OU course for teachers wins Scots Language Award

The Open University’s Scots Language Teacher Professional Learning Programme, produced and delivered in partnership with Education Scotland, has won the title of ‘Scots Educational Project O The Year’ at the Scots Language Awards 2024.

During the ceremony in Ayrshire, the birthplace of renowned Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns, last week, the Awards featured 13 categories this year, celebrating achievements in promoting and preserving Scots. 

Winners were chosen by public vote, with the Scots community directly influencing the outcomes. The awards honour individuals and organisations making significant contributions to Scots language and culture.

The Open University’s winning teacher training course has already seen more than 200 teachers enrol since it officially launched in February at an event attended by Jenny Gilruth MSP, Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, who called the programme “an important step forward towards embedding Scots language and culture in our classrooms across all levels and subject areas” a key part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to both celebrating and protecting Scotland’s languages. 

Designed for teachers of any subject at any level in a Scottish school, the course equips them with the skills to incorporate Scots language and culture into their classroom practice. The groundbreaking course is the first of its kind, aiming to normalise Scots usage in Scottish classrooms. 

Dr Sylvia Warnecke, Associate Head of School Students and Nations at The Open University (pictured centre), who led on the development of the course, said: 

Every day we witness the transformative power of bringing Scots into Scottish classrooms, as it breaks down barriers.”
Dr Sylvia Warnecke, OU

"We are absolutely delighted that the Scots Language Teacher Professional Learning Programme has been voted Scots Educational Project of the Year by the community, as this is a reflection of both the need of such provision and the uniqueness of the Open University’s supported distance learning model for providing flexible learning and development opportunities.

"Every day we witness the transformative power of bringing Scots into Scottish classrooms, as it breaks down barriers and supports Scots-speaking students in achieving educational success.” 

Bruce Eunson, Scots Language Co-ordinator at Education Scotland (pictured left), said:  

“A programme such as this has been an ask from teachers in Scottish education for generations. Education Scotland are very proud to be part of making this now a reality and ensuring that the learners in Scotland’s schools get the Scots language teaching they deserve, delivered by teachers who are confident, creative and empowered.”

Dr Jamie Fairbairn, Faculty Head at Banff Academy (pictured right), who was instrumental in the success of the course pilot, said: 

“As a practitioner and tutor I know from my own experience how the Scots professional training course is boosting a whole new generation of teachers and pupils, validating them and their language, and providing innovative, creative and inclusive learning from inner cities to rural communities and everything in between.”

Delivered fully online with a mix of peer learning and guided self-study, the course comprises material covering 60 study hours over a nine-month period.  

20 September 2024