Faculty of Modern Languages:
Staff Information
Mr Franck D’Everlange
Ms Jessica Peyressatre
Course information
From session 2020/21 we will be offering courses for S1-S3 and National 4 / 5, and Higher. In S1 pupils will get the opportunity to experience Spanish as well as French. This offers a real choice to pupils within the Curriculum for Excellence.
From S1 – S6 we focus on developing talking, listening, reading and writing skills.
THE FACULTY of MODERN LANGUAGES
Our GREAT EXPECTATIONS
| You should expect us as teachers to: | We expect you as pupils to: |
| – Be on time for class | – Come to class on time |
| – Be organised and prepared for your lesson | – Come to class prepared (with jotters, pencil, etc) |
| – Learn your names quickly | – Do homework on time and to the very best of your ability |
| – Make an effort every period, teaching and supporting your learning | – Make an effort every period, learning and participating |
| – Be polite, thoughtful and friendly to everyone | – Be polite, thoughtful and friendly to everyone |
| – Show respect to every person in and entering the classroom | – Show respect to every person in and entering the classroom |
| – Be prepared to help you | – Ask for help when required |
| – Eat (food and chewing gum) only at break + drink only plain water in class | – Eat (food and chewing gum) only at break + drink only plain water in class |
| – Have a neat, organised classroom | – Leave the classroom tidy and clean |
Why learn a Modern Language?
We encourage pupils to see themselves as communicators and problem solvers in their own learning. This develops active, independent life-long learning skills.
We develop confidence and communication skills to develop a pupil’s ability to take part and enjoy the culture and language of others. This develops tolerance and open-mindedness towards others and a better understanding of difference in the world, both locally and abroad.
The confidence gained from solving problems and developing understanding in a foreign language adds confidence in other areas of learning. Concepts introduced in a modern language are often completely new and have no equivalent in English, which encourages the brain to create new learning capacity and new thinking skills.
Modern Languages are now optional from the end of S2 but we would encourage as many pupils to choose it as a N4/5 in S4, as doing so adds depth, range and difference to a pupil’s list of qualifications – especially where many will not have a modern language qualification at all.
Helpful Web links to be used regularly for homework and revision.
www.languagesonline.org.uk
www.linguascope.com
www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone Class Clips for short videos in French and German
www.studystack.com Create your own revision aids.
MODERN LANGUAGES – BGE
COURSE CONTENT
The Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) broad general education (BGE) course aims to develop your child’s knowledge, confidence and competence in using French / German in a broad range of relevant scenarios. In addition, pupils are introduced to the culture of countries where these languages are spoken. The course aims to develop understanding and a respect for other cultures and an interest in visiting, working or living abroad.
SKILLS DEVELOPED
The course will provide pupils with the opportunity to develop their skills in talking, listening, reading and writing. Problem solving and application of knowledge are also developed as key skills, as well as developing a cultural awareness of the lives of others. Pupils are encouraged to work individually, in pairs and in groups and to develop their sense of responsibility towards their own learning. The structure and grammar of the foreign language are also covered in detail.
PLANNED PUPIL EXPERIENCES
With teacher guidance, pupils will be involved in setting targets and evaluating their progress. They will investigate how they know they have learned something and how this can be applied to future learning. ICT is also used regularly throughout the course, both to access foreign language websites and exercises, or present pupils’ own work.
ASSESSMENT
This is carried out in a number of ways, from more formal class tests and assessments to paired or peer assessment in talking, listening, reading and writing. Pupil progress is monitored and reported on throughout the school year.
HOMEWORK
Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis (usually once a week) and will involve learning and spelling new vocabulary, or written exercises (sometimes computer-based). Homework is an essential element in cementing new learning and is not optional.
SENIOR PHASE
MODERN LANGUAGES – FRENCH
S4 – National 4 or 5
S5 – National 4, 5 or Higher
S6 – National 5, Higher
All pupils in S4, S5 and S6 are warmly encouraged to continue with or take up new courses in modern languages.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Your career opportunities are greatly enhanced if you have studied a language at a higher level. Employers are interested in a broad range of skills, especially communication skills such as the ability to understand and report on information, to contribute to discussions and to express facts and opinions in both speech and writing. These are exactly the kind of skills which you will develop in language courses.
Employers also know that once you have learned one foreign language to a high standard, you are able to learn another language much more quickly than other candidates for the same job; a skill that is highly prized in a world where companies cannot predict which countries they will be dealing with in the future.
WHAT DO LEARNERS NEED TO BRING TO CLASS?
Pupils should bring a jotter, pen/pencil and completed homework.
We also strongly recommend that pupils purchase a dictionary in the language they are learning as these are used frequently in class. Advice on this can be given by the class teacher.
