Latest News

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

Latest News

7 October 2025 (University of Edinburgh)

Let’s bring your S6 learners’ work to life!

Presenting this work beyond the classroom walls is one of the best motivational factors. In this spirit, Babble, the University of Edinburgh language student magazine, will be delighted to showcase collective essays written by S6 learners from any Scottish schools in its annual supplement from this year onward.

This year's themes will be ‘Friendship’ and ‘Nature’, so any essays written in Chinese, German, French, Italian or Spanish and related to these are welcomed.

Deadline: 28 February 2026.

If you want to see what this Babble supplement looks like, please visit the Babble: The school issue webpage. You will see that Edinburgh schools benefit from the help of mentors, however for logistical reasons, the University of Edinburgh will unfortunately not be able to offer this for schools outwith that area.

If you are interested and/or want further details, please contact Sylvain Blanche at sblanche@ed.ac.uk

7 October 2025 (SCEN)

SCEN is delighted to be working in collaboration with the China Futures Society at University of Edinburgh on an exciting new exchange project. The programme twins Scottish schools with Thomas School Hefei in China to support mutual language learning and cultural exchange.

S2 pupils in Scotland and junior high students in Hefei will create short videos on themes such as school life, festivals, hobbies and even rap battles. Scottish students will record in Mandarin with English subtitles, while their Hefei peers will record in English with Chinese subtitles. Videos will be shared on joint social media accounts, creating a lively platform for global connection.

Further details can be found in the online pdf document.

Read more...

6 October 2025 (CISS)

Each year, CISS facilitates scholarships for school leavers to study Mandarin for nine months at Tianjin Normal University in China. This year's group of 21 scholars left for China on 10 September and are now exploring their new life and studies in Tianjin.

Our 2025-26 scholars are working in small groups to provide written or video updates each month, documenting their time away. Their updates for September are now available to view on the CISS website, where the scholars share how they are settling in, tours of the campus and what they have been up to so far. Why not share these blogs and vlogs with your learners, and show them where language learning could take them in their future? 

Read or watch September's updates on the CISS website via the link below. And remember applications for the 2026/27 scholarship are open until 31 October 2025. 

Read more...

6 October 2025 (SCILT)

The Scottish Languages Employability Award (SLEA) helps schools and businesses to build partnerships through languages in order to develop young people’s learning about the world of work, the value of language skills, and global and intercultural competencies.

Our most recent verification date in May 2025 saw seven schools achieve an award across three of our SLEA branches. Find a list of award winners, and links to details of their projects, below.

Scottish Languages Employability Award - our original award, established in 2019, recognises partnerships that develop core employability skills:

SLEA Green - this award fosters the development of a global citizenship approach to employability in the languages curriculum:

SLEA Multilingual - new for 2025, this award celebrates schools that adopt inclusive practices in order to prepare learners to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world:

The next SLEA verification date for all awards Friday 21 November 2025. Visit the SLEA webpage via the link below for details on how to apply.

Read more...

2 October 2025 (French Film Festival)

Free French films for schools available this autumn from the French Film Festival UK Learning Programme 2025 – book your films now!

Download the programme, with full details of the films and a link to the booking form, from the French Film Festival Learning Programme webpage. Learning resources for each film are available to download after booking.

Last year over 26,500 primary and secondary pupils took part, with teachers noting, “A significant positive impact on student engagement with language learning” after participating in the programme.

Further information from schools@frenchfilmfestival.org.uk

2 October 2025 (SCILT)

The European Day of Languages took place on Friday 26 September, and we would love to know how your school celebrated!

Maybe you planned a whole school celebration, hosted a language café, ran language tasters, played games or quizzes, or involved parents? However you celebrated, you are invited to write a short description of your activities and upload a couple of photos to our online form. We will then include you in our EDL 2025 blog. Some entries may even be featured in the SCILT winter newsletter. 

2 October 2025 (The Herald)

A new project is telling the story of the bible through the medium of Gaelic and LEGO bricks.

The project will produce monthly videos to help Gaels and other young Scots to help build up their knowledge.

The first of six videos to be released by animation studio Go Chatter is an animated retelling of the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

The project is supported by the Church of Scotland alongside Gaelic development agency Bòrd na Gàidhlig, and the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge (SSPCK) – publisher of the first Gaelic Bible.

The videos are being made available to schools, churches and parents for free and will also include well-known tales such as David and Goliath, Jonah and the resurrection of Lazarus.

