Latest News

A selection of language-related news. Does not claim to be comprehensive or represent the views of SCILT.

Latest News

19 June 2026 (SCILT)

Today SCILT launches its menu of workshops for secondary, primary and mixed-sector groups for 2026-27. The workshop menu offers opportunities to develop knowledge and skills related to aspects of ethos, curriculum and pedagogy. There is the option to build your own workshop and to pick 'n' mix content to meet the needs of your group. We welcome requests from colleagues with whole school, cluster, network or local authority responsibility for sourcing professional learning for primary, secondary and mixed sector groups.

Read more...

17 June 2026 (SCILT)

Congratulations to James Gillespie's Primary School, winners of Euroquiz 2026!

A team of four P6 pupils from James Gillespie's Primary School were victorious in the Euroquiz 2026 final, held in the University of Edinburgh McEwan Hall on Friday 12 June. Woodburn Primary School took second place whilst pupils from St Albert's Primary School followed closely in third.

In total, 509 schools from across Scotland participated in this year’s competition, organised by SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages. Well done to the 29 teams who reached the national final!

Finalists were put through their paces by quizmaster, Ann Robertson from Lingobox. The competition celebrates pupils working as a team to learn about Europe and the wider world.

Lucy Evans, Associate Principal and Deputy Secretary Students at the University of Edinburgh, welcomed pupils to the McEwan Hall.

Fhiona Mackay, Director of SCILT, thanked participants and supporters: ‘Congratulations to all learners, teachers and families for all their hard work and support. In total, 509 schools from across Scotland participated in this year’s Euroquiz Heats. It is an amazing achievement for all the children today to represent their schools and local authorities. Well done!’

Euroquiz is an annual project open to all P6 pupils across Scotland. It sees teams of four working together to broaden their knowledge of Europe and the wider world. Subjects covered include languages, history, geography, culture and European affairs. Heats take place in local authorities from February to April with the winning team from each area progressing to the national final in June.

This year’s event was made possible with support from the Scottish Government. We are grateful to our partners – Institut Français d'Écosse, Alliance Française Glasgow, Goethe-Institut Glasgow, University of Edinburgh, Strathclyde University, Heriot-Watt University, Lingobox and Languagenut – for their support, and to the local authority coordinators, who play a crucial role in enabling schools across Scotland to take part in Euroquiz.


Euroquiz 2026 finalists: 

Aberdeen City - Hazlehead Primary School 

Aberdeenshire - Balmedie Primary School 

Angus - Seaview Primary School

Argyll and Bute - Hermitage Primary School 

Clackmannanshire - Redwell Primary School 

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles) - Sgoil a' Bhac (Back School) 

Dumfries and Galloway - St Michael's Primary School 

Dundee - High School of Dundee Junior School 

East Ayrshire - Lochnorris Primary School

East Dunbartonshire - Clober Primary School 

East Lothian - West Barns Primary School 

East Renfrewshire - Mearns Primary School 

Edinburgh - James Gillespie's Primary School 

Falkirk - St Bernadette's Primary School 

Fife - Greyfriars RC Primary School 

Glasgow - St Albert's Primary School 

Highland - Cradlehall Primary School 

Inverclyde - St. Mary's Primary School 

Midlothian - Woodburn Primary School 

Moray - Linkwood Primary School 

North Lanarkshire - St Brendan’s Primary School 

Perth and Kinross - Errol Primary School 

Scottish Borders - Burgh Primary School 

Shetland Islands - Aith Junior High School 

South Ayrshire - Doonfoot Primary School 

South Lanarkshire - Bothwell Primary School 

Note: Since 2024, SCILT has taken over the running of Euroquiz, previously organised by the Scottish European Educational Trust (SEET).

18 June 2026 (Alliance Française)

The Alliance Française in Glasgow has a range of opportunities for learners of French. Follow the appropriate link to learn more about current initiatives:

Summer French courses with Alliance Française Glasgow - Alliance Française Glasgow is offering French courses throughout the Summer with two available formats: an early term, beginning on June 22, and 18-hour intensive programmes in August.

