Learning other languages enables children and young people to make connections with different people and their cultures and to play a fuller part as global citizens. Learning a modern language provides children and young people with a means of communicating
directly with others from different backgrounds enhancing 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 develop a richer understanding of their roles as global citizens.

At St James’ children will begin learning their first additional language from primary 1. The focus here will be to embed French through class daily routines, such as register taking, school lunch checks, songs and rhymes. As children embark on learning their second language, primary 2-4 will focus on learning through listening and talking experiences, with the children taking part in simple conversations in French on a variety of topics, e.g. their name, age, birthday, pets. In primary 5-7, the focus will progress to the children using their knowledge of French in short reading and writing activities in addition to taking part in conversations and listening to poems and stories in French. Children will also develop their awareness of intercultural differences and their role as global citizens.

In Primary 5-7, children will have the opportunity to learn a second additional language, known as L3, with English being the majority of the children’s first language, and French being their second language they will go on to learn about Spanish culture in primary 5 &  primary 6 to then have a block of Italian Lessons delivered by Language Specialists from Trinity High School in primary 7.

For further information on the principles and practices of Modern Languages visit the Education Scotland website.