhythm, repetition and rhyme can aid learning. The workshops are encouraging pupils to listen to the sounds of languages, to enhance the process of developing and understanding new vocabulary.
Posted in: Spanish, Wales, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Methodologies, Promoting Languages
Language Show Live Scotland 2017
Thank you to everyone who came to see us at Language Show Live Scotland at the SEC last weekend! It was a fabulous event and great to meet so many teachers, pupils and language professionals and to find out how we can help support you all in learning, teaching and promoting languages. If you left an enquiry with us, we're currently working our way through these and you should have a response within the next week or two, if you haven't had one already.
We were so proud of our Mother Tongue Other Tongue multilingual poetry winners who came along to the event and recited their poems for us on Saturday morning. Thank you so much to the teachers who took this initiative forward in school and of course to all the pupils who took part. We will be uploading the winners' anthology and photos from the event to the website in due course, so keep watching the bulletin for updates on this.
If you didn't make it along, our PDO Lynne Jones provides a flavour of the show in this video:
Posted in: All Languages, Scotland, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
The Junior Language Challenge 2017
14 March 2017 (Junior Language Challenge)
Calling all Scottish primary schools! The Junior Language Challenge is the UK's only language challenge for primary schools, introducing children to new, exciting languages and encouraging them to become independent learners, while raising money for charity. The first language this year is French.
There are great prizes to be won, including a family holiday to Africa!
Visit the JLC website to find out more and to register a school or an individual. (Please note there is an entry charge per child with all proceeds going to the educational charity, onebillion).
Posted in: Primary, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
SALT schools competition 2017
11 March 2017 (SALT)
There are four categories in this years competition: Primary & BGE, National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher.
The theme is I love Languages Because and students can submit their entries in any format (PowerPoint, poster, song, poem, etc).
Visit the SALT website for further information and to submit entries by 26 May 2017.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
We have a range of Job Profiles on our website designed for teachers to use in the classroom to enhance learning about the world of work and how language skills can play a part.
Our latest addition comes from Kirsten Matthews, a Distillery Tour Guide and Public Service Interpreter. Kirsten tells us her language skills make it possible for her to perform a service and to help people in her roles.
You can see Kirsten's profile on our website.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, Business, Careers, Language Learning, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Learning for Work, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Resources, SCILT news
Pupils celebrate success at multilingual poetry competition
9 March 2017 (Renfrewshire 24)
Six bilingual pupils from Renfrewshire have scooped up awards at a national poetry competition for their creative writing talents.
Of the 14 awards up for grabs through the 'Mother Tongue Other Tongue' competition run by SCILT – Scotland's National Centre for Languages, six were awarded to pupils from St John Ogilvie Primary School, St James Primary School and Castlehead High School, who had written poetry in their native tongue in order to share their "other voices".
Renfrewshire EAL (English as an additional language) teachers helped support bilingual pupils to create a collection of poems written in languages such as; Polish, Hungarian, Chinese, Punjabi, Catalan, Arabic, Greek, Filipino, Korean and Dutch.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Scotland, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Mother Tongue, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press, Refugees
Dumbarton Academy get to grips with business and language
6 March 2017 (Dumbarton Reporter)
Pupils from Dumbarton Academy had the opportunity to learn the language of business at a recent school event.
Third year students heard from a range of local business leaders who view language skills as key to the growth and success of their company.
The event demonstrated the relevance of these skills in a work context and aimed to encourage pupils to continue with their language studies into the senior phase of their secondary education, and beyond school.
Cara Brown, subject leader for Modern Languages at Dumbarton Academy, said: "The event was a success, emphasised by the positive feedback given by pupils. The presentations delivered by the range of speakers were well received by everyone involved and really engaged the learners who discovered the value of language skills for employment and for life beyond school."
One of the pupils added: "I enjoyed hearing different peoples' stories and learning about what they had been able to do through learning another language. I was surprised to find out how many ways languages can be useful."
Posted in: S1-S3, Scotland, Language Learning for Work, Promoting Languages, SCILT, Languages in the press
"My language learning hurdles" competition
3 March 2017 (Open University)
Make a short video explaining what you consider your biggest hurdles to language learning and you could win up to £150 in Amazon UK gift vouchers.