New academic year at Alliance Française Glasgow - As the back to school season approaches, the Alliance Française Glasgow is gearing up for the new academic year. Term A begins on 31 August, offering a full range of learning opportunities for all levels of French, from progression classes to workshops on special topics.

Alliance Française Glasgow Open Day (22 August) - Discover the Alliance Française Glasgow at the open day on 22 August. The programme includes taster classes for beginners, free level assessments and a French quiz.

Kultur Ensemble Glasgow - At the beginning of June, Alliance Française Glasgow, Goethe Institut Glasgow and Institut Français d’Ecosse launched Kultur Ensemble Glasgow, a Franco-German cultural alliance creating an enriched Franco-German programming, joint initiatives, and new opportunities for European connection and dialogue. 

18 June 2026 (French Film Festival)

The French Film Festival UK Learning Programme 2026 is out now and available for booking immediately.

Download the attached programme, with full details of all the films and a link to the booking form. All information and links are also available at the French Film Festival Learning Programme webpage.

For practitioners whose access to the films has been blocked by IT security systems in the past, we are working with Education Scotland to enable all schools in Scotland to participate this autumn; so please still book if you would like to participate, even though blocked in the past.

Last year over 33,000 primary and secondary pupils took part, with teachers noting, “A significant positive impact on student engagement with language learning” after participating in the programme.

In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact schools@frenchfilmfestival.org.uk

We will also be present at The future of French en Écosse on 22 June 2026 at the University of Aberdeen and hope to see you there!

17 June 2026 (The Conversation)

When an exam board for England, Wales and Northern Ireland recently clarified that students are now permitted to use gender-inclusive or gender-neutral forms in French, Spanish and German exams, it marked more than a technical adjustment to assessment criteria.

These updates highlight an important fact about the nature of languages. They are not fixed systems but evolving, social practices.

The exam board guidance has not been universally embraced. Allowing references to diverse gender identities is perceived by some opponents to be ideologically driven. It has also been criticised that these novel forms, such as the French gender-neutral pronoun “iel”, are not widely used or endorsed by authorities (yet).

These arguments surface some common misunderstandings of how languages work and what language education is for. Two fundamental insights of sociolinguistics – the academic discipline that studies language in its social contexts – are that languages are as diverse as the people who use them, and they are constantly changing and shifting.

Read more...

16 June 2026 (We Love Stornoway)

Young people in the Western Isles have played a key role in the development of a pioneering new Gaelic Film and Screen Curriculum launched this week by Screen Scotland, Education Scotland and the Scottish Government.

The curriculum, officially unveiled on Tuesday, (16 June) aims to give Gaelic Medium Education pupils aged three to 18 the opportunity to develop filmmaking, storytelling and digital media skills through the medium of Gaelic.

The launch follows the introduction of the Draft Film and Screen Curriculum in English in September 2025 and marks a significant milestone for Gaelic education and Scotland's growing screen sector.

Read more...

16 June 2026 (UK-German Connection)

UK-German Connection offer a range of activities and initiatives to foster partnerships between schools in the UK and Germany. Follow the relevant link below to find out more about their latest opportunities:

  • Kicking off Connections - a special grant for football-themed exchange trips for young people in the UK and Germany. Registration of interest now open!
  • Partnerships - funded seminars for youth groups (Bonn, September 2026) and schools (Bavaria, November 2026); aiming to bring together youth leaders and school teachers from the UK and Germany who are interested in establishing links with peer groups and developing exchange activities, with a focus on engaging disadvantaged young people.
  • School partnership bursaries - funding of up to £1K for UK-German joint activities. Apply by 26 June for activities taking place between 1 September 2026 and 31 December 2026.
Whether you’re just starting out in a partnership, planning a project, exchange or virtual activity, or looking to apply for funding, UK-German Connection is here to help at any stage of your journey with guidance, advice, information and inspiration.

Read more...

13 June 2026 (BBC)

A new set of sign language gestures covering animals that live in the seas around the UK has been created to make marine science more accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

Rebecca Hegedűs is studying at the University of Exeter Penryn campus in Cornwall, and is one of eight deaf marine biology students around the world who helped created the new signs - with species local to each global region.

