Language lesson

As usual, we seem to miss the point about language learning in this country. Who is on this working group that proposes to teach two foreign languages “under the 1+2 model followed by several European countries, which sees pupils learning two languages in addition to the mother tongue”?

The reason they learn two languages on the continent is quite simple. Taking Sweden as an example: Native language, Swedish, (language 1). Must have language to succeed in business/ commerce, English, (language 2). Add another language in addition to mother tongue and English, German (language 3) .

Given that we are native English speakers in Scotland, we do not need a must have language as we already have English.

Language teaching in Scotland has always been weak and I believe it would be weakened further by this “two additional languages” policy.

Let’s get the learning of a second language right and on track first of all. But, it has to be a valid language. How about Mandarin and Spanish? In Aberdeen and the North East, Norwegian would be a great idea. Gaelic would also be good.

James Walker

Stable Block

Whittingehame

East Lothian