High school students heard how studying a foreign language could boost their career prospects at Falkirk Council’s second languages symposium.
Over 200 pupils from across Forth Valley and West Lothian attended the half-day information session designed to highlight the professional and personal benefits of learning a foreign language to national qualification level.
On arrival at Grangemouth High School on Friday, December 13th, pupil representatives from participating high schools opened the event alongside Paul Dunn, Head Teacher at Grangemouth High School, and Rhona Jay, Education Service Manager.
Keynote speaker, Paul Sheerin, Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering, then went on to explain how having a National 5 in French opened doors for him with several global companies.
Pupils then attended workshops led by business people who use foreign languages day-to-day. The workshops were delivered by:
- JP Morgan, multinational investment bank and financial services firm
- Lidl, supermarket chain
- Skills Development Scotland, Scotland’s careers service
- Sales Alchemy, a sales consultancy agency
- Just Sign, a sign language interpreter
- Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator
A range of companies, organisations, and visitor attractions also held stands and spoke to pupils about the practical benefits speaking a second language can bring, including:
On arrival at the event pupils were asked if they would study a modern language and 40% said yes. Asked the same question on leaving the event that number increased by 21%.
Rhona Jay, Education Service Manager, said: “We are delighted the morning had such a positive impact on a significant number of young people. Hopefully they will now consider adding a foreign language to their timetable when it comes to picking subjects in the New Year.”
