Pupils risk being lost in translation

TRAINING for primary teachers in modern languages has been ditched in nearly a third of councils, it has emerged.

Nine of Scotland's local authorities, including Aberdeen and East Lothian, no longer offer any courses in languages, according to data gathered under Freedom of Information laws.

Of those areas which do, there are only a handful of slots available, such as in Fife, which has ten places, and Angus with 12.

The latest findings add to growing criticism surrounding the subject area, amid warnings Scotland could suffer economically in future without access to language learning for young pupils.

Between 1993 and 2001 all local authorities provided modern language courses for primary teachers lasting 27 days.

Hugh O'Donnell, Liberal Democrat deputy education spokesman, has now written to the head of a national review on teacher training about the trend.

Graham Donaldson, former head of Scotland's school inspection body, HMIe, is carrying out the examination of the issue.

Mr O'Donnell said: "Modern language skills are critical for Scotland to progress at an international level. My research shows at least nine local authorities do not offer any training in modern languages teaching to the primary school teachers that they employ.

"In addition, I found that several of those local authorities that do provide training, offer less than 20 places a year on such courses. This has to change for Scotland's young people to be globally aware and competitive."

He also pointed out "notable disparities" on language provision on university teacher training courses as many do not include it as a compulsory element.

He added: "Not all trainee teachers are emerging confident and competent in modern languages."

The latest statistics have emerged after a consortium of councils complained that lack of language training would harm Scotland's economic future.

The East of Scotland European Consortium claimed Scotland could flounder on the periphery of the global economy within a decade if the issue is not tackled.

And a recent university study found primary teachers felt isolated because of a lack of training in languages.

Dr Daniel Tierney, reader in language education at Strathclyde, also found many who were qualified to teach languages had left the profession due to illness, promotion or retirement, which had led to language education being cut.

A Scottish Government spokesman said it would "consider carefully" any findings from Mr Donaldson's review regarding modern language training.