Languages: French, Spanish, German and Italian
Partners: 6 local nursery and primary schools, an Additional Support Needs (ASC) setting, Carrondale Care home, University of Strathclyde and University of Edinburgh.
Through a range of pupil-led initiatives, learners across S1–S6 have developed their language skills while gaining valuable experience in leadership, communication, teamwork and project management. The school's Lingo Leaders and Language Academy programmes provide authentic opportunities for pupils to apply their learning, share their enthusiasm for languages and make a positive contribution to their local community.
For this, S5 and S6 Lingo Leaders planned and delivered weekly French, Spanish and German lessons across seven nursery and primary schools and an additional support needs setting. Working alongside class teachers, they developed engaging, age-appropriate activities and encourage pupils with English as an additional language (EAL) to share their own languages and cultures. Links with SCILT and the universities of Strathclyde and Edinburgh further enriched the experience and connected learners with language teaching as a potential career pathway.
In addition, S2 Little Lingo Leaders explored Italian and shared their learning through resources for cluster primary schools and language clubs for younger learners. Planning activities, sourcing materials and organising resources give them practical experience of initiative, organisation and collaboration.
The Language Academy also created opportunities to bring people together through languages. S2 learners organised a multilingual Christmas concert at Carrondale Care home, performing songs in French, German and Spanish. From contacting the care home to coordinating with Music and Art departments, learners managed the project themselves, demonstrating communication, planning and empathy. Following the success of the visit, they began planning a return visit featuring a language quiz.
S1 learners similarly took responsibility for organising the annual Multilingual Nativity for cluster Primary 6 classes. They coordinated costumes, booked the hall, invited visitors and prepared a quiz and prizes, demonstrating teamwork, organisation and event-management skills.
These initiatives enabled learners to use languages for meaningful purposes beyond the classroom, while developing transferable skills valued by employers. Planning and delivering lessons, organising events and engaging with different audiences helped them build confidence, take responsibility and strengthen their communication and leadership skills. The projects also promoted inclusion, celebrated linguistic and cultural diversity, and strengthened links between the school and its wider community.