The signs added to BSL (British Sign Language) are for words including species like basking shark, sperm whale, grey seal and common dolphin.

Hegedűs said: "It is really important to know these signs because in BSL we don't really have that many signs linked to marine species," she said.

Read more...

11 June 2026 (British Council)

Research shows that translanguaging – moving between two or more languages – can be a powerful tool for supporting learning, inclusion and well-being.

This article starts with a brief background to translanguaging pedagogy and its benefits. It then looks at why picturebooks are used in language education and the types of picturebooks that lend themselves to translanguaging pedagogy. Finally, it gives you practical translanguaging strategies that can be used with different types of picturebooks suitable for primary and lower secondary learners.

Read more...

11 June 2026 (Education Scotland)

Education Scotland is leading a systematic review of the Scottish curriculum called the Curriculum Improvement Cycle. This week into next the focus is on languages.

Read the recently published (May 2026) Languages Curriculum Background and Evidence Paper, hear from those involved in the languages review on Education Scotland's Bluesky social media account and check out the latest podcast episode!

11 June 2026 (Confucius Institute for Scotland)

The Confucius Institute for Scotland is running a summer Chinese language programme during July and August 2026.

The programme offers a range of evening and daytime classes, available both in person and online. These 5-week courses provide a good opportunity for learners who would like to start learning Chinese, continue their studies, or dedicate time to practising and consolidating their Chinese speaking skills.

Visit the website for more information and registration.

Read more...

11 June 2026 (Provided by Argyll & Bute/Highland/Aberdeen City)

Commencing August 2026, and open to all Scottish schools, these courses provide on the job professional learning and help teachers make time for languages in the curriculum. Teachers learn alongside their pupils in real time and are supported to lead the learning in their own class.

Suitable for P4-7 classes. The lesson structure alternates between short bursts of direct teaching from the online teacher, followed by the class teachers leading their own class in a team game. This format allows the learning to remain active and fully engage the learners. Each lesson lasts approximately 40 minutes and will take place in a GLOW Microsoft Team. All resources will be available to download in advance of the session and will be stored in the GLOW Team.

See the flyer for more information and to sign up.

Read more...

9 June 2026 (TES)

Provisional entries data for this summer has been released by Ofqual – with sharp drops in computing and French among the standout trends.

The first annual round of summer exam entries data since the landmark curriculum and assessment review was published today.

While the long-term impact of the review and the subsequent government response remains to be seen, today’s data sets the scene for any changes to England’s secondary school curriculum and assessment landscape in the years ahead.

The Department for Education said it aimed, for example, to scrap the English Baccalaureate performance measure, following the “failure of the EBacc measure to encourage take-up of subjects including languages” and its “constraining” of student choice.

Read more...

9 June 2026 (Institut français)

The best of French creativity is coming to the Fringe! Vive le Fringe! will be back from 7 to 29 August 2026 at the Institut français d’Écosse with an electrifying line-up of artists and companies:

  • Don't Wait For Me, an award-winning bilingual puppetry show about loss, hope and belonging.
  • Bigger, challenging body perception through dance.
  • °Up : Violin vs Football, bringing to the stage a freestyle football champion and a violin player.

Visit the Institut français website for more information and bookings.

Read more...

9 June 2026 (British Council)

This British Council pack will introduce pupils to the Commonwealth Games’ values of Humanity, Destiny and Equality through sessions exploring issues such as making connections, promoting gender equality, fair play and inclusion.

Activities are designed for pupils aged between 7 and 11 but are flexible and adaptable. They can be used as starting points for individual lessons, or form part of a larger cross-curricular project with a partner school overseas.

Visit the British Council website for more information and to download the resource and supporting slides.

Read more...

9 June 2026 (SCILT)

Virtual Exchange Teachers is an award-winning innovative and international partnership project linking Scottish pupils with postgraduate student teachers from partner universities in China. Scottish schools can now register interest in the next block of the Mandarin Virtual Exchange Teacher programme, beginning w/c Monday 26 October until w/c Monday 14 December. Over eight weeks, classes will be allocated a pair of student teachers who will work with their class to delivery weekly live streamed Mandarin lessons. The project provides classes for beginner level 1, 2, & 3. The courses are suitable as L3 provision for BGE pupils in P5-7, as well as being suitable for Secondary BGE learners.

