News / Lolly for languages
SHETLAND Islands Council is to receive £34,000 from a Scottish government pot worth £7.2 million to support learning languages at local schools.
The money is to help councils make sure that every primary pupil starts learning a second language in P1 and a third language in P5.
Minister for learning Alisdair Allan said it could be spent on training primary teachers, strategic planning or employing more language assistants.
Allan said 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.
“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,” he said.
“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 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.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.