Councillors have voiced concerns over a new languages scheme for children.
The 1+2 Languages programme is designed to allow children to learn additional languages from primary one through to S3. Pupils are also offered the opportunity to learn a second additional language from primary five to primary seven.
Concerns have been raised over the implementation of the Scottish Government initiative, with rates dropping by 1.5% over the past five years.
Councillor Graham MacKenzie said: “Within the report, it says ‘secondary modern languages entries at Level 4/5/6 have seen a reduction of 1.5% over the last five years – Here is a programme we are trying to promote, encourage and it doesn’t seem to be working. I have got real concerns about the implementation of all of this by 2021.
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“I really worry, and I mean this sincerely as I really want it to succeed, but I am not sure I can see how that is going to happen.”
An update was delivered to the Care, Learning and Housing committee with Dr James Vance, interim Head of Education Services; confirming £132,000 has been committed by the Scottish Government to allow the 1+2 Languages plan to be committed for the next year, with full implementation to be delivered by 2021.
Councillor Deirdre Mackay added: “We have been having the same discussion in this chamber for years and it is not moving forward.
“Our youngsters are at a disadvantage compared to their European counterparts. We know that youngsters in Europe are already speaking two, if not three languages, from a very early age. We know that European countries want our graduates, they want them in industry and commerce, but they want them to come with the language.”