There will be an online information meeting (with a choice of dates in early September), to give an overview of the course and what is required of Scottish class teachers. Attendance at an information meeting is a requirement to participate in the programme, with the exception of teachers who have previously attended an information session and/or taken part in the VET programme within the last year. Teachers who are new to the programme are required to attend the meeting, even if the school has taken part previously.

Interested teachers should fill out the registration form. More information about the programme can be found on the Virtual Exchange Teachers (VETs) programme page on the SCILT website and the attached flyer. Any questions can be directed to scilt-chinese@strath.ac.uk

5 June 2026 (The Herald)

"You don't have to understand the words to enjoy it," admits Colin Stone as we discuss the unique nature of his Scottish Gaelic metalcore band.

He's brimming with pride as we discuss Gun Ghaol, which translates in English as 'Without Love', and their new track Gun Alba - the world's first ever Scottish Gaelic metalcore World Cup song.

(Note - subscription required to access full article)

Related articles:

‘Our style is not for everyone’: Caithness frontman of metalcore band release first Scotland World Cup song in Gaelic (John O'Groat Journal, 15 May 2026)

Read more...

4 June 2026 (Civil Service Languages Network)

British Council, GCHQ and the Civil Service Languages Network are working together to promote language learning among pupils in UK schools.

Your S2/S3 (Y8/9) pupils, who may be considering their options, and S4/S5 (Y10/11) students, prior to choosing their Higher/AHs, are invited to our open, online events – see dates below. There, they will hear from speakers with different roles across government who have used languages in their career, and how either studying a language in school, or speaking a heritage language, has enriched their life and career.

Pupils will have the chance to ask the speakers questions (via their teacher) through a Q&A session.

You can see some example videos here:

The online events are free of charge, and if you are unable to attend the events there are recordings which you can use instead.

To express interest, and help us keep in touch, please complete the form.

We look forward to welcoming your pupils to our events!

Summer term 2026

S2/S3 (Y8/9): Monday 29 June 2026, 09:00-10:00

S4/S5 (Y10/11): Wednesday 1 July 2026, 09:00-10:00

Autumn term 2026

S2/S3/S4/S5 joint event: Friday 25 September 2026 (for European Day of Languages on 26 Sept), 09:00-10:00

S4/S5 (Y10/11): Wednesday 11 November 2026, 09:15-10:15

S2/S3 (Y8/9): Thursday 19 November 2026, 09:00-10:00

Spring term 2027

S2/S3 (Y8/9): Wednesday 13 January 2027, 09:00-10:00

S4/S5 (Y10/11): Tuesday 19 January 2027, 09:00-10:00

S2/S3 (Y8/9): Thursday 11 February 2027, 09:15-10:15

Summer term 2027

S2/S3 (Y8/9): Monday 28 June 2027, 09:00-10:00

S4/5 (Y10/11): Thursday 1 July 2027, 09:00-10:00

Read more...

4 June 2026 (French Film Festival)

This French Film Festival UK Learning Programme 2026 is out now and available for booking immediately.

Last year over 33,000 primary and secondary pupils took part, with teachers noting, “A significant positive impact on student engagement with language learning” after participating in the programme.

The programme, with full details of all the films and a link to the booking form, is attached below. All information and links will also shortly be available on the French Film Festival website.

In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact schools@frenchfilmfestival.org.uk

We will also be present at The future of French en Écosse on 22 June 2026 at the University of Aberdeen.

4 June 2026 (The National)

A new French and Ger­man cul­tural ini­ti­at­ive has launched in Scot­land to build stronger ties among the three coun­tries. The Kul­tur Ensemble, based in Glas­gow, opened its doors yes­ter­day, cre­at­ing a shared space for cul­tural exchange, lan­guage learn­ing, and inter­na­tional cooper­a­tion between France, Ger­many, and Scot­land for people across the coun­try.

Read more...