Read more...

2 October 2025 (Alliance Française)

The Alliance Française in Glasgow offers dedicated preparation classes for both National 5 and Higher French exams, designed to help students achieve their very best.

These courses focus on strengthening vocabulary, grammar, and key exam topics, while also placing special emphasis on speaking practice to build confidence for the oral component.

Visit the Alliance Française website for more information about these and other activities offered by the organisation.

Read more...

2 October 2025 (SCILT)

Our multilingual poetry competition, Mother Tongue Other Tongue (MTOT), is back for session 2025-26!

This year the competition returns to its roots to focus on the written word. Whilst entries can be illustrated with pupils' hand-drawings and recordings can be submitted, there is no requirement to include these elements.

All pupils from P1 to S6 can take part, whether entering in a language spoken with families at home (Mother Tongue) or a language they are learning (Other Tongue).

Launched to coincide with National Poetry Day, this year includes a special prize category for entries on the NPD theme of 'Play'.

Visit our MTOT webpages for more information and to register to take part!

Read more...

2 October 2025 (SCILT)

Do you have a story to share with the languages community?

We are currently taking submissions for our winter 2025 newsletter. This is a great opportunity to promote what has been happening in your school or local authority with regard to languages. This is a chance to showcase innovative projects, language learning celebrations or initiatives which took place from the time of our last publication, May 2025. We would love to hear from, or your pupils!

We are looking for articles of a maximum of 300 words, with a couple of colourful photos. The deadline for contributions is Friday 17th October 2025.

Visit our website to read the full submission guidelines, and to view previous editions of the newsletter. Submissions can be sent to scilt@strath.ac.uk

Read more...

1 October 2025 (TES)

Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to attend a school where a foreign language at GCSE is considered optional rather than a core subject, research suggests.

A University of Cambridge study of 615 state schools in England found that poorer students are disproportionately concentrated in schools that do not make languages compulsory for GCSE.

Language learning is a compulsory part of the curriculum in state-maintained schools in England between the ages of 7 and 14. But in 2004 language learning ceased to be compulsory at key stage 4 (around ages 14-16).

Read more...

30 September 2025 (British Council)

Apply to join the British Council's Reading for pleasure UK & Morocco guided partnership.

Connect and collaborate with teachers and pupils in a different country to foster a love of reading, celebrate diverse literature and engage young readers. Grow your reading community by sharing your favourite books and stories with your partner school and develop a shared passion and enthusiasm for reading.

The Reading for pleasure classroom resource will be the basis of the project, providing you with a range of suggested curriculum-related activities which you and your pupils can develop along with pupils in your partner school.

There will also be an opportunity for some shared language work across English, French and Arabic.

The guided partnership programme provides funding for one teacher to attend an in-person, two-day partner matching and planning workshop in Morocco in early December, including a contribution to supply cover.

This project is aimed at Secondary pupils aged 11-14 (KS3 or S1-S3). 

Visit the British Council website for more information and to apply by 24 October 2025.

Read more...

30 September 2025 (Languagenut)

Enrolment is now open for this year’s Languagenut Competition, which is open to all schools!

From Monday 10 November – Monday 24 November students will complete activities and assignments on the Languagenut platform to earn points, climb the leaderboard and secure a place in the final Top 30 leaderboard position and have the chance to win Amazon vouchers!

Visit the Languagenut website for more information and to register.

Read more...

30 September 2025 (Consejería de Educación)

A new series of online seminars is being offered by the University of Salamanca, Editorial Edinumen, and partner institutions.

This series of online seminars offers a gateway to the MINELE Master's programme, bringing together renowned experts in language education and didactics. Each session explores cross-cutting themes rooted in evidence-based pedagogy, with insights from professionals in additional language teaching and Spanish as a foreign language.

The first event takes place on 16 October. More information and registration is available on the Edinumen website.

There is a small charge for each session (free for ELEUK members). All future sessions can also be found on the University of Salamanca website.

30 September 2025 (Goethe-Institut)

On 19 February 2020, nine people were murdered in Hanau for racist reasons. In their book, Çetin Gültekin and Mutlu Koçak tell the story of Gökhan Gültekin – born, raised, and killed in Germany.

This reading tour is a joint project for remembrance and justice. From 12–16 October, the authors will visit universities across Scotland with their book. Through readings, conversations, and dialogue, space will be created for reflection and exchange.

