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About MLPS

MLPS training

MLPS training was developed as a result of the National Primary Languages Pilot Project, which started in 1989. The training took place initially as a day- release 27 day course, led by two tutors, one was always a native speaker. This format was consistent across all the authorities in Scotland. The training course was enthusiastically received by teachers.

With the onset of the Languages Fund in 2002, which devolved money to local authorities to support languages teaching, training became the responsibility of each authority, and different models were adopted.

MLPS in the curriculum.

The Citizens of a Multi- Lingual World report, published in 2001, recommended a weekly 75 minutes of curriculum time was devoted to learning a modern language in the primary classroom. Now in 2007, with the ML draft outcomes for A Curriculum for Excellence newly released, although time spent learning the language is obviously still a very important factor in success, the emphasis is focussing more on the quality of the learning experience, than counting minutes

Ideally, a mixture of dedicated language teaching, and using the language for classroom organisational purposes, is best.

Using a foreign language in the classroom for functional purposes helps young learners build confidence and provides a real context for them to practise.

Making connections with the language they already know can help to reinforce language learning of all sorts.

Learning a second (or sometimes third) foreign language also gives learners a chance to revisit some areas of learning they might not have mastered first time round. Sometimes this can be something simple like alphabetising skills, or telling the time. Sometimes it might present the opportunity to talk about some grammar concepts, and reinforce the pupils’ learning in their first language.

But maybe most exciting of all, learning another language can open up a window on the world for young learners, and introduce them to different cultures, peoples and histories they might never have encountered otherwise. What a great privilege it is to be able to do that! And don’t forget the most important factor of all in any learning is the teacher! Primary teachers bring a huge amount of skills and experience with young and very young learners to language learning. Make the most of what you already know and can do, be open to any new language ( or learning) which comes your way, and please ask if you’d like more information on anything. Hope you enjoy the journey.

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