Learning the language in Dundee
Census information about English skills in Dundee has helped improve access and attendance for council-led language classes.
What the census said
Researchers at Dundee City Council used 2011 census data to identify what parts of the city had the highest concentration of people with little or no English.
They then compared this with the council’s own information about where those who were attending language classes provided by the city council lived.
English Language skills in Dundee
133,107
can speak, read and write English
3,194
can understand but cannot speak, read or write English
4,289
can speak but cannot read or write English
905
can speak and read but cannot write English
735
have another combination of skills in English
259
have no skills in English
Without the census data, we would not have been able to run such an effective and efficient campaign, it was very valuable
Jill Brash, Dundee City Council
Making use of the data
Jill Brash from the council said: “By making this comparison, we were able to identify where in Dundee we could do more to inform residents about this service.
“Colleagues launched a doorstep campaign to raise the profile of the classes and provide information about how people could attend.
“In some cases, we were even able to support people who were already attending a class to find one closer to their address, making it easier for them to access."
Feeling the benefits
Jill added: “Overall, we saw a rise in uptake across the city for these classes.
“Without the census data, we would not have been able to run such an effective and efficient campaign, it was very valuable.”
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