Scots language: Ministerial Working Group report

APPENDIX 4

Extracts: Scots CPG Education Sub-Committee's Survey of Teacher Attitudes to Scots

Survey sample: 200 teachers. Final report due: Nov 30. More at www.scotsinschools.com

8. What support / training would help teachers to become more confident in delivering Scots language in schools?

• More CPD and a resource online to share ideas and materials.
• Courses provided as with any other curricular area/Money for resources/List of resources that can be used. Scots shouldn't be seen as 'slang' or 'lazy'
• An awareness of the resources out there to teach Scots. More CPD opportunities for all staff./If teachers realised how enjoyable the children find lessons in Scots they would be proactive here.
• Bank of teaching materials. Officially stated support for Scots. Funding for a Champion in schools, Clusters or Local Authorities. CPD structured for teachers and classroom assistants. Materials/support/workshops for parents. Resources that support the teaching of new vocabulary.
• Lots of scope for learning poetry and reciting it but it's one thing reading someone else's work and another writing your own so some support for children to become confident in creating their own texts would be great. Dual language books to teach Scots and English alongside each other.

9. Please note below any further points that you may have regarding your views on the place of the Scots language in Curriculum for Excellence.

• THE CHILDREN ARE ENERGIZED AND MOTIVATED WHEN USING SCOTS LANGUAGE
• Scots language lends itself to many of the CfE language & literacy outcomes and the four capacities, promoting positive image of "home language" and encouraging acceptance and tolerance of differences.
• I think the teaching of Scots enriches the vocabulary of our pupils. It helps focus on the use of language and will support and develop the oral curriculum. It lends itself well to an 'active' curriculum and learning and teaching
• It brings a vibrancy and excitement to language. Engages and motivates particular children, especially in written language. Has a generational impact especially for those children with Scots grandparents. Many children for whom English is not their first language, love reciting Scots poetry.