This reading is a harrowing testimony to the deep-rooted racism in Germany – mercilessly honest and stirring. It is also an appeal: we are not "the others", we are part of this society. The readings are not appropriate for full school classes due to room capacity in the various venues, but these readings may appeal to H/AH German learners or German teachers.

This series of readings is in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, DAAD Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde (Scilt), University of St Andrews, DAAD St Andrews, University of Aberdeen, DAAD Aberdeen, DAAD Centre Stage Deutsch und Team Gökhan.

Events are taking place as follows:

  • 13 October, Edinburgh
  • 14 October, Glasgow
  • 15 October, St Andrew's

For more information visit the Goethe-Institut website.

Read more...

30 September 2025 (SQA)

SQA recruits approximately 11,000 markers for the National Qualifications exam diet every year. Recruitment for the 2026 exams is underway, with opportunities available across all subjects and levels including modern languages.

Markers play a key role in supporting the exam diet, ensuring the consistent application of national standards. Marking also provides the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge and gather evidence for continuing professional development. Full training and support is provided.

To find out more about the marker role and eligibility or to apply, please visit the SQA website.

Read more...

30 September 2025 (Institut français)

The Institut français d’Ecosse supports French language teachers in primary and secondary schools across Scotland.

The objective of the training is to help you top up your French and/or boost your confidence with language, pronunciation tips and culture.

Next online sessions are on Thursdays from 4pm to 5.30pm.

  • 30 October 2025, on the theme of “Halloween”
  • 27 November 2025, on the theme of “Festive season” 

Visit the Institut français website for more information.

Read more...

29 September 2025 (SQA)

Chinese Languages and French course reports have now been published on the SQA website and can be found in the Course Reports dropdown menu on the Advanced Higher Modern Languages webpage.

Read more...

26 September 2025 (BBC)

More needs to be done to support young people in Scotland when it comes to sign language.

That's according to a committee which is part of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.

A sign language law was passed in Scotland 10 years ago which the committee said had "brought significant benefits" to deaf people.

But the members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have also stressed the need to improve the situation in schools.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "Our six-year BSL National Plan sets out the actions we will take to make Scotland the best place in the world for BSL signers to live, work, learn and visit."

Read more...

26 September 2025 (STV)

A sign language law passed a decade ago has “brought significant benefits” to deaf people, a Holyrood committee has said, but MSPs are “concerned” about a lack of access for young people.

The British Sign Language (Scotland) Act was passed in 2015, mandating the Scottish Government and councils to come up with plans to widen access to the language.

A new report by the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee at Holyrood has found the law has improved the lives of deaf people across the country.

Read more...

26 September 2025 (CISS)

We are delighted to once again offer the opportunity for S6 school leavers to take part in the Tianjin Scholarship programme to study Mandarin at Tianjin Normal University during the 2026-27 academic year.  

This is more than just a gap year or a language course. This immersive, life-changing experience can broaden young people's horizons, develop their intercultural competences and open their eyes to endless possibilities for their future. They will have the chance to really master the Chinese language, as well as foster friendships that will last a lifetime and grow and develop as responsible, global citizens who will be effective contributors to society.  

The Scholarship is open for any current S6 pupil who attends a state school in a local authority that has a Confucius classroom hub. If your school is in an authority which does not have a hub, you are still eligible to apply if you are participating in the Discovering China National Qualifications courses. This Scholarship is intended to provide an immersive learning experience for pupils with no previous connections to Chinese language and culture. Therefore, applicants must be non-Chinese nationals from a non-native Chinese-speaking background. 

Applications for the 2026-27 Scholarship are now open with a closing date of 31 October 2025. Successful applicants at this stage will be informed within two weeks and invited to an interview in Glasgow during the following dates: 

  • Wednesday 3 December 

  • Thursday 4 December 

  • Friday 5 December 

  • Monday 8 December 

Successful interviewees will be informed by the end of November. There will also be a Scholarship information session on Monday 6 October, for more information and any questions you have.  

You can find more information about the Scholarship, as well as guidance documents and registration links, on the Scholarship project website

Read more...


Related Files

25 September 2025 (Seachdain na Gàidhlig | World Gaelic Week)

Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week), will take place Monday 23 February to Sunday 1 March 2026.

This year’s theme is 'Cleachd i no caill i' (Use it or lose it), and we’d be delighted if you would join us in celebrating Gaelic across Scotland and around the world.

