The course will provide pupils with the opportunity to develop their communication skills in talking, writing, reading and listening in Spanish, which for some may be something completely new!
Among other key skills developed are problem solving and application of knowledge, and we strive to foster a culture with learning for sustainability and global citizenship at its heart. Pupils will develop a cultural awareness of the lives of others and of historical, economic and ecological contexts, both at home and abroad.
By studying a language pupils will develop a natural curiosity and a much richer understanding of active citizenship in our ever-changing multicultural world.
Pupils will be encouraged to work individually, in pairs and in groups at various points and we take seriously our goal to help develop each individual pupil’s sense of responsibility towards their own learning.
The structure and grammar of the foreign language are covered in detail and you will have lots of opportunities to develop your ability to understand and produce language containing increasing levels of detail & complexity.
The course will be quite fast paced, taking pupils from some basic language through to being prepared to understand and use language containing more detail and complexity towards the end as they prepare to embark on National 5.
With teacher guidance, pupils will be involved in setting targets and evaluating their progress. They will investigate how they know they have learned something and how this can be applied to future learning. ICT is also used regularly throughout the course, both to access foreign language websites and exercises, or present pupils’ own work.
The Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) broad general education (BGE) course aims to develop your child’s knowledge, confidence and competence in using Spanish in a broad range of relevant scenarios. In addition, pupils are introduced to the culture of countries where these languages are spoken. The course aims to develop understanding and a respect for other cultures and an interest in visiting, working or living abroad; all whilst learning to communicate effectively and accurately in the foreign language.
Why learn a Modern Language?
We encourage pupils to see themselves as communicators and problem solvers in their own learning. This develops active, independent life-long learning skills. We build confidence and communication skills to develop our pupils’ ability to take part and enjoy the culture and language of others. This develops tolerance and open-mindedness towards others and a better understanding of difference in the world, both locally and abroad.
We seek to enhance literacy and numeracy in our students and make them aware of the importance of keeping healthy and looking after our world and its inhabitants. The confidence gained from solving problems and developing understanding in a foreign language also adds confidence in other areas of learning; concepts introduced in a modern language are often completely new and have no equivalent in English, which encourages the brain to create new learning capacity and new thinking skills.
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
It would be beneficial for pupils studying a language in S3 to purchase their own bi-lingual dictionary for use at home when practising reading.
Advice can be given on this by their class teacher.
Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis and with a week to prepare. This will generally involve practising and learning new vocabulary or preparing for speaking tests or oral presentations. Written work tends to be done in class time, however, typing up final versions of essays etc is often set as homework.
This is carried out in a number of ways, from more formal class tests and assessments to paired or peer assessment in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Pupil progress is monitored and reported on throughout the school year and pupils are given opportunities to assess and discuss their own performance with staff and pupils, and provide feedback on teachers, in a bid to ensure that standards are raised.
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
S4 – National 4 or 5 Spanish
S5 – National 5 or Higher
S6 – National 5 or Higher
Note: Once you have a strong pass (grade A-B) in any language we'll allow you to do a different language at the same level or lower.
e.g.
S4 - N5 Spanish
S5/6 - Higher Spanish and N5 French or German.
In the global economy, one of the most valuable traits an employee can possess is the ability to speak a second or multiple languages. Knowing an additional language illustrates to an employer the value you bring as an employee and a person. It shows that you are adaptable, open-minded and communicative.
These videos explain how languages can be useful in a wide variety of job sectors: