Preface
In October 1998 Ministers proposed that an Action Group for Languages be established to work with the Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum to:- review the 5-14 guidelines on modern languages
- secure the place of modern languages within the 5-14 programme
- develop exemplar materials for 5-14 modern languages
- develop assessment materials for 5-14 modern languages
- advise on attainment targets for modern languages in primary and secondary schools
- identify staff development and training needs for teachers of modern languages 5-14 arising from the implementation of the guidelines.
The immediate priority for the Review and Development Group, established by Scottish CCC - now Learning and Teaching Scotland - was the production of revised guidelines that would secure the place of modern languages in the 5-14 curriculum and more adequately embed the languages dimension of the curriculum for all stages 5-14. In undertaking this task, the Review and Development Group took careful account of the Modern Languages in the Primary School initiative (MLPS), the considerable range of good practice, both in Scottish schools and internationally, as well as a range of research findings into aspects of learning and teaching. While the responsibility of the Review and Development Group clearly related to modern languages, the group paid careful attention to the ways in which its proposals articulated with generic and topic-specific advice for other aspects of the curriculum, as well as with current 5-14 policy and practice.
There are implications arising from the guidelines for pre- and in-service training, for continuing staff development for both primary and secondary teachers, and for resources, as well as issues related to diversification and entitlement on which the Action Group for Languages issued a series of recommendations. The Review and Development Group liaised closely with the Action Group in the preparation of the guidelines.
These guidelines are commended to all concerned with the education of pupils aged 5-14. Schools and local authorities are invited to consider how they can be implemented within their strategic development planning arrangements.
Mike Baughan
Chief Executive, Learning and Teaching Scotland
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