Information sessions

If you’re curious about how to get involved, we are hosting free online sessions for anyone wishing to find out more about the week. Whether you’re planning an event, applying to the Small Grants Fund, or just want to learn what’s happening, these sessions are the best place to start.

Register here → Seisean fiosrachaidh • Information Session

Small Grants Fund

Thanks to continued support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, our Small Grants Fund is open once again. Awards of up to £500 are available to support projects and events taking place during Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026. Applications should show how they reflect this year’s theme.

Schools programme

We’ll once again be offering a series of free, interactive online sessions for schools. These have proved hugely popular, with thousands of pupils taking part each year. Teachers can find details and book via our website. 

Stay connected

Our posts will be over on FacebookTikTokTwitter and Instagram (@sngaidhlig) - we’d really appreciate if you could give them a share/like and use #SeachdainNaGàidhlig2026. 

Our website is now fully updated with resources, ideas, and this year’s theme. We’d encourage you to take a look, download materials, and share them with your networks.

We very much hope you’ll be part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 - whether by hosting an event, taking part in our schools programme, or spreading the word in your community.

25 September 2025 (Institut français)

Concours for Scottish primary schools

The Concours de la francophonie for Scottish primary schools is organised in collaboration with the French Film Festival UK Learning Programme (FFF UK).

All primary schools in Scotland offering French and participating in the French Film Festival UK Learning Programme will be eligible to enter the Concours de la francophonie under the guidelines you can find on the Institut français website.

The Concours de la francophonie for primary schools is divided into two categories: P1-P4 and P5-P7.

The theme of the Concours de la francophonie is “Fais ton cinéma”.

Concours for Scottish secondary schools

The goal of this year’s Concours de la francophonie is to raise awareness among young people about the importance of social connections and relationships under the theme “Building Connections”.

S1-S3 and S4-S6 students will produce a poster and a short video reflecting on solutions to overcome social isolation. See guidelines on the Institut français website.

Winners will be invited at the Institut français d’Ecosse in Edinburgh to a stop-motion workshop and will thus be given the opportunity to bring their ideas to life.

25 September 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 some example videos here:

  1. Rosemary Pennells (British Embassy Tokyo) Y8/Y9)
  2. Nerys Jones (British Embassy Berlin) Y10/11 Government Languages Outreach talk

The online events are free of charge, and it is hoped recordings of some of the events will be made available. To express interest, and help us keep in touch, please complete the form

We look forward to welcoming your pupils to our events.

Autumn term 2025

S4/S5: Wednesday 15 October 2025, 09:00-10:00

S4/S5: Tuesday 11 November 2025, 09:15-10:15

S2/S3: Thursday 20 November 2025, 09:00-10:00

Spring term 2026

S2/S3: Wednesday 14 January 2026, 09:00-10:00

S4/S5: Tuesday 20 January 2026, 09:00-10:00

S2/S3: Tuesday 10 February 2026, 09:15-10:15

25 September 2025 (Council of Europe)

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, made the following statement, ahead of the European Day of Languages marked on 26 September:

“2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the European Day of Languages, a celebration of Europe’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity and a powerful reminder of the importance of language learning for democratic participation, inclusion, and mutual understanding.

Europe’s multilingual heritage is one of its greatest strengths. The Council of Europe actively promotes and protects this diversity, recognising that the teaching and learning of multiple languages is not a cultural luxury, but a political necessity—a vital means of bringing the European ideal to life and reinforcing the pluralistic, inclusive, and forward-looking values at the heart of the European project. This is underpinned by instruments such as the Council’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and its Companion Volume which have revolutionized language education and have been taken up worldwide.

Both the CEFR and the European Day of Languages were born out of the European Year of Languages 2001, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Commission aimed at raising awareness of Europe’s linguistic wealth and encouraging lifelong language learning. Since then, 26 September has become a yearly celebration of all languages—large and small, spoken and signed, regional and migrant—highlighting the role of languages in education, society, and personal development.

To mark this special anniversary, the Council of Europe will launch a Motivation Manifesto, developed with the support of the European Commission, to spotlight the critical role of motivation in successful language learning. Motivation is widely recognised as one of the most reliable predictors of learner achievement and addressing it is key to fostering engagement and educational success.

As we celebrate 25 years of the European Day of Languages, the Council of Europe reaffirms its commitment to plurilingual and intercultural language education, founded on shared democratic values. It will continue to work with its member states to bring the benefits of Europe’s linguistic diversity closer to its citizens—enhancing mutual respect and understanding, strengthening social cohesion and democratic citizenship. In doing so language education makes an important contribution to the New Democratic Pact.

