Modern Languages

Aims

The modern languages department in St Thomas’ recognises we are a school community enriched by native speakers of many languages, including Gaelic, Arabic, Mandarin, Korean, Italian, Polish, French, Spanish and German among others.

Our aims in language teaching are to

·         enable young people to use languages effectively to communicate, providing a sound base of communication skills necessary for future study, work and leisure

·         enable young people to understand the nature of language and the process of language learning, including linguistic, cultural and social elements

·         encourage an awareness and understanding of the perspectives of people from different cultures

·         foster curiosity, a lifelong interest and enjoyment in language learning.

Our staff are

Ms S Berthelot

Ms S Lauckner, Curricular Leader

Ms K Main

Mr M Montenegro

Ms A Sinclair

BGE Curriculum

We offer French and Spanish, reflecting the languages taught in our associated primaries.

In the broad general education stage (S1 to S3) pupils learn either French or Spanish as the main language, with additional lessons in the other language in line with the national 1+2 policy. 

The policy aims to ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to learn a modern language (known as L2) from P1 until the end of S3. Additionally, each pupil is entitled to learn a second modern language (known as L3) from P5 onwards.

Senior Phase Curriculum

French and Spanish are available from National 4 to Advanced Higher.

For native speakers of other languages who have not opted to study a language in the senior phase, we can offer SQA presentations, for example in German. Further details from Ms Lauckner, Curricular Leader.

Primary

We work closely with our associated primaries, both delivering and supporting French and Spanish language learning.

Extracurricular Opportunities

We have good links with universities and learners take advantage of a range of events locally. We benefit from working with the Confucius Institute to offer extra-curricular Mandarin and experiences such as celebrating the Chinese New Year. We are exploring possibilities for foreign residential trips.

Language Assistants

We work with the University of Edinburgh benefitting from language undergraduates working weekly with BGE classes to support learning.