A new scheme aimed at getting school students to learn new languages has received praise from north-east pupils.
Scotland’s Languages Explorers Programme, which involved secondary schools from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, saw small groups of learners work intensively with Modern Languages students from the University of Aberdeen over six weeks.
The first-of-its-kind initiative focused on the benefits of small group work and mentorship. The workshops covered various topics, including; intercultural competence, multilingualism, and translation.
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They were designed to complement existing language teaching in schools by developing a broader understanding of language learning and multilingualism.
The scheme is set to conclude with a celebration event on Wednesday, 31 May, at the University for all those who took part.
One student from Inverurie Academy commented: “Being able to speak to a wide range of people means that I will have the widest number of opportunities open to me.”
Another from Lochside Academy said: “I learnt that English Language borrows words from other languages and that fascinates me”
While a student from The Gordon Schools added: “Languages are like the roots of a tree, we all have shared words that link us”.
Students from Mearns Academy and Peterhead Academy also took part.
Edward Welch, Carnegie Professor of French at the University of Aberdeen and convenor of UCML Scotland, said: “Our groups of young learners really appreciated getting to know their mentors during the programme and understanding more about the skills, opportunities and horizons opened up by language learning.
“On a national level, it is an economic imperative if Scotland is to compete in a global marketplace. Languages are needed not only for success in the global economy but to build trust, deepen international influence, and nurture relationships between different cultures.”
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Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT added: “The success of this mentoring programme rests on the relationships that underpin it. The student mentors are relatable role models who are well-placed to inspire young people. By sharing their positive experiences, the mentors give them the opportunity to explore the intrinsic value of language learning and the scope this has to open doors to the world.
“It is our hope that the young people involved will be encouraged to recognise the essential role that multilingualism plays in a globally interconnected world, and in their own future, whether at home or abroad”.
The programme is a collaboration between SCILT (Scotland’s National Centre for languages), the University Council of Modern Languages Scotland (UCMLS), Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, the University of Aberdeen, the Open University, and Bilingualism Matters.
The project partners now aim to expand the mentoring programme across Scotland.
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