posted by Isabelle Gall, Principal Teacher of Modern Languages, Carnoustie High School

Enthusiastic support from SCILT (Scotland’s National Centre for Languages) brought speakers from widely varying fields to Carnoustie High School on June 18^th to talk about the importance of Modern Language skills in their area of expertise. This special event aimed to set ‘Languages for Life and Work’ in a relevant context for the S3 pupils who are all working to achieve the SQA award.

SCILT Development Officers, Meryl James and Janette Kelso, opened by demonstrating the value of language skills in all aspects of life. The learners were then excited to meet local top game designer Russell Kay, one of the original creators of ‘Grand Theft Auto’. Russell explained the linguistic and cultural challenges of developing computer games for the international market. Glamis Castle guides, Chimene Samson and Pauline Cawdery, stressed the economic importance of Tourism in Scotland and the employment opportunities within it.

Lucy Wakefield, from The Dundee Science Centre, illustrated how STEM and Modern Language skills can be an empowering combination. Stewart Miller vividly described Raptors International’s global conservation projects, while his stunning eagle owl, the star of the day, added amusing bird communication. Ben Haldane, a recent returnee from a Project Trust year, closed the event on a high note, fascinating everyone with his command of a Namibian language.

The S3 learners also chose workshops led by pupils and teachers from across the school community and by Ray Chenrui of J&D Wilkie, Kirriemuir. The workshops included British Sign Language, Team Communication, Polish, Greek, Mandarin, Japanese and German. Pupils and staff concluded that it was an informative, stimulating and enjoyable morning.

Exciting longer-term business links were established through this SCILT event. All S3 pupils are about to undertake an international marketing competition with Glamis Castle. Later in the year, learners in Science and Modern Languages will track eastern imperial eagles with Raptors International.