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S1/S2 Modern Languages

In first year, all pupils will have four periods of French, carrying on from where they have reached in P7. In second year, they will have three periods of French, and will also start a new language, German, for three periods per week.

Resources

We use a series of textbooks: ‘Metro’ in French, and start Book 2 of the course in first year. In second year we proceed to ‘Metro pour l’Ecosse', and also introduce a German textbook, ‘Antoss’.

Throughout, we stress the productive skills of speaking and writing, as well as the receptive skills of listening and reading. At this stage, writing is used as a back up in the learning process, and as a means of improving the accuracy of pupils’ work. Speaking tasks will be short, and mostly done in the class as work with a partner or a small group. Senior pupils and foreign language assistants come into classes to increase exposure to the language. Listening involves listening to the teacher, to cassettes, and to video material. Much of this work is done with the listening stations which are in each Modern Language classroom.

Assessment

Assessment of writing and reading is done by a small number of tests throughout the year, of listening by a test at the end of each unit : speaking is normally assessed by a short interview with the teacher or a classroom assistant. Knowledge of vocabulary is also checked regularly.

Homework

Homework is normally either learning or involves using the homework booklet that follows our course. This is usually straightforward work, but does stress accuracy, and lays the pattern for more demanding work later on in the course.

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S3/S4 French/German

Course Content

Pupils will continue to develop the four core skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. They will learn the basic vocabulary of the language or languages they choose, and extend their knowledge of the grammar and structures of the language. We will concentrate on informal language, which will help them to communicate with native speakers. Normally our programme of exchanges will allow our pupils to put their skills into practice, and also allows them to develop these skills further.

Teaching Methods

Our courses are based on a series of textbooks, which lead our pupils from S1 through to S4. We make extensive use of modern technology to enhance their learning experience. Speaking is to the fore, but all students will be expected to develop at least basic writing skills. We encourage our pupils to produce more extended pieces of writing and speaking whenever they are able to do so.

Assessment

We use informal assessment such as vocabulary tests on a regular basis to develop learning. Our formal assessments all use the format of the final external exam in order to develop the correct skills and to monitor progress. This involves reading and listening to texts in the foreign language and answering questions in English, and putting together a folio of written work produced in class under exam conditions. Speaking involves a set of three speaking tests, which are conducted over the course of the year.

Homework

Homework will normally be given each week, and may be several shorter items or one longer piece. Learning of grammar and vocabulary will often be its focus, or else preparation for the course work assessments in writing and speaking which make up 50% of the final grade.

Pupils can find out more from their own French or German Teacher, or from Mr Angus, PT Modern Languages.

We also recommend that each pupil have his or her own dictionary to assist with homework.

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Intermediate 2 Spanish

Entry Requirements

None

Units and Short Descriptions

Accelerated Beginners' Unit - skills of speaking, reading, listening and
writing are introduced, and assessed in the first term.

Intermediate 2 Language Unit - skills of speaking, reading, listening and writing are developed.

Intermediate 2 Language in work - vocational language is introduced.

Assessment

Unit assessments are all based on the four core skills. We use the unit assessments to monitor progress and to help develop the skills needed for courses at Higher or in Higher Education.

Language Unit assessment consists of a reading and listening text in the foreign language with questions in English. Writing involves producing a formal letter, and speaking takes the form of a presentation and follow up discussion.

Some students will proceed to the Intermediate 2 external exam, and aim for course assessment.

Homework

There are normally four or five taught periods, with another two periods devoted to supported study, which may include learning, producing written and spoken work and reading. Homework will be needed at times to supplement this study time.

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Higher French/German/Spanish

Entry Requirements

S Grade 2, Writing 3
Intermediate 2

Units And Short Description

Language Unit: skills of speaking, reading and listening
and either
Language in Work: Vocational language
or
Extended Reading/Viewing: Reading texts, viewing film and TV

Assessment

Unit assessments and course assessments at Higher are all based on the four core skills. We use the Unit assessments to monitor progress and to help develop the skills needed in the external assessment. There is also a prelim exam to help us and our students evaluate their performance.

Language Unit assessment tests the skills of speaking, reading and listening. Reading and Listening are assessed by questions in English on texts. Speaking is a presentation and discussion in the foreign language, which is also used for the final external assessment.

The Optional Unit is assessed through a writing task.

Homework

Homework will be a regular feature of classes, and may include learning, researching, producing written and spoken work and extended reading.

Further information is available in our guide to a Higher in Modern Languages, from your Modern Languages teacher, or from Mr Angus. If you are interested, please ask for one.

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Advanced Higher French/German/Spanish

Entry Requirements

Higher C

Units And Short Description

Language Unit: skills of speaking, reading and listening
and either
Language in Work: Vocational language
or
Extended Reading/Viewing: Reading texts, viewing film and TV

Assessment

Unit assessments and course assessments are all based on the four core skills. We use the Unit assessments to monitor progress and to help develop the skills needed in the external assessment. There is also a prelim exam to help us and our students evaluate their performance.

Language Unit assessment tests the skills of speaking reading and listening. Reading and listening are assessed by questions in English on texts. Speaking is a presentation and discussion in the foreign language.

The Optional Unit is assessed by a short piece of writing in the foreign language, and a longer written report in English.

In the final course assessment, another reading and listening text form one part of the exam, and the writing of a discursive essay in the foreign language along with the folio are used to assess writing.

Homework

There are normally four or five taught periods, with another three periods devoted to support study, which may include learning, researching, producing written and spoken work and extended reading. Homework will be needed at times to supplement this study time.

Further information is available in our guide to an Advanced Higher in Modern Languages, from your Modern Languages teacher, or from Mr Angus. If you are interested, please ask for one.

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