Question reference: S6W-24923

Asked by: Pam Gosal, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date lodged: 29 January 2024

Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 19 February 2024

Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what measures it is taking to improve the take-up of languages in education.

Answer

Since 2013 the Scottish Government has provided local authorities and third sector partners with funding of over £50m in support of the implementation of the 1+2 languages approach in schools.

A 2021 survey of local authorities confirmed that pupils across Scotland are now learning languages from primary one and continuing throughout their broad general education, up to the point when they make their subject choices.

We remain committed to language learning in the broad general education and the senior phase. We continue to work with Education Scotland which provides national guidance, resources and professional learning programmes for teachers. We also continue to fund third sector partners such as Strathclyde University who host Scotland’s National Centre for Languages (SCILT). SCILT provides professional development, classroom resources and undertakes activity to promote language learning. We are also happy to meet with other partners and interested parties to discuss further ways of supporting languages in schools.

In terms of post-school education, universities and colleges are responsible for their own course provision. In line with our Purpose and Principles for the post-school education and skills system, the Scottish Government will continue to work with both sectors to ensure that they deliver the best outcomes and impact for learners, the economy and society.

Question reference: S6W-24289

Asked by: Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date lodged: 3 January 2024

Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 23 January 2024

Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide details of how it works with community groups to promote Intangible Culture Heritage principles.

Answer

The general Intangible Cultural Heritage principles of transparent collaboration, open communication, mutual respect and inclusivity are intrinsic to the way the Scottish Government operates. From the National Performance Framework values to the Programme for Government’s key priorities of equality, opportunity and community, the Scottish Government is committed to transparency and respect as we work with and for all the people of Scotland.

Scotland’s strategy for the Historic Environment “Our Past our Future” sets out a national mission to sustain and enhance the benefits of Scotland’s historic environment, for people and communities both now and into the future. Be that through the Intangible Cultural Heritage of local stories, traditions, rituals, crafts, customs, music, poetry and languages Gaelic, Scots, as well as the languages spoken by Scotland’s migrant communities which are all essential to understanding and passing on our shared living heritage.

However, Intangible Cultural Heritage does not exist independently from the people who create and enact it, and who identify with it. Therefore, it is important that our local communities take the lead to shape our Intangible Cultural Heritage and lead from the ground up to define and share cultural practices and customs.

Question reference: S6W-24288

Asked by: Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date lodged: 3 January 2024

Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 23 January 2024

Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide details of how it ensures that (a) schools, (b) colleges and (c) universities promote Intangible Culture Heritage principles in all relevant materials.

Answer

Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence provides opportunities across school education for children and young people to deepen their understanding of culture and identity in Scotland (and the wider world) and this can be found in areas such as history, expressive arts, literacy, English and social studies. Within social studies for example is a specific commitment to develop understanding of the history, heritage and culture of Scotland, and an appreciation of local and national heritage within the world.

Colleges operate independently of Government, and as such, it is for them to decide on the shape of their curriculum, taking into account the needs of the region and communities they serve.

Similarly Universities, as autonomous institutions, are responsible for their own course provision and it is for them to decide how to distribute the allocation of funded places between faculties and courses. However the Scottish Government is supportive of post-school provision that promotes Intangible Cultural Heritage principles, such as the Cultural Heritage Futures interdisciplinary degree delivered by the University of Edinburgh.

As the member is aware, the Gaelic and Scots languages contain a wealth of cultural and artistic expression which make an important contribution to Scotland’s diverse linguistic heritage, rich cultural life and to our Intangible Cultural Heritage. These forms of expression are protected and promoted by a number of bodies and institutions in Scottish public life and this support enables schools, colleges and universities to have access to these resources. A wide range of bodies are involved in this task and in relation to Gaelic and Scots, Fèisean nan Gidheal, Tobar an Dualchais, Scots Language Centre and Dictionaries of the Scots Language are among the bodies that have a key role.

Museums Galleries Scotland, the national development body for Scotland’s museum sector, also distributes grant funding provided by the Scottish Government to support accredited museums in Scotland, including those hosted by Scottish universities, which can also showcase living heritage.