Entry Level

SQA Information

The study of a modern language has a unique contribution to make to the development of cultural awareness, providing candidates with opportunities to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of other cultures and of their own. They gain insights into other ways of thinking and other views of the world, and therefore develop a much richer understanding of active citizenship.

• National 4 in the relevant Language
• National 5/Higher/Advanced Higher in another language (excluding English)

*Please note, pupils who choose Spanish in S5/6 will be required to have a National 5 in another Languages (French/German) in order to achieve N5 level. Pupils who are complete beginners will likely achieve N4.

Course Content

The course provides candidates with the opportunity to develop reading and listening, talking and writing skills in the modern language, and to develop their knowledge and understanding of detailed language in the contexts of society, learning, employability, and culture.

Candidates will explore a range of topics such as Healthy Living, Environment and Media. Grammar is a key component of the National 5 course which, when coupled with the development of language acquisition skills (reading etc) allows this course to prepare pupils well for the demands of Higher should they wish to continue studying a Modern Foreign Language.

Assessment *

The course is comprised of:

• Internal written assignment – Candidates are required to write an essay of between 120-200words on a topic relevant to the National 5 course. This is done during class time but under exam conditions and contributes 12.5% to their overall final grade.
• Final Talking Exam (IACCA) – Candidates are required to complete a talking performance which contributes 25% of their overall final grade. Candidates are required to speak for 6-8 minutes – a monologue presentation of 1-2 minutes and then participation in a conversation lasting between 5-6 minutes.
• Final exam – (May)   Candidates will be required to complete 2 papers in their final exam. (Reading (25%)/Writing(12.5%) and Listening (25%))

*Further detailed information about course specifications and assessment can be found on the departmental Glow page or in a supplementary Departmental information sheet.

Possible Progression Routes

• From National 5 French/German to Higher French/German or National 5 in another Modern Foreign Language.
• Further Education in the same and/or different languages
• Careers for which French/German would be beneficial include:  Travel and tourism, translating and interpreting, teaching – primary and secondary, journalism, law, foreign office, civil service, air steward, pilot, oil industry, broadcasting, import and export. 

This Course provides learners with opportunities to continue to acquire and develop the attributes and capabilities of the four capacities as well as skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work

Entry Level

SQA Information

Learning a new language enables learners to make connections with different people and their cultures and to play a fuller part as global citizens. The ability to use language lies at the centre of thinking and learning. Language is at the core of thinking. Learners reflect, communicate and develop ideas through language.

• National 5 pass (A/B advised) in French/German/Spanish
• Higher pass (A/B) in alternative language (excluding English)

Course Content

Learners encounter a wide range of different types of texts in different media. Building on the four capacities, the Course enables learners to communicate, be critical thinkers, develop cultural awareness, and be creative. The Course provides learners with the opportunity to: develop skills in reading, listening, talking and writing, which are essential for learning, work and life; develop understanding of how language works; use different media effectively for learning and communication; and use language to communicate ideas and information. The Course also provides learners with the opportunity to use creative and critical thinking to synthesise ideas and arguments; to enhance their enjoyment and their understanding of their own and other cultures; to explore the interconnected nature of languages; and to develop independent learning in the meaningful real-life contexts of society, learning, employability, and culture..

The course has 2 key areas for study:

• Key area 1 – Using Language
• Key area 2 – Understanding Language
• Course Assignment – A piece of written French/German 150-180 words.

Assessment

• The course is assessed by the external exam and the Course Assignment.  The course award is graded A to D.

The course is comprised of:

• Internal written assignment – Candidates are required to write an essay of between 200-250 words on a topic relevant to the Higher course. This is done during class time but under exam conditions.
• Final Talking Exam (IACCA) – Candidates are required to complete a talking performance which contributes 25% of their overall final grade. Candidates are required to participate in a conversation lasting between 8-10 minutes.
• Final exam – (May) Candidates will be required to complete 2 papers in their final exam. (Reading/Directed Writing and Listening)

Possible Progression Routes

• National 5 in French/German/Spanish
• Higher in French/German
• Advanced Higher in French/German
• Further Education
• Higher Education
• Training or employment
• Careers for which French/German would be beneficial include:  Travel and tourism, translating and interpreting, teaching – primary and secondary, journalism, law, foreign office, civil service, air steward, pilot, oil industry, broadcasting, import and export. 

*Whilst it is not a requirement, pupils are encouraged to purchase their own dictionary (details of appropriate dictionaries for this level can be found on the department GLOW page)