Paper short abstract:

How do we develop Japanese as an L3 or L4 language in Scottish primary schools? This presentation will share feedback from Scottish practitioners, officers and education leaders and explore the challenges and opportunities in the development of Japanese learning for young Scottish learners.

Paper long abstract:

The Scottish Government 1+2 Languages policy has seen the integration of 1, 2 and increasingly 3 additional languages into and across Scottish primary schools from the Early years upwards. This transformational change has seen extensive teacher training, resource development, partnership collaborations and is still ongoing as teachers develop their skills and schools grow and adapt to deliver the policy. Now, at the mid-way point of the policy implementation, what unique role can Japanese have as schools seek to raise attainment across learning, improve literacy, numeracy and health and well-being, close the poverty gap and develop employability? How do we develop Japanese as an L3 or L4 language in schools and support staff to develop their skills? This presentation will share feedback from practitioners, officers and education leaders in Scotland and explore the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead in the development of Japanese learning for young Scottish learners.