Languages: Taking you further

Presentation Overview Introduction Lets test your knowledge! Why languages matter The Scottish Baccalaureate in Languages: What is it and how is it assessed? Feedback from learners What skills will you develop? External endorsement SCILT: who we are and how we can support you

Its a multilingual world… Did you know there are 6,912 known living languages in the world? Test your knowledge, part 1…

How many people in the world speak these languages as their mother tongue? French Arabic (all varieties) English Chinese (mandarin) Spanish German A) Almost 400 million B) 309 million C) 65 million D) 100 million E) 206 million F) 876 million

Test your knowledge, part 2 – Closer to home Do you know how many languages are spoken by young people in 8? 13? 19? 39? 70? 98? 104? 144? 251? 300? England… Scotland… Wales… 300 languages 104 languages 98 languages Northern Ireland…70 languages

How do we compare with our European neighbours? 1)How many pupils in other EU countries study 2 or more foreign languages in secondary school? 2)What is the percentage for the UK? 3)What percentage of pupils in the UK is not studying any foreign language?

Answers Question 1: 60% Question 2: 6% Question 3: 51%

What YOU need to know…(1) English is one of the great global languages of the 21 st century, but it will only take us so far. Only 6% of the worlds population speak English as a first language. 75% of the worlds population dont speak any English. We live in a multilingual, multicultural world. Our engagement with the non-English speaking world will remain superficial and one-sided unless we develop our capacity in other languages too. In 2000 English represented 51% of language usage on the internet; by 2009 this was down to 29%. Steady growth in European languages and Chinese. English is not enough!

What YOU need to know…(2) Language skills and an ability to work in a multi-cultural environment are also valuable in an increasingly globalised workplace. Foreign language proficiency adds significantly to a candidates portfolio of skills, not just in terms of conversational ability, but also general cultural awareness and sensitivity. (CBI 2009) In an increasingly competitive job market, it is clear that foreign language proficiency adds significant value to a candidates portfolio of skills, and can give them a real competitive edge when applying for jobs (CBI Education and Skills Survey, 2009)

Which languages?

Where are languages explicitly needed? IT creative and media retail law finance business energies and utilities manufacturing computer games production construction property management engineering tourism hospitality central and local government….. and many more.

What ALL employers want team-working oral communication problem-solving intercultural skills interpersonal skills presentation skills organisational skills time management Language learning helps develop these transferable skills

But it may not be explicit…. an international dimension ability to build relationships awareness of cultural differences

Design specification Mandatory components: 2 AH Courses 1 Higher Course AH Interdisciplinary Project Unit (graded A,B or C) Languages Must include: two eligible modern/classical Language Courses English/ESOL/Gaidhlig Course The Scottish Baccalaureates in Languages

Design specification The Scottish Baccalaureates in Languages will be awarded at : Pass or Distinction Criteria for Distinction: Grade A in one eligible Advanced Higher Course Grade A in one other component of the Baccalaureate Grade B or above in all other mandatory components

Advanced Highers Very significant and demanding qualification – deep learning Emphasis on analysis, research skills, independent study, extended essay-writing/scientific investigations Provide a bridge between classroom-based learning at Higher and self-motivated, proactive study at university UCAS has changed tariff scores to reflect the value HE places on AH

Interdisciplinary Project Encourage you to: o apply your language knowledge in relevant but unfamiliar contexts o develop the generic skills needed for learning, employment and life o access different learning environments Must show relevance of languages to: o Citizenship o Enterprise o Economic development o Sustainable development o Employability You negotiate context and theme

IP - Assessment Undertaken in three stages: - Stage 1 (negotiation and planning) - Stage 2 (carrying out) - Stage 3 (review and evaluation including own learning) 5 mandatory pieces of evidence: - Project proposal - Project plan - Presentation of project findings/product - Evaluation of project - Self evaluation of generic/cognitive skills development

Sample IP Case Studies 1.FL teaching methods in Scottish and French primary schools 2.How foreign films shape Scottish audiences perceptions of other European nations and cultures 3.Support for foreign students: Scotland vs. France 4.Languages in international finance 5.Created a play in French about AIDS and how it affects Francophone countries in Africa 6.Developed e- magazine to support e-twinning project

What are learners saying? Ive really enjoyed doing my project. All the self-evaluation involved has been especially interesting and useful since in Advanced Highers we rarely get the opportunity to step back and review our work. The freedom allowed by the template of the project has allowed me to cultivate my ideas with independence which will help prepare me for more independent work at university. Personally I have really enjoyed the flexibility of this project as it has allowed me to combine my two main interests in the form of a project that doesnt get in the way of my other school subjects. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning so many new skills and discovering new ideas which will be beneficial for future research and studies in university.

My report writing and use of specific subject has become more sophisticated in English and Modern Studies. Also, my vocabulary and understanding of grammar has increased in both written and spoken Italian. According to many of my teachers there has been a noticeable difference in my ability to use different research techniques (focus groups, questionnaires, ICT support and in literature). Due to the nature of the project and the circumstances of my studying Adv. Higher Italian I have an increased ability to work independently and demonstrate leadership skills working in groups and with younger year groups. I myself have noticed that whereas previously I tended to ask for help as soon as I encountered any problem, now I am more likely to independently find a logical solution.

Skills Development Scottish Bacc Research skills: analysis and evaluation Research skills: analysis and evaluation Interpersonal Skills: negotiation and collaboration Planning: time, resource and information management Planning: time, resource and information management Problem-solving/critical thinking Presentation Skills Presentation Skills Autonomous Learning/self- evaluation Success in HE Application and Analysis of ideas, knowledge and theory Application and Analysis of ideas, knowledge and theory Logical and critical thinking Literacy and language skills Literacy and language skills Numeracy skills Personal and social skills Personal and social skills Learning skills Synthesis and Evaluation Synthesis and Evaluation Vocational and practical skills

The interdisciplinary project is valuable for it will enable the potential applicants to universities to develop independent study skills and to develop project management skills closely related to their academic interests. Dr Simin Abrahams, Senior Policy Officer, Universities Scotland Support from Higher Education

Support from Business Turning to the languages baccalaureate, I must emphasise the value of multilingual employees to businesses […] Ensuring there are opportunities for those with language qualifications helps build competitive advantage in companies. Iain McMillan, Director, CBI Scotland If everything else is equal you are always going to choose as a business partner the people and organisation who communicate best with you. That is why I personally welcome the introduction of the Languages Baccalaureate. Ron Hewitt, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

Support from SCILT Wiki forum Bac-Chat Discussions with pupils / teachers Presentations to staff/managers/parents Help with finding external partners or accessing research Promotional events

SCILT: supporting the languages community Professional Development Research and Statistics Information Service Promoting Languages

Conclusion The Scottish Bacc offers you a new and rewarding learning experience Theres lots of external support for both you and your school Whether its to further study or into work after S6, the Bacc will give you the edge Taking your languages further will bring a whole range of benefits and open the doors to the world (and that goes for the scientists too….!) So….A quote from Nelson Mandela….

Itll get you a job Its exciting It gets you places Youll meet loads of new people Youll find out more about yourself You can enjoy new cultures In the words of Nelson Mandela…. Six Good Reasons for taking your language learning further…

Thank You – Please get in touch SCILT – Leading on Languages