In the Modern Languages Department French is taught from S1 to S6 and German is taught from S3 to S6. All pupils study one language until the end of S4 and take a Standard Grade examination.
Pupils may study a second language in S3 and S4.
In S5 and S6 pupils can choose Higher and Intermediate 2 courses in French, German and also in Spanish.
Pupils in associated primaries learn French as part of the Modern Languages in the Primary School programme.
The Department works according to the aims of Aberdeenshire Council (Education and Recreation) in its Guidelines for Schools, Modern Languages 5-14, August 2003. This states that:
“Children and young people in Aberdeenshire should have the opportunity to benefit from an effective system of Language education where proficiency in languages is perceived as being achievable, relevant and useful in personal, educational and post-school development.”
“All students should be entitled to an experience of learning a Modern Language which:
- Begins no later than Primary 6 and covers a minimum of six years of study or its equivalent of approximately 500 hours;
- Builds on their prior experience of first and other languages development, learning and use;
- Is continuous and progressive in the same language;
- Develops a usable competence in the language which is complemented, where possible, through regular opportunities for interaction with native speakers and for accessing information by means of modern technologies;
- Is delivered effectively through high-quality programmes of study by appropriately trained teachers;
- Provides regular, reliable and formative feedback to pupils on their progress;
- Promotes positive attitudes to a range of cultures and develops strategies for learning a variety of languages;
- Ultimately, leads to a National Qualification, thereby placing students in a framework that contains flexible routes to further qualifications if they so choose;
- Allows for the study of an additional language during their period of compulsory schooling;
- Provides well-informed and up-to-date guidance concerning the advantages of continuing to study and use Modern Languages”.
Post-14 pupils are encouraged to continue with the language studied so far, and also to start another language or languages.
- The Department has run many successful trips to France and Germany, latterly during Activities Week but also, in former years, with partner schools. It is still hoped that the Modern Language Department may be able to establish new links to enable pupil exchange to take place.
Languages Work is the latest in a series of seminars aimed at motivating pupils to continue studying Modern Languages Post 16. It is organised annually.
Activities are organised for pupils and staff to celebrate the European Day of Languages in September.
Many of our former pupils come back to school to share their experiences of work and study, including the Gap Year abroad.
Trips to the theatre are organised if and when available.
Pupils are encouraged to visit French and German websites in order to gain an authentic view of life in France and Germany. |