This anniversary is not only a celebration, but a call to action: to support motivated, empowered learners who are ready to contribute to an open, democratic, and multilingual Europe.”

25 September 2025 (UK-German Connection)

These bursaries support schools in keeping UK-German partnerships alive through direct contact and collaborative engagement between young people. Schools (primary, secondary, SEN) and FE colleges can apply, and activities must take place between 15 November 2025 and 31 March 2026.

Deadline: 15 October 2025.

Information and guidelines are on the UK-German Connection website.

Read more...

23 September 2025 (The Conversation)

If you’ve always wanted to learn a new language, don’t let age put you off. People aged over 60 can be independent and flexible in how they learn a language – and successful, too.

There is ample evidence from decades of research that, as we age, some of our perceptual and cognitive abilities gradually decline. Our hearing and vision are not as sharp as they used to be, we process information less speedily, and our memory may not be as good as it was when we were younger. These are all known corollaries of healthy ageing which do not normally have a major adverse impact on daily life.

What is noted less frequently is the possibility that these effects need not be deficits in themselves, but may arise from a lifetime of accumulated knowledge and experience.

Read more...

23 September 2025 (eSgoil)

Registration for eSgoil's 2025-26 programme of live online Study Support webinars is now open!

The programme is aimed at Senior Phase learners (S4-S6) studying for National Qualifications. Starting from 27 October 2025 there will be 55 webinars per week covering 30 subjects across N4 to Advance Higher levels.

Visit the eSgoil website to check out the schedule for French, Gaelic, German and Spanish.

Read more...

23 September 2025 (SCILT)

If you're a student, or know a student, who is considering pursuing language studies beyond secondary education the Beyond School section of the SCILT website is a great starting point. With links to university and college language courses here in Scotland, UCAS and university guides UK-wide, and help and advice on study abroad options and volunteering overseas it covers a broad range of language learning opportunities.

In addition, there's information on school support activities from Scottish further and higher education establishments offering ways to promote language learning benefits and options to students, making it a useful resource for teachers and Careers Guidance staff too!

Read more...

20 September 2025 (The Times)

Many sixth-forms no longer offer any core modern languages, even some of the top performers.

A third of state sixth-forms in England do not have a single pupil studying French, Spanish or German, according to data from A-level exams last year.

(Note - subscription required to access full article)

Read more...

18 September 2025 (Japan Foundation)

Is your school interested in starting a Japanese Club? Are your pupils or students interested in Japanese?

Sign up now to receive a Japanese Club package (including teacher training) so your school can be ready to run a Japanese Club in near future! It can happen through this project even though there are no teachers who have experience about Japan/Japanese!

The free online training programme starts 20 October and is open to primary and secondary teachers who would like to introduce Japanese in their school. Course attendees will learn how to use the set of materials and learn basic knowledge of Japan and the Japanese language.

Visit the Japan Foundation website for more information and to apply by 14 October 2025.

Read more...

16 September 2025 (SALT/SCILT)

SALT and SCILT are looking for presenters for our upcoming Six in Sixty professional learning event!

We are interested in hearing from primary practitioners who would be willing to present for 8-10 minutes on an aspect of their practice. This could be anything from ways of embedding language learning in the primary curriculum, cross-curricular links, teaching phonics, or anything else that is working well for you and your school. Please note that this is not an opportunity to promote commercial resources.

The event will take place during Languages Week Scotland on Thursday 5 February 2026 from 16.00-17.15. Each presenter will have a slot of 8-10 minutes and the event will take place on MS Teams.

If you are interested in presenting, please complete the registration of interest form

You can also register to attend the event via Eventbrite.

16 September 2025 (Consejería de Educación)

The Education Office of the Spanish Embassy in the UK and Ireland, in partnership with the Association of Spanish Schools in Andalusia and Manchester Metropolitan University, is pleased to offer a series of online workshops for Spanish teachers across the UK and Ireland this September and October. These sessions will explore key aspects of Spanish language teaching.

Workshop Schedule:

  • Tuesday 23 & 30 September + Tuesday 7 October 3 sessions, each with 2 one-hour workshops, 4:30 – 6:30 PM
  • Tuesday 14 October 1 session with 3 one-hour workshops, 4:30 – 7:30 PM

Free Registration and Flexible Certification

Teachers may choose which sessions to attend. Certification is provided independently for each workshop day.