We want to hear what you find most difficult about language learning, especially when you start learning a new language. We are looking for well thought-out answers with specific examples of your language learning experience, or maybe good one-liners that showcase some of the difficulties that you have faced in the following areas:
Your motivation for learning a new language
Managing your expectations when starting to learn a new language
Coping with grammar and grammatical terminology
Creating (and sticking to) a learning routine
Practising speaking (as a beginner)
Listening (as a beginner)
Learning vocabulary (as a beginner)
Reading (as a beginner)
Writing (as a beginner)
Finding, evaluating and selecting resources to support learning for beginners
Immersing yourself in the language when not in an area where it is spoken
Getting support from others (including online communities
Keeping your motivation going in the medium to long term
Your video must cover only one of these areas, but you are welcome to submit a video for each of the topics that are relevant to you.
Your video must be no longer than 30 seconds and must be in English.
Visit the Open University website to find out more and how to submit your entry by 17 March 2017.
Posted in: All Languages, Awards, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Motivation, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Just 1 Week Until Doors Open on Language Show Scotland 2017!
3 March 2017 (Language Show Live)
Language Show Live, 10-11 March at the SEC, Glasgow.
Europe's largest event dedicated to language teaching and learning is just 1 week away and new performances are still being announced every day, with salsa classes and an additional Gaelic introduction class added today! Every seminar at this free-to-attend event is fully CPD accredited and packed full of exclusive content. Head online today to claim your free ticket and enjoy all the content that Europe's premier language event has to offer.
Remember: Alongside our trademark seminar, workshop and panel session line ups we also have our fantastic cultural piazza stage, free language taster classes, over 80 exhibitor and much, much more! Take advantage of our pre-show discount on our Language Plus Classes too. These two hour intensive classes are the only thing at the event that we charge for as we bring in some of the world's top teachers and charge just £18 for the full two hours. Don't miss out!
Visit the Language Show Live website today!
Posted in: All Languages, Scotland, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
3 March 2017 (SCILT)
For relevant, labour-market focused career advice on languages, direct from the workplace, read our latest Job Profile from Sandie Robb, Senior Education Officer for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).
Working on conservation projects around the globe, Sandie explains how knowing even a little of a language is respectable and polite when working with colleagues worldwide.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, Chinese, Spanish, Business, Careers, Language Learning, Language Learning for Work, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Resources, SCILT news, Japanese
French at the Alliance Française de Glasgow
2 March 2017 (Alliance Française)
Spring Break Revision Classes April 2017 (3-7 April) - preparation courses for pupils sitting Nat 5, Higher and Advanced Higher French this year.
Screening of 2 documentary films with directors in attendance. The first one is on gender inequality and could be of interest to Advanced Higher pupils, the second gives a good insight into one of the most famous newspapers in France:
Screening of the documentary ''Des Femmes et des Hommes'' (10 March)
Screening of ''Les gens du Monde'' (30 March)
To find out more about the Alliance Française and all their activities, visit their website.
Posted in: French, Scotland, Language Learning, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Articulate Language Camps 2017
1 March 2017 (Articulate Language Camps)
Articulate Language Camps run an International Camp (12-17 year olds) and Launch Camp (6-11 year olds) each summer in Scotland.
The International camp brings together young people aged 12-17 from across Europe and beyond to share their language and culture and provides the opportunity to learn French, Spanish, German, Italian or English.
The Launch camp gives young campers the chance to experience the same languages in a fun and interactive way, learning through digital media projects and outdoor activities.
Find out more in the Articulate Language Camps videos on YouTube where you will also find links to their online brochure and registration form. Follow the relevant link below for more information about each camp:
International Camp (ages 12-17)
Launch Camp (ages 6-11)
You can find out more about Articulate Language Camps by visiting their main website.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Immersion, Language Learning, Partnership Working, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
Vive la francophonie 2017
27 February 2017 (Institut français)
Each year the embassies of the francophone countries organise a UK-wide quiz for S2 and S3 students entitled Vive la francophonie. This year's competition will take place on 13 March.
It is simple for schools to take part:
Enrol your team
The quiz will be online on 13 March any time from 10am to 2pm. It should take maximum an hour to answer the questions.
The top 3 teams with the most answers right, in the shortest time, wins!
Visit the website to find out more about the competition and to register your students by 8 March.
24 February 2017 (Language Show Live)
There's still time to get your tickets for this year's Language Show Live Scotland event at the SEC, Glasgow!
The event, dedicated to language teaching and learning, is just a fortnight away and all programme details, teaching seminars and language classes are now live online. Every seminar at this free-to-attend event is fully CPD accredited and packed full of exclusive content.
For full programme details and to register, visit the Language Show Live website. Don't miss out!