2 June 2026 (The Herald)

Arts and humanities courses are under threat at Scottish universities, an expert has warned. Professor Murray Pittock, Bradley Chair in English Literature at the University of Glasgow, believes that the arts play a fundamental role in society and in the broader economy.

[..] He argues the value of humanities has not always been communicated clearly enough by the departments themselves, who may have relied too heavily on historical assumptions about their place within universities.

[..] He said: "There’s often an assumption that they’re worth funding in their own right, or that a university can’t be a university if it doesn’t, for example, have a philosophy department.

"But, of course, many universities have said 'we’re closing our philosophy department.'

"That’s happened a great deal. It’s also happening in classics. It’s increasingly happening in modern languages. Now it’s beginning to happen in core areas like history and English."

Read more...

2 June 2026 (Institut français)

Attention all primary schools in Scotland: it is time to celebrate French cinema and language like never inside the classroom! Organised for the Mois de la Francophonie 2027 by the Institut français d’Ecosse in collaboration with the French Film Festival UK Learning Programme, this exciting competition invites your learners to unleash their creativity and step into the spotlight.

Why enter?

  • Experience cinema: Immerse your learners in captivating French-language films.
  • Boost French skills: Practise the language through fun, active, and real-world teamwork.
  • Ignite creativity: Give your learners a memorable project they will be proud of.

Who can join?

  • Target schools: All primary schools in Scotland offering French.
  • Key requirement: Participation in the French Film Festival UK Learning Programme.
  • Two categories: Separate competitions for P1–P4 and P5–P7 levels.

Ready to take the challenge?

Gather your pupils, fire up your cameras, and bring French to life! Check out the full guidelines and entry rules on the official Institut français d'Écosse Concours de la francophonie guide. Lights, camera, action! 

Read more...

2 June 2026 (Newcastle University)

The ‘Around the World Club' is a free package for all UK schools, produced by Newcastle University. ATWC is for primary learners, and aims to foster inclusion, curiosity and intercultural understanding. It allows learners to experience new languages and cultures every week while doing a hands-on cultural activity using the ENACT app.

Additionally during June 2026 there is free in-person support available to schools wishing to introduce the Around the World Club in their context. Newcastle staff can visit your school and run an activity. You can see what events look like on the ENACT website and learn more about the ENACT ethos. 

Download the free ATWC package and email enacteuropa@newcastle.ac.uk if you are interested.

2 June 2026 (Institut français)

Master French with the Institut français! Learn from expert native speakers and experience top‑quality courses — in Edinburgh or online.

Whether you want to brush up skills before a holiday, explore singing in French or prepare for exams, there's something to suit!

Visit the Institut français d'Écosse website for more information and to book.

Read more...

2 June 2026 (Alliance Française)

Whether you are looking to start learning French this summer or want to brush up on your existing skills before going on holiday, our summer classes are tailored to your needs.

Visit the Alliance Française Glasgow website for more information and to book!

Read more...

2 June 2026 (Japan Foundation)

Institutions can apply for up to £2500 for non-profit-making projects or activities which promote Japanese language education in the UK. Projects that fit into one of the following four categories are prioritised:

  1. Newly introducing Japanese into the curriculum
  2. Supporting GCSE or A-Level courses
  3. New Japanese clubs
  4. Projects that enable links between primary/secondary institutions and institutions of higher education

Visit the Japan Foundation website for more information and to apply by 9 June.

Read more...

2 June 2026 (Goethe-Institut)

Are you offering German this year in your school? Would you like some support with courses? Do you want some help with your resources? Then please consider contacting the Goethe Institut’s German Expert Mentors!

Scottish-based GEMs, David Summerville (Bishopbriggs Academy) and Molly Kelly (Paisley Grammar School) are happy to work with you on whatever you need. So even if “reviving and updating your resources” really means “I’m offering Advanced Higher German for the first time and don’t know where to start....” please get in touch with David or Molly by email at David Summerville and Molly Kelly.

29 May 2026 (BBC)

Highland Council has proposed using powers in the new Scottish Languages Act to designate its region as an area of linguistic significance (ALS).

In a new report, external, it said the status would confirm its "clear commitment" to Gaelic.

