SCILT is often asked what the GTCS requirements are for those who want to upskill in an additional language and register with the GTCS to teach this language as a second subject in Scottish secondary schools.
To meet the entitlement of the 1+2 policy, and to be able to offer a choice in the senior school, many schools prefer teachers to be able to teach two languages as this allows more flexibility in timetabling. That is not to say that a teacher wouldn’t be considered with one language, particularly if they were clear that they were in the process of adding another language to their skillset.
Depending on proficiency in the new language, a teacher may like to consider beginning with an online course such as those run by the Instituto Cervantes. SCILT has a list of language learning opportunities on its website.
However, in order to apply for provisional GTCS registration, a teacher should consider courses such as the three-year CCEd at the University of Strathclyde. On this course, two years of study is enough to be able to apply for provisional GTCS registration. Similar courses are run by the University of Dundee and others. SCILT has a list of language courses for teachers on its website.
The GTCS residency requirement for a second or subsequent language is three months. However, the GTCS residency requirements page explains that some intensive immersion courses are sufficiently intensive to count for double the time, or in some cases more. These courses must be completed in the required country; to count for double the number of weeks spent in that country more than 30 hours per week must be spent on the course.
Pre-Brexit, LFEE organised a three-week course that was sufficiently intensive to meet the requirements for full GTCS registration. You can read about their current courses on the LFEE website. Please contact LFEE directly for further information.
Alternatively, residency where a teacher travels or works instead of attending a course can be split into blocks of at least four weeks at a time.