Posted in: All Languages, Scotland, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Teacher Education, News from language & education organisations
New student profile on SCILT's website
Our latest addition comes from Emma Therer, a student of German and Linguistics, whose aim is to become a translator and interpreter. She believes languages are key in getting to know people and to learn about other cultures.
Read her profile and others on our website now.
Posted in: French, German, Business, Careers, Language Learning for Work, Linguistics, Promoting Languages, SCILT news, BSL
Do we need modern language graduates in a globalised world?
23 February 2017 (THE)
Six academics offer their views on the state of language learning in a populist climate.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, FE, HE, All Languages, Language Learning, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
UK-German Connection latest news
UK-German Connection offers a number of opportunities for schools in the UK and Germany to develop and maintain partnerships. In their latest Spring 2017 newsletter they highlight the following:
With the changing landscape of international relations, we want to make sure we're still offering you the right kind of support to keep your connections with Germany alive.We're currently reviewing the opportunities and services we offer and would like to invite you to tell us what you need now for your schools and pupils. Complete the short survey.
Deadline reminder of 1 March for applications for the following summer courses in Germany:
German Pupil Course.
German Scholarships Programme.
Teachers can also apply for paid opportunities as group leaders on the German Pupil Course.
Host a German Language Assistant - British Council applications for 2017-18 are now open.
For upcoming deadlines for the rest of the school year, download our calendar of opportunities for 2016-17.
For further information about UK-German Connection and their activities, visit their website.
Posted in: Primary, S1-S3, Senior Phase, German, CPD, Cross-Sector Working, Foreign Language Assistants, Funding, Immersion, Language Ambassadors, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Study Abroad, Teacher Education, News from language & education organisations
Time to listen to teens on language learning
21 February 2017 (Scholastic blog)
For far too long it seems that media columns have been filled with reports of declining interest of British teenagers in modern foreign languages (MFL).
Take the figures published last summer. The number of children studying French to A-level has fallen by around 50 per cent in eight years to fewer than 10,000. Only around 3,800 youngsters took German. There was also a fall in those studying Spanish, which had previously bucked the anti-languages drift.
The government replied that it has been encouraging pupils to take languages, mainly through the English Baccalaureate – the wrap-around qualification which requires pupils to sit a range of certain GCSEs including a language.
But the problems don't end there. More university language departments are facing closure if student recruitment continues to decline, and the key problem facing language courses is the drop in the number of students sitting the relevant A-levels that are required for entry. And there is a shortage of MFL teachers.
This ought to worry us – even more so as we head towards Brexit. It has been estimated by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages that our failure to communicate in anything other than English costs Britain up to £50 billion a year in lost trade. Declining numbers of MFL students have led to calls for a joined up strategy where the full contribution of languages to the economy and society is realised, with the National Association of Head Teachers particularly vocal.
Posted in: S1-S3, Senior Phase, All Languages, Language Learning - Benefits, Language Learning - Decline, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Absolutely Fabulous 25th anniversary: watch a clip from the show in six different languages
20 February 2017 (The Independent)
Edina and Patsy remain fabulous in every language.
Absolutely Fabulous is now coming up to its 25th anniversary, with the BBC Worldwide Showcase commemorating the occasion by releasing a clip which cuts together a scene in six different European languages: English, Italian, German, Spanish, Czech, and French.
It's all part of an effort to celebrate its expansive global success, which last year saw the release of the pair's own feature film debut in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie; launching stars Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders on their escape to the French Riviera after an incident at a fashion launch party sends Kate Moss tumbling into the Thames.
Posted in: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Brian Wilson: Crunch time now for BBC Alba, a Scottish success story
20 February 2017 (The Scotsman)
The Gaelic TV channel reaches far beyond those who speak the language, and can get even better if it is given proper support says Brian Wilson.
Issues surrounding the BBC Charter and its implications for broadcasting are likely to gain a high profile in the coming weeks. It would be a pity if, in the political melee, a quiet Scottish success story was overlooked – BBC Alba.
Although its raison d'etre is as a Gaelic broadcaster, BBC Alba reaches 700,000 viewers each week. It accounts for half the commissions in Scotland from independent production companies. It offers a steady stream of quality programmes which would not otherwise be made, mainly on Scottish subjects.
By any standard of media accounting, BBC Alba has achieved all this on a shoestring budget. It broadcasts for seven hours daily but only 1.9 are filled with original content, including news and live sport. The rest consists of repeats, delving deep not only into BBC Alba's own modest archive but the entire previous output of Gaelic television.
