Learning a new language encourages children and young people to broaden their horizons as they explore the language and its associated culture. Language Learning in Scotland: A 1 & 2 Approach ensures that children have access to two Modern Languages, one from Primary 1 onwards with a second Modern Language being taught from P5.
In Our Lady & St Joseph’s Primary and Nursery, all children learn British Sign Language which is used to communicate simple instructions to pupils. Teachers also teach French and Spanish which is built upon as pupils move through the school.
Through learning of a new language pupils:
- gain a deeper understanding of their first language and appreciate the richness and interconnected nature of languages
- enhance their understanding and enjoyment of their own and other cultures and gain insights into other ways of thinking and other views of the world
- develop skills that they can use and enjoy in work and leisure throughout life
The study of language plays an important role in all language learning and the development of literacy skills.
Pupils develop and extend literacy skills when they have opportunities to:
- communicate, collaborate and build relationships
- reflect on and explain literacy and thinking skills, using feedback to help them improve and sensitively provide useful feedback for others
- engage with and create a wide range of texts in different media, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by ICT
- develop an understanding of what is special, vibrant and valuable about their own and other cultures and their languages
- explore the richness and diversity of language, how it can affect them and the wide range of ways in which they can be creative
- extend and enrich vocabulary through listening, talking, watching and reading
