Category Archives: Languages and Literacy

Languages and Literacy

EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES

The European Day of Languages took place on Thursday 26th September, and pupils took part in various educational, fun activities in the Modern Languages department. S1 pupils enjoyed putting their general knowledge to the test on countries, capital cities and flags. They also competed in an Inter-house competition of ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’ on European culture with 1A and 1R winning the most points for their house group.

S2 pupils got competitive in the European quiz with questions relating to sports, music, and culture among many other things. 2M were the winning house group in this quiz. Pupils in S3 were given the task of choosing a word or phrase and translating it into as many European languages as possible. Well done to Shannon Crawford who won best poster with the phrase ‘never give up’.

Teachers around the school also celebrated the day wearing badges that said hello in various European languages. We had a Guess the Language competition where pupils had to find teachers wearing the badge and identify the language. Congratulations to Mary Onwubiko in S4 who won the competition! Well done to all pupils for taking part!

Languages and Literacy

Paris Trip

On Saturday 22nd June a group of pupils and staff boarded a coach for the school’s annual European trip which this year headed to Paris.   The first stop was Parc Asterix, a French amusement theme park based on the comic book series of the same title.   Over the next couple of days the group enjoyed the sights of Paris including: the magnificent Eiffel Tower, a fun-filled day at Disneyland Paris, and a tour of the Stade France, which pupils’ and staff thoroughly enjoyed.   Not only was the trip a roaring success, with everyone arriving safely back to Scotland, it also marked the final school trip for our retiring Principal Teacher of Modern Languages, Mrs Magowan.   Bonne retraite Madame Magowan.

Languages and Literacy

READING CHAMPIONSHIP – REWARD EVENTS

The school’s personal reading programme, the ‘Reading Championship’, delivered in partnership with the school library and English department, recently culminated with thirty-five pupils being recognised for their commitment to and passion for reading for pleasure. The pupils were awarded various rewards for their efforts throughout the school year, including being presented with a certificate at the school prize-giving, a reading champion badge for their blazer, and a movie and snack event where pupils watched the film ‘Mortal Engines’ in the library.

The final reward event was an author session from writer Cathy Forde who spoke to the reading champions about how to use your own life experiences and observations as inspiration for fictional works. Pupils were also gifted a copy of Cathy’s novel ‘Fatboy Swim’ which she kindly signed for each pupil. The ‘Reading Championship’ is only made possible with the fantastic support and funding of the school, in particular the Pupil Equity Fund.

Languages and Literacy

VIVE LA FRANCE

A group of teachers and pupils from Braidhurst High School visited P7 pupils at Logans Primary School last week in order to engage in some French activities with them.   Mrs Magowan, PT Modern Languages, conducted a lesson on ‘Les Vacances’ and pupils were able to play ‘Jacques a dit’ (Simon Says) to consolidate their learning.   She was ably assisted by S4 pupils Skye Wilkinson and Louise May.

Another group, led by Mr Egan, carried out a boules tournament outside in the grounds of the school and was helped by S4 pupils Jay Goode, Ross Lines, Lennon Newell and Finlay Anderson.   S5 pupils Charlene Brandt and Emily Irvine, led a third group in French aerobics; a French version of the Hokey Pokey.   Both girls were very impressed by the level of French used by the P7 pupils.   They were helped by S4 pupils Kate Mitchell and Iona Eldhose.

The final activity, organised by Mrs Currie,   was an array of French board games to practice topics such as food and drink and numbers, ending with a very popular game of bingo.

All primary and secondary pupils thoroughly enjoyed their experience and look forward to developing the liaison further in the new session.

Languages and Literacy

ON MANGE UNE GLACE

First year French students have been learning how to talk about ‘Food and Drink’ and, as part of their course, they were asked to devise an unusual and delicious ice cream sundae in French. The responses were outstanding, showing imagination, flair and linguistic competency. After much deliberation, Mr Gardiner, Depute Head Teacher, chose the sundaes he considered best met the criteria for the task, as well as being the ones he would most like to eat! Winners were Jevan Beattie, Alexander Mathieson, and Courtney Connelly of 1A: Amy McCoull, Lucie Macis and Zoe Toms of 1L; Max Watson, Brooke Delaney and Dainis Sroms of 1M and Erynn Hough and Abigail Lees of 1R. Some of the winners are pictured here with their prize – a real ice cream sundae complete with chocolate flake, chocolate sauce and lashings of cream! Miam Miam!

Languages and Literacy

EASTER FUN – MODERN LANGUAGES

The Modern Languages Department ran its annual Easter Egg competition last week and, as usual, entries were of a high standard. After much consideration the winners were declared as follows:

First prize –  (S1) Amy McCoull – Les oeufs qui brillent!

Second Prize – (S2) joint entry Lucy Lawrence and Gemma Baird  – Des oeufs au café.

Third Prize – (S2) Thomas Hogg- Le nid de Robin.

Commended were: Melinda Tamas, Lisa Blair,  Marc Leslie, Aaron Cairns, Jamie Kinnen, Rhys Brown, Zakk Crawford, Jamie Rowlands, Oliwia Marek, Charlotte Hemmings, Jade Brennan, and Braidhurst’s multi-talented classroom assistant Mrs Sweeney with her entry ‘La Reine des Coeurs’ (The Queen of Hearts).

All entries received a certificate, chocolate egg and house points.