Some of these, it must be said, are very good. The BBC Gaelic department has a history of producing current affairs programmes in particular where quality was in inverse proportion to quantity. However, there are limits to how often viewers in any language should be asked to endure fascinating throw-backs to the 1970s and 1980s.
The current funding review is a crunch point for BBC Alba. It will either survive at its present level or extend its repertoire and role. There is a particular need, from a language perspective, for more children's programmes and also a more consistent standard of popular entertainment. The channel's supporters are sensibly realistic in their demands, which may give them a better chance of being listened to.
BBC Launching Scotland Channel With $37.4M Budget (Deadline, 22 February 2017)
17 February 2017 (Junior Language Challenge)
The Junior Language Challenge is the UK's only language challenge for primary schools, inspiring a love of languages at a young age and encouraging children to become independent learners, while raising money for charity.
The JLC 2017 will open on 10 March, but registration starts now - visit the website sign-up pages to register a school or an individual. (Please note there is an entry charge per child with all proceeds going to the onebillion charity).
Posted in: Primary, Celebrating Languages, Language Learning, Motivation, Promoting Languages, News from language & education organisations
For relevant, labour-market focused career advice on languages, direct from the workplace, read our latest Job Profile from Katie Targett-Adams, a professional singer and harpist currently based in Hong Kong. Teachers, use this resource in your classroom to enhance learning about the world of work.
Posted in: Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Business, Careers, Cultural Diversity, Language Learning, Language Learning for Work, Promoting Languages, SCILT news
Midlothian foreign language students settle in
12 February 2017 (Midlothian Advertiser)
Following the success of the French Modern Language Assistant (MLAs) last year, Midlothian has been lucky enough to employ six MLAs again this year.
They are working across all 32 primary schools, assisting with the implementation of the 1+2 initiative which means that French is being taught in all our primary schools from P1 to P7. Staff have already seen an increase in the confidence and language skills of teachers as well as enthusiasm and progress from pupils!
The MLAs completed a diary of their first impressions and experiences, excerpts of which are below.
Posted in: 1+2, Foreign Language Assistants, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Languages in the press
Doric could be taught in all north-east schools
Aberdeenshire Council has unveiled ambitious plans to start teaching youngsters the Doric dialect.
The local authority has drawn-up proposals to give primary and secondary pupils lessons in the "valued language".
Councillors will be asked next week to back the scheme aimed at promoting the Doric and north-east culture across the region.
Traditionally spoken by residents of Aberdeenshire, the dialect – one of many across Scotland – is identified as the native tongue in many rural and fishing communities.
Doric could be good fit for pupils in Aberdeenshire (STV News, 16 February 2017)
Posted in: Community Languages, Language Teaching, Promoting Languages, Teaching, Languages in the press
New Content Announcement for Language Show Scotland 2017!
Language Show Live, 10-11 March at the SEC, Glasgow
Europe's largest event dedicated to language teaching and learning is just 1 month away and the teaching seminar, TEFL forum and language class line ups have all been announced and are now live online! Every seminar at this free-to-attend event is fully CPD accredited and packed full of exclusive content. Head online today to claim your free ticket and enjoy all the content that Europe's premier language event has to offer.
Remember: Alongside our trademark seminar, workshop and panel session line ups we also have our fantastic cultural piazza stage, free language taster classes, over 80 exhibitor and much, much more!
Posted in: All Languages, Scotland, 1+2, Celebrating Languages, CPD, Language Learning, Language Teaching, Linguistic Diversity, Multilingualism, Promoting Languages, Teacher Education, News from language & education organisations
We'd like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate everyone who took part in this year's Mother Tongue Other Tongue multilingual poetry competition for schools in Scotland. We had a wonderful variety of entries and appreciated the creative effort that went into the submissions.
Selecting the finalists for this year's anthology was incredibly difficult for the judges. However, after considerable deliberation, we're pleased to now be able to announce the winners in each category along with highly commended entries which will also feature in the MTOT anthology of poems.
Jan Piwowarczyk (Polish)
St Benedict's Primary
Kacper Jodelka (Polish)
Laith Kabour (Arabic)
Ashley Li (Mandarin)
St James' Primary
Amira Shaaban and Aidah Abubaker (Swahili)
St Rose of Lima Primary
Caroline Rotimi and Joolade Adekoya (Yoruba)
St Maria Goretti Primary
P7 – S1