iPod boost for languages in schools

PRIMARY teachers in two local authorities in Scotland are to access language courses which allow staff to learn Spanish or French on iPods in their own time.

Coffee Break Spanish and its sister course in French have been available on iTunes for three years, but have now been rewritten for teachers in North Ayrshire and East Dunbartonshire to offer them a chance to learn a language in an effort to increase the number of pupils achieving qualifications in languages.

A review of teacher training is examining whether language teaching should be a compulsory part of primary training.

A lack of uptake in languages by secondary school pupils resulted in the Scottish Government creating a new Scottish Baccalaureate to recognise achievement in languages.

However, only 19 people achieved that qualification this year and critics have said primary children receive too little exposure to language education because there are not enough primary teachers with a foreign language.

Mary Docherty, head of education at North Ayrshire council, said a bespoke version had been created of Coffee Break Academy for teachers

She said: "All new primary probationer teachers will have access to these materials. However, we believe that many teachers are keen to develop their own skills in languages and pass on that understanding to their pupils."

She said the use of video, podcasts and written materials would help staff boost their skills.

Ms Docherty added: "Coffee Break Academy allows teachers to study in their own time, in short sessions. A variety of support mechanisms will be put in place to assist their development, including the possible use of social networking."

A website has been created which includes a social networking facility to allow users to share tips.

Ms Docherty added: "Every teacher who takes part in our Coffee Break Academy can enter the course at a different level - be it beginner, improver or refresher."

Teachers can start the course at any time during the school year and take as long as they like to complete it.

She added: "We will evaluate the success of the course throughout its delivery and consider how we can continue to take the initiative forward."