Registration Details:

  • Weekly registration links will close on the Monday before each session
  • After each Tuesday session, the link for the following week will be activated
  • Registered participants will receive the access link via email the day before each workshop

For more information check out the leaflet below or visit the Education Office’s website.

image listing dates and times of the online workshops in Spanish

Read more...

16 September 2025 (Maths Week Scotland)

As part of Maths Week Scotland, taking place 22-28 September, the Maths wi nae Borders challenge for schools is inspired by the annual Mathématiques sans Frontières contest. It's a mini competition for any class to complete together.

The competition is aimed at Secondary Schools but younger entrants are welcome.

Visit the Maths Week Scotland website for more information and submit entries by 10 October 2025.

Read more...

9 September 2025 (British Council)

Calling all Scottish primary and secondary schools! Following the findings of our inaugural 2024-25 report, we're back to track how language education continues to evolve.

This year, we want to see what trends are continuing, what's changing, and what new patterns are emerging.

  • It takes just 15 minutes to complete
  • Deadline extended to 10 October 2025
  • Separate surveys for primary, local authority secondary, and independent secondary schools

Ready to make your voice heard? Click the link below to complete the survey and help us build a comprehensive picture of language education across Scotland. 

Access the surveys and read the 2024-25 report on the British Council website.

Read more...

9 September 2025 (ESFF)

As in previous years, the Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival (ESFF) has prepared a stimulating Schools’ Programme, offering both online and in-person screenings carefully selected for their age-appropriate themes and language. Accompanied with tailored educational materials, the programme is designed to support the teaching and learning of Spanish language and culture across non-university education settings in Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom. This initiative is proudly supported by the Spanish Embassy Education Office and the Consulate General of Spain in Edinburgh.

Online screenings: Participating schools will be provided with a unique access code available from 3rd to 10th October.

  • Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the TurtlesAn animated film exploring how Luis Buñuel created Las Hurdes, tierra sin pan (1933). Recommended for ages 12–15. Trailer.
  • Los futbolísimos – A lively film about a school football team, addressing themes of inclusion and teamwork. Recommended for ages 9-12. Trailer.

In-person screenings

  • Los aitas (Breaking Walls) – A film reflecting on historical changes during the fall of the Berlin Wall and exploring new forms of fatherhood (1st October, 10:30 a.m. Edinburgh Filmhouse). Trailer.
  • CartasVivas – A project that brings to life the voices of Spanish women who have often been overlooked. During the screening, the project coordinator will present materials directly to the students (3rd October. 10:00 a.m. French Institute). Trailer.

Recommended for ages 12–15.

Registration

To participate in any of these events, please register or purchase tickets using your institutional email account. Reservations can be made through the following links:

Further information about the four screenings is available in the images below.

We warmly invite schools to take part in this unique opportunity to explore Spanish cinema and culture within an educational context. 

Should you have any questions, please contact: harriet@edinburghspanishfilmfestival.co.uk

8 September 2025 (World Kid Lit)

The World Kid Lit Reading Challenge Award is a new competition for schools to promote international and inclusive reading.

The Award is intended to encourage young people to read for pleasure, to explore international perspectives and global citizenship and, through reading in translation, to see the value of a second language as a cultural and creative asset.

Students can read for their challenge at any time of the year, but the Award is open for entries during September, World Kid Lit Month, up to 10 October.

Visit the Reading Challenge Award website for more information about the competition and links to resources to celebrate World Kid Lit Month.

Read more...

5 September 2025 (SCILT)

SCILT’s ECT Primary Languages Signpost Sessions are online, free of charge and open to newly or recently qualified primary teachers working in Scottish schools and to student primary teachers studying at Scottish universities.

Our Signpost Sessions are for you if are looking for:

  • advice on how to support multilingual pupils and their families
  • strategies for teaching additional languages
  • the chance to network informally with others at a similar career stage from across the country

Each Signpost Session is themed, informal and will point you in the right direction for free resources, up-to-date guidance and practical teaching ideas. Sign up for as many sessions as you like:

  • Wednesday 24 September, 16:00–17:00 - Developing a multilingual ethos in your primary class
  • Wednesday 26 November, 16:00–16:45 - First steps in teaching primary languages
  • Wednesday 28 January, 16:00 -16:45 - Digital tools for primary languages
  • Wednesday 25 March, 16:00–16:45 - Getting outdoors with primary languages
  • Wednesday 27 May, 16:00–16:45 - Next steps in teaching primary languages

Registration closes two days before each session, and the online link to join via MS Teams will be sent out one day in advance. These sessions will not be recorded.

