Modern Languages
Progression Pathways
The diagram below shows the progression pathways in this subject area.
SCQF Level 3/4
Subject: French National 3/4
Aims of the Course
The course is designed to develop the necessary skills in order to understand and use French in everyday situations. It is widely recognised that a foreign language can increase employment opportunities across the UK, Europe and beyond.
A foreign language is often an entry requirement for university courses and is valued by employers as a mark of a well-rounded individual with good communication skills.
Course Content
Language is learned through the themes of Society, Learning, Employability and Culture. Students will learn their language through a wide range of media (text, songs, film clips, MP3 files and other contemporary materials). The course enables learners to enhance their enjoyment of other cultures, improves communication skills and encourages creativity.
Course Assessment
Assessments are conucted by your teacher and are balanced across the four skills (Listening/Reading/Writing/Talking), allowing students to maximise their strengths and building on the knowledge gained in previous years.
SCQF Level 5
Subject: French National 5
Aims of the Course
The course is designed to develop the necessary skills in order to understand and use French in everyday situations. It is widely recognised that a foreign language can increase employment opportunities across the UK, Europe and beyond.
A foreign language is often an entry requirement for university courses and is valued by employers as a mark of a well-rounded individual with good communication skills.
Course Content
Language is learned through the themes of Society, Learning, Employability and Culture. Students will learn their language through a wide range of media (text, songs, film clips, MP3 files and other contemporary materials). The course enables learners to enhance their enjoyment of other cultures, improves communication skills and encourages creativity.
Course Assessment
Assessments are balanced across the four skills (Listening/Reading/Writing/Talking).
Exam
Paper 1: Reading and Writing (1 hour 30 minutes)
Paper 2: Listening (30 minutes)
Talking Performance: 6-8 minutes (conducted by your teacher)
Assignment Writing: Completed in school, marked by the SQA.
SCQF Level 6
Subject: French Higher
Recommended previous experience: National 5 pass at A or B
Aims of the Course
Higher French aims to develop the skills already acquired in S1-S3/S4. A sound knowledge of grammar is established and translation skills are further developed. Students work towards fluency in spoken French, learn how to manipulate the language for a variety of purposes and become more accomplished writers.
Students interested in working for large multinational companies or teaching (Primary/ Secondary/abroad) would benefit from studying a foreign language at Higher level.
A foreign language is an asset in many lines of work such as travel, tourism, business, education, engineering, industry and journalism. Colleges and universities often combine the study of a foreign language with another subject and incorporate a year abroad as part of the course to broaden student experience.
Course Content
Language is learned through the themes of Society, Learning, Employability and Culture. Students will learn through a wide range of media (text, songs, film clips, MP3 files and other contemporary materials). The course enables learners to enhance their enjoyment of other cultures, improves communication skills and encourages creativity.
Course Assessment
Assessments are balanced across the four skills (Listening/Reading/Writing/Talking).
Exam
Paper 1: Reading and Directed Writing (2 hours)
Paper 2: Listening (30 minutes)
Talking Performance: 10 minutes (conducted by your teacher)
Assignment Writing: Completed in school, marked by the SQA.
SCQF Level 7
Subject: Post-Higher Provision: Advanced Higher French
Recommended previous experience: Pass at A/B at Higher
Aims of the Course
The aim of the Advanced Higher French course is to enable students to use the language independently in increasingly competent, flexible and confident ways.
Advanced Higher French will allow students with a flair and enthusiasm for language to further explore their interest. This course is also an excellent stepping stone for those wishing to study at university.
From Advanced Higher, students will be in a position to pursue further foreign language study or to use the foreign language in a variety of ways, which might include:
Study abroad in a range of subjects as part of a British degree
Use of the skills acquired to learn additional foreign languages
Interaction with speakers of the language in a work context or foreign travel
Access to literature and media in the foreign language for personal enjoyment
Teaching their mother tongue at home or abroad (e.g. TEFL/ESOL)
Course Content
Language is learned through the themes of Society, Learning, Employability and Culture. Topics include: The Environment; Immigration; Media; European Issues; Education.
Students put together a portfolio (in English) based on a French text or media. This is written over the course of the year and then externally assessed.
Course Assessment
Assessments are balanced across the four skills (Listening/Reading/Writing/Talking).
Exam
Paper 1: Reading and Translation (1 hour 30 minutes)
Paper 2: Listening and Discursive Writing (1 hour 20 minutes)
Talking Performance: 20 minutes approx (conducted by a visiting assessor)