SPANISH
WHY STUDY LANGUAGES?
Speaking a foreign language improves the functionality of your brain by challenging it to recognise, negotiate meaning, and communicate in different language systems. This skill boosts your ability to negotiate meaning in other problem-solving tasks as well. Foreign language study enhances listening skills and memory. Analytical skills improve when students study a foreign language. Business skills plus foreign language skills make an employee more valuable in the marketplace. Dealing with another culture enables people to gain a more profound understanding of their own culture. Foreign languages provide a competitive edge in career choices in that you are able to communicate in a second language. This is a major asset to employers. If you have one language, it is easier to acquire a second and you therefore can be more easily trained while working. The study of a foreign language improves the knowledge of one’s own language: English vocabulary skills increase. The study of foreign languages teaches and encourages respect for other peoples: it fosters an understanding of the interrelation of language and human nature.
The 4 contexts studied are:
SOCIETY / CULTURE / LEARNING / EMPLOYABILITY
National 5 requires more in depth study of each context than in National 4 and some extra topics.
TOPICS studied within the contexts are:
Family/ where you live/ the environment/ technology.
Media/ health.
Your school/ subjects/ teachers/ future plans.
Your job plans/ work experience/ part-time job.
Traditions/ celebrations / events/ holidays.
EXAMS
Externally assessed
Reading 30 marks
Writing 20 marks
Listening 20 marks;
Listening and Writing are scaled to a mark out of 30, so that each component is worth 25%.
Internally assessed
The Talk assessment which is worth 30 marks, is completed in March. This is a presentation followed by a naturally occurring conversation.
Entry Requirements :
Pass at National 4 and recommendation from class teacher based on aptitude for languages in BGE.
Pupils must have studied French in S3.
Pupils must be operating at least at the DEVELOPING stage of Fourth level.
Progression:
Higher French depending on National 5 grade.
How can I consolidate my learning?
Go over the work covered in class on a daily basis by covering up vocabulary, recording it on your phone and using Post Its/ cue cards / mind maps with vocabulary that you are finding difficult to remember. Refer to past paper questions that we have completed in class and practise completing them under timed conditions. Use the past papers provided on line to practise at home.
Do the homework on time and review it. If you do the regular homework and learn vocabulary at home by heart, you will not need to revise as much at exam time, thereby freeing up time for other subjects.
Where to access learner materials?
Materials are posted on Google Classroom or are in the workbook.
Links:
Bright Red National 5 French
BBC bite size
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/z6gw2hv
Youtube Easy Spanish
SQA Past Papers
Hints and Tips for the subject area
Ask the teacher if you do not understand something.
Do practice papers and submit them to your teacher.
Learn vocabulary every week.
Times of Help sessions for Learners
Sessions are on offer at the following times:
- Wednesday or Thursday 3pm -4pm subject to availability /negotiation.
- Wednesday or Thursday lunchtime.
- Use Google Classroom to contact us if you are not in school.