Register via the link below. Please also find attached flyer which can be shared with colleagues. 

Read more...


Related Files

4 September 2025 (SCILT/DYWLive/eSgoil)

We are delighted to be working together with e-Sgoil and DYW Live again this year to deliver the Languages and Your Career webinar. In this fully interactive session we will explore how languages can contribute to success in a wide range of jobs and career paths. We aim to introduce secondary learners to the importance of languages and their associated skills in the workplace, break down stereotypes of careers that use languages, identify appropriate career pathways, and hear examples of people who use languages in their daily work.

The Languages and Your Career workshop will be repeated each month on different days and times from September until March, linking with key focus weeks in the calendar. All dates are now available to book:

  • Wednesday 17 September @ 10.00
  • Friday 3 October @ 11.00
  • Tuesday 11 November @ 2.00 (Scottish Careers Week)
  • Monday 8 December @ 10.00
  • Thursday 15 January @ 11.00
  • Wednesday 4 February @ 2.00 (Languages Week Scotland)
  • Tuesday 3 March @ 10.00

Sessions will take place in Glow Teams; we hope to see you there!

For more information and registration details, see the e-Sgoil website.

Read more...

4 September 2025 (SCILT)

Language Ambassadors Online is back for 2025-26! Led by students from universities right across Scotland who study a whole range of different subjects, these sessions are designed to promote languages to young people and to encourage them to choose languages as part of their learning experience, whatever other subject areas they may be interested in. In the online workshops, our wonderful ambassadors share their experiences of learning languages and discovering new cultures, answer learners’ questions and generally seek to enthuse and inspire! Sessions take place on the following dates:

  • Thursday 25 September 11.00 – 12.00
  • Wednesday 29 October 9.00 - 10.00
  • Tuesday 25 November 2.00 - 3.00
  • Friday 23 January 10.00 - 11.00
  • Tuesday 24 February 11.00 - 12.00
  • Wednesday 18 March 2.00 - 3.00

All sessions will take place on Microsoft Teams. For more information and to book to bring your class(es) along see our Language Ambassadors Online webpage and book via the Eventbrite link.

Read more...

1 September 2025 (UCL)

We hope that you will join in this national survey of educators that is exploring practices related to Learning for Sustainability (LfS) across Scotland.

As a community of educators working in university, school, community and policy settings, we recognise the important role that education has in responding to sustainability issues at local, national and global levels.

Our aim is to develop a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the experiences and practices of educators from across Scotland with a focus on Learning for Sustainability.

This will help us better understand diverse approaches to practice, identify the barriers and challenges which persist and identify further support to strengthen LfS across Scotland.

We would like to hear from educators in a range of settings including school, teacher education, local authority, informal education and community learning.

We value the ideas and experiences of those who have no or limited engagement with LfS as well as those who are currently engaged with LfS.

The survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes. Please visit the website for more information and to complete or scan the QR code on the flyer below.

Learning for Sustainability survey QR code

Read more...

15 August 2025 (SCILT)

Calling all Germanists! Dates for this session’s meetings of the Teachers of German in Scotland (TOGS) network are below and registrations are now open on our eventbrite page.  

  • Wednesday 24 September (4.30-5.30pm) 
  • Thursday 15 January (4.30-5.30pm) 
  • Monday 27 April (4.30-5.30pm) 

TOGS meetings are open to all primary and secondary practitioners who teach – or would like to teach – German in their context. This network offers colleagues a chance to share experiences, practice and ideas to enable German to grow in Scottish schools. Germanists in higher education and cultural institutions are also welcome to attend, so do feel free to come and join us!   

If you have already signed up to our TOGS mailing list, please note that you will automatically receive the link prior to each meeting. 

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...

15 August 2025 (SCILT)

A series of four online workshops for in- and pre-service primary teachers with each workshop focuses on a different aspect of pedagogy.

Our experienced Professional Development Officers and enthusiastic invited speakers support you to develop practice related to the home and taught languages in your context. 

Informed by the latest guidance and examples of current practice. 

The online workshops will be hosted on MS Teams and will not be recorded. 

Registrations for all workshops are open now via the links above. Please also see attached flyer which can be shared with your networks. 


Related Files

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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