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 V Balistreri

Ms S Lauckner, Curricular Leader

Ms K Rocke

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 French and Spanish 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 offered in S4 at National 4 and National 5.

French and Spanish are offered in S5/6 at Higher and Advanced Higher.

German for beginners is offered in S5/6 from National 5 to Higher.

 

Native or near-native speakers

For native speakers of French, Spanish, Italian and German who have not opted to study a language in the senior phase, we can offer SQA presentations off timetable. Further details from Ms Lauckner, Curricular Leader.

 

Primary

We work closely with our associated primaries, delivering weekly lessons 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 offer extra-curricular experiences and are exploring possibilities for foreign residential trips when permitted.

 

Language Assistants

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