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Schools to receive 44 per cent more funding.

More than £7 million has been announced recently by the Minister for Learning to help teach more languages in schools.

The 44 per cent increase in funding will support local authorities to continue implementing the ambitious European Union 1+2 languages model.

In 2011 the Scottish Government made a commitment to introduce the model over two Parliaments – by 2020 – meaning every primary school pupil will start learning a second language in primary 1 and a third language at the latest in primary 5. 

This will bring Scotland into line with many other European countries where learning a second language starts in early primary school and learning three languages is common.

All local authorities will receive funding and will be able to choose how they spend it, depending on local circumstances. This could include training for primary teachers, strategic planning and development or employing more language assistants. 

Minister for Learning Alasdair Allan said recently: 

“In today’s global, multi-cultural world it is more important than ever that young people have the opportunity to learn languages from an early age. The ability to speak different languages will equip Scotland’s young people with the skills and competencies needed in a 21st century global marketplace.

“We want to ensure the enthusiasm for languages starts at an early stage in a child’s education. We know that learning a language supports a child’s cognitive development which is proven to also help improve general attainment. By introducing the 1+2 model, Scotland is leading the way in the UK in this area. 

“This additional funding will help schools and teachers plan for and continue their good work inspiring and supporting children to learn new languages.”

Curriculum for Excellence allows schools to be flexible in choosing what additional languages are offered to pupils, taking into account local circumstances, interests and resources.

Early evidence from local authorities who are making strong progress shows that cluster planning is essential and that secondary schools need to consider the implications of a new cohort of enthusiastic and able linguists moving up from primaries in the future.

Cllr Douglas Chapman, COSLA Education, Children and Young People Spokesperson said recently:

“Councils are the driving force behind improving educational outcomes for children. Local government is committed to ensuring that young people leaving school are equipped for an increasingly competitive and connected world. Having a good grasp of another language helps to broaden horizons and provides a set of skills for young people that are applicable to a wide variety of careers.”

“The funding announced today is welcome and recognises the hard work that is being put in by local authorities and schools up and down the country. The announcement on funding comes after considerable work by local authorities through COSLA to cost the delivery of the policy. We are happy to continue to work with Government to ensure that the policy is resourced for future years.”

Bruce Robertson, Association of Directors of Education for Scotland said:

“The Association of Directors of Education for Scotland is delighted that the Scottish Government has made this funding announcement for such an important programme. This is significant not only for our children and young people but also for our economic prosperity.”

Fhiona Fisher, Director of Scotland’s National Centre for Languages said:

“The announcement of this funding is very welcome; it is heartening to see languages being supported to this extent, particularly in the present fiscal climate. This level of funding commitment from the Scottish Government will help local authorities continue to plan the implementation of the 1+2 policy strategically, ensuring that teachers are supported by high quality language training so they can confidently plan and deliver exciting language learning programmes.”

Notes To Editors

A Languages Working Group was set up in September 2011 to consider the implications for longer term delivery of the 1+2 policy. The group’s report and recommendations, Language Learning in Scotland : A 1+2 Approach, was published on 17 May 2012 and can be found here:http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2012/05/3670 

As a result of the report, a Languages Strategic Implementation Group was set up in May 2013 to oversee and facilitate the implementation of the recommendations.

The Scottish Government has funded the policy with £5 million in 2014-15 and £4 million in 2013-14.