It said evidence from Irish Gaeltacht areas suggested the designation could bring economic and educational benefits.

There are 18,552 people in the Highland Council area with Gaelic skills, according to the latest census data.

Related articles:

Highland Council seek views on 'areas of linguistic significance' (BBC, 3 June 2026)

Read more...

29 May 2026 (Refugee Festival Scotland)

The 10-day celebration of art, culture and community is back from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 June!

The full programme is live now, with 150+ events happening in locations across Scotland.

Visit the website to see what events are taking place near you!

Read more...

13 May 2026 (SCILT)

The latest edition of the SCILT newsletter has been published!

Read about SCILT's work to support language learning and teaching, including our latest language initiatives, awards and competitions. Find out about the about the inspiring and creative activities going on in schools and local authorities around the country. There is also an opportunity to read about the work of our partners in supporting and promoting language learning in Scotland.

If you would like to contribute an article to a future edition of the newsletter you can read the submission guidelines on our website, and email your entries to SCILT

Read more...

12 May 2026 (Stephen Spender Trust)

Calling all language teachers! Bring creative translation into the classroom with the Stephen Spender Prize for poetry in translation - open for entries until 31 July 2026.

The annual competition celebrates the creativity of young people across the UK and Ireland – and their teachers! The free to enter Prize has categories for schools, teachers and individual young people, which welcome translations from all languages, as well as a special ‘Spotlight‘ strand that each year focuses on a different widely spoken language. Our Spotlight language for 2026 is Polish.

Visit the Stephen Spender Prize website for more information.

Read more...

7 May 2026 (Institut français)

In 2026, Institut français d’Écosse turns 80! To celebrate this special moment, we want to light up our building with your messages. We’re inviting all schools teaching French in Scotland to join the party.

How? Send us messages in French via the link below.

Selected messages will be featured in a unique video mapping display on the façade of our building in Edinburgh from 3-7 November 2026.

Want to see your French words in lights? Fill out the schools form here by 26 June. 

23 April 2026 (Institut français)

Created by the Council of Europe, the European Day of Languages (EDL) has been celebrated every year on 26 September since 2001, in partnership with the European Commission.

The 2026 edition of the European Day of Languages in Scotland will be held at the Institut français d'Écosse in Edinburgh, with the following events taking place:

A professional conference (Tuesday, 22 September 2026 @5pm)

An update on the Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC), a systematic review led by Education Scotland to evolve the national curriculum. More information and registration.

Event for pupils in S2 and S3 (Thursday 24 and Friday 25 September 2026)

Interactive Activities: Dynamic "language corners" featuring up to 8 different countries, including Czech, Italian, French, German, Irish, Polish, Romanian, and Spanish.

Contact for more information Charlotte HYVERNAUD education.ifecosse@institut-francais.org.uk 

The events take place at the Institut français d'Écosse, West Parliament Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1RN. Entrance on George IV Bridge.

26 March 2026 (GCHQ)

The GCHQ Virtual Language Outreach sessions are aimed at Year 8/9s (S2/S3).

In these one-hour long sessions your pupils will hear about the importance of languages, GCHQ and the work our Language Analysts do. After that they will do a scenario challenge in a language they are currently studying, so please ensure you choose the correct language on offer. We will end with a Q&A session.

Visit the website for available dates and to register.

Read more...

5 February 2026 (Civil Service Languages Network)

British Council, GCHQ and the Civil Service Languages Network are working together to promote language learning among pupils in UK schools.

Your S2/S3 pupils, who will be choosing their N5s, and S4/S5 students, prior to choosing their Highers/AH, are invited to our open, online events – see dates below. There, they will hear from speakers with different roles across government who have used languages in their career, and how either studying a language in school, or speaking a heritage language, has enriched their life and career. Pupils will have the chance to ask the speakers questions (via their teacher) through a Q&A session.

You can see some example videos here:

Rosemary Pennells (British Embassy Tokyo) S2/S3

Nerys Jones (British Embassy Berlin) S4/S5 Government Languages Outreach talk

The online events are free of charge, and if you are unable to attend the events, there are recordings which you can use instead.

