Language teaching boost for Renfrewshire schools

Six Renfrewshire primary schools are to pilot an ambitious new approach to language learning.

Pupils will be able to learn a foreign language from primary one. A second additional language will be offered to pupils no later than primary five.

Following an evaluation of the pilot scheme, it is anticipated that all Renfrewshire primary schools will deliver a modern language from primary one on a phased basis from the 2014-15 school year.

The teaching of a second foreign language from primary five is set to follow on a phased basis in the 2015-16 session.

The six primary schools taking part in this year’s pilot scheme are Todholm, Lochfield, Lochwinnoch, Kirklandneuk, Houston, and St James (Renfrew).

The approach will take forward the ‘1 plus 2’ model of foreign language teaching as recommended by the Scottish Government’s report , Language Learning in Scotland – a 1 + 2 Approach.

The aim is that children will be given the opportunity to start learning two foreign languages in primary school in addition to their own mother tongue.

Councillor Jacqueline Henry, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education Policy Board, said, “The opportunity to learn foreign languages helps pupils’ general learning as well as being useful in later years for employment, further study, or even simply making the most of trips abroad.

“There’s no doubt that there’s a need to maintain children’s interest in and commitment to learning foreign languages. Starting that work in primary school is a great way to do that.

“We are setting ambitious and challenging targets but we want to support our schools and our pupils in this key area.”

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