19.06.09 Congratulations - Award for first teachers registered to teach Mandarin

The first probationer teachers expected to achieve full registration in Chinese Mandarin were celebrated at an event hosted by the General Teaching Council for Scotland today.

China has the third largest economy in the world and Scotland's pupils are being encouraged to learn Chinese Mandarin so they can compete in the rapidly changing business world. The language is one of the top three spoken around the globe and the teaching of it in schools is becoming increasingly popular.

The six probationer teachers who are expected to achieve full registration in July, accepted achievement certificates from Chinese Consul General, Madam Tan and Chief Executive of the General Teaching Council for Scotland, Tony Finn. They are now qualified to teach Chinese Mandarin.

Tony Finn said:

"Chinese Mandarin is not a language of the future, it is a language of today. Economists predict that China and India will soon outstrip the traditionally largest economies in the world; the USA, Germany, Japan etc.

"If Scottish businesses are to compete in an increasingly competitive world economy they will need a skilled workforce to do so. Learning Chinese Mandarin will give our young people a distinct advantage when working with people and businesses from and in China.

"These six teachers are breaking new and exciting ground and will be the vehicle for our young people to access some of the exciting business opportunities that exist right here, right now. We are delighted that these are the first probationer teachers expected to achieve full registration and celebrate their success here today."

Madam Tan, the Chinese Consul General added:

"We truly believe this is an important milestone of the Chinese language teaching in Scotland, as it is equipping future generations in Scotland with an international outlook and the knowledge needed to compete in the 21^st century."

Confucius classrooms were first introduced in Scotland in 2007 to allow different cultures and languages, but particularly that of China, to be welcomed and embraced by children. There are currently eight Confucius classroom hubs in Scotland and it is hoped that this number will grow. The hubs are used by the schools in which they are based, as well as by neighbouring schools and the wider community, to introduce the Chinese culture, teaching not only Mandarin, but also calligraphy, dance, music and tea ceremony.

All newly qualified teachers in Scotland are required to complete a period of probation in order to show they meet the Standard for Full Registration. The Standard is designed to ensure that all new teachers are able to take on the demands and responsibilities of becoming a teacher.

Further information

The General Teaching Council for Scotland was established in 1965 under the Teaching Council Scotland Act

The General Teaching Council for Scotland is the independent regulatory body for the teaching profession in Scotland. It aims to sustain and improve teaching standards in Scotland and to promote the teaching profession.

For further media information please contact Kelly Paterson on 0131 718 4085 / 0788 215 2914 or at kelly.paterson@kindredagency.com