Learning a new language encourages children and young people to broaden their horizons as they explore the language and its associated culture.
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.
Modern Languages in St. Timothy’s
Many teachers in St Timothy’s are trained to teach ‘Modern Languages in the Primary School (French)’.
Previous to session 2015-2016, French was delivered to all P6 and P7 pupils. Session 2015-2016 saw the implementation of all P3 – P7 pupils receiving French lessons delivered by one of our many Modern Language qualified teachers.
It is anticipated that in Session 2016-2017, French will be delivered to all P1 -P7 pupils and a second modern language (Spanish as voted by the Pupil Council) will be delivered to P5 -P7 pupils.
The Scottish Government’s policy to modern languages aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn a modern language from P1 onwards. Additionally, each child should have the right to learn a second modern language from P5 onwards. The policy should be fully implemented across the country by 2020.
The following link explainsmore:
1 + 2 approach to modern languages