To express interest, and help us keep in touch, please complete the form

We look forward to welcoming your pupils to our events!

Spring term 2026:

S2/S3 - Tuesday 10 February, 09:15-10:15

Summer term 2026:

S2/S3 - Monday 29 June, 09:00-10:00

S4/S5 - Wednesday 1 July, 09:00-10:00

Future events are also planned for both age categories during the Autumn term and into 2027. These can also be seen/selected via the expression of interest form.

Read more...

15 January 2026 (SCILT)

SCILT’s 2025-26 menu of professional learning workshops is available to book throughout the year.

Free to book for groups of primary or secondary teachers working in local authority schools. Sessions are designed and facilitated by our friendly and experienced Professional Development Officers.  

Select a workshop from the menu below, or request a bespoke input tailored to your audience – the choice is yours. Choose your workshop theme(s), pick your dates and submit your workshop request. We’ll confirm arrangements with you promptly.  

These workshops offer a chance for groups of colleagues to dive into professional learning that explores engaging language pedagogies and examples of current practice.  

Requests from professional learning leads in schools, clusters, local authorities and SCIS welcomed all year round.

Primary 

  • Developing a multilingual ethos in your primary school
  • First steps in teaching primary languages
  • Next steps in teaching primary languages
  • Assessment as learning in primary languages
  • Getting outdoors with primary languages

Secondary

  • Teaching Sprints – Small change, big impact
  • Developing a multilingual and multicultural ethos
  • BYOW: Build Your Own Workshop!
  • The Big Question

For workshop descriptors, and to book one or more session for the group of teachers that you support, find the link to the professional learning request form below.

Read more...

15 August 2025 (SCILT)

SCILT’s 2025-26 menu of professional learning workshops for groups launches today!

Free to book for groups of primary or secondary teachers working in local authority schools. Sessions are designed and facilitated by our friendly and experienced Professional Development Officers.  

Select a workshop from the menu below, or request a bespoke input tailored to your audience – the choice is yours. Choose your workshop theme(s), pick your dates and submit your workshop request. We’ll confirm arrangements with you promptly.  

These workshops offer a chance for groups of colleagues to dive into professional learning that explores engaging language pedagogies and examples of current practice.  

Requests from professional learning leads in schools, clusters, local authorities and SCIS welcomed all year round…starting now! 

Primary 

  • Developing a multilingual ethos in your primary school
  • First steps in teaching primary languages
  • Next steps in teaching primary languages
  • Assessment as learning in primary languages
  • Getting outdoors with primary languages

Secondary

  • Teaching Sprints – Small change, big impact
  • Developing a multilingual and multicultural ethos
  • BYOW: Build Your Own Workshop!
  • The Big Question

For workshop descriptors, and to book one or more session for the group of teachers that you support, find the link the professional learning request form below.

Read more...

25 March 2025 (Civil Service Languages Network)

British Council, GCHQ and the Civil Service Languages Network are working together to promote language learning among pupils in UK schools.

Your S2/S3 pupils, who will be choosing their National Qualifications, and S4/S5 pupils choosing their Highers, are invited to our open, online events – see dates below. There, they will hear from speakers with different roles across government who have used languages in their career, and how either studying a language in school, or speaking a heritage language, has enriched their life and career. Pupils will have the chance to ask the speakers questions (via their teacher) through a Q&A session.

You can see an example of a previous event here: Where will languages take me? | British Council.

The online events are free of charge, and I hope to make recordings available of some of the events. To express interest, and help us keep in touch, please complete the form.

We look forward to welcoming your pupils to our events!

Summer term 2025

S4/S5: Tue June 3rd 2025, 09:15-10:15

S2/S3: Wed June 11th 2025, 09:15-10:15

Autumn term 2025

S4/S5: Wed Oct 15th 2025 09:00-10:00

S4/S5: Tue Nov 11th 2025 09:15-10:15

S2/S3: Thur Nov 20th 2025 09:00-10:00

Spring term 2026

S2/S3: Wed Jan 14th 2026 09:00-10:00

S4/S5: Tue Jan 20th 2026 09:00-10:00

S2/S3: Tue Feb 10th 2026 09:15-10:15

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