Welcome to the Modern Languages Faculty
Welcome to the Faculty of Moder Languages. We feel strongly that knowledge of another language is an important part of being an educated citizen of the 21st century. We live in a multilingual world and must take account of other languages and cultures.
Within our faculty, we aim to develop the ability of our learners to understand and use language effectively, for practical communication. We promote independent learning and make use of digital technology, to develop literacy skills in Reading, Listening, Talking and Writing. Throughout our courses, we also cover the cultures of the countries where the languages are spoken.
Members of the Faculty
BGE Languages
BGE – French and Spanish
In S1 and S2, pupils will study both French and Spanish, for two periods per week in each language, building on the experience gained in primary school, where the national 1+2 Approach to language learning was introduced.
Senior Phase Languages
Modern Languages for Life and Work (in French, German and Spanish)
Studied and completed in S3 for those who will likely continue with National 4 in S4.
Brief outline of content: The MLLW award comprises 3 units: Languages for Life – language covered will focus on practical and relevant contexts and will explore the culture and everyday life in the country. (In the Modern Language) Languages for Work Purposes – language covered will focus on vocational contexts and will reflect on qualities and skills required for employability, job descriptions, employment plans etc. (In the Modern Language) Building Own Employability Skills – will provide pupils with the skills needed to gain employment by finding out about job opportunities and employers, and practising the skills needed to apply for a job, such as CVs and interviews. (In English)
Languages for Life –
- Outcome 1: The candidate will: 1 Take part in a straightforward conversation in the Modern Language related to culture and everyday life (Talking)
- Outcome 2: The candidate will: 2 Understand straightforward spoken language related to culture and everyday life (Listening)
Languages for Work Purposes –
Outcome 1: The candidate will take part in a job-related discussion in the Modern Language (Talking)
Outcome 2: Demonstrate understanding of a straightforward vocational written text (Reading)
Building Own Employability Skills -
Outcome 1: The candidate will build his/her employability skills by: (1.1) Finding information about suitable employment opportunities and (1.2) Practising the skills needed to apply for a job.
Skills developed
Talking, Reading and Listening Literacy Employability and enterprise Working with others Communication Presentation skills Research ICT Thinking Skills Applying Citizenship
Additional information
This can lead to accreditation at both SCQF level 3 and 4. (For Level 3, the Reading in the Languages for Work Purposes unit is replaced with Listening)
National 4 Subject: French/German/Spanish
Course Outline: National 4 French, German or Spanish allows pupils to further develop Reading, Listening, Talking and Writing skills learned in the BGE in order to understand and use the language with increasing confidence. The course provides pupils with the opportunity to learn their chosen language in the context of real-life scenarios and focuses on the four contexts of Society, Culture, Learning and Employability. The course also enables pupils to explore and develop their understanding and appreciation of various aspects of French culture through individual and group activities, and to integrate their language skills with core skills for learning, life and work.
Course Structure: National 4 is assessed entirely internally. ·
- Understanding Language Unit – pupils are required to provide evidence of their Reading and Listening skills. ·
- Using Language Unit - pupils are required to provide evidence of their Talking and Writing skills. ·
- Added Value Unit – pupils prepare and deliver a presentation on a topic from one of the four contexts and answer follow-up questions. They must also pass two Reading assessments.
Skills Development: Pupils who study a Modern Language to National 4 will develop the following skills and be able to:
- Read French/German/Spanish text independently, using a dictionary and applying knowledge of language (both English and the foreign language) to access unfamiliar language
- Understand spoken French/German/Spanish in a range of contexts
- Develop oral communication skills in the form of conversations
- Use ICT and other resources to plan, prepare and deliver an individual presentation
- Research texts in French/German/Spanish
- Demonstrate understanding of different cultures in the target language
- Write French/German/Spanish in a range of real-life contexts, such as a C.V. or job application
Furthermore, pupils will develop the following skills for learning, life and work:
- Literacy – Reading, Listening, Talking, Writing
- Health and Wellbeing – Personal learning
- Employability, Enterprise and Citizenship – Global citizenship, Working with others
- Thinking skills – Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Planning, Researching
National, Higher, and Advanced Higher
In the Senior Phase, the faculty currently offers study at National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level in French, Spanish and German. We also offer a Modern Languages for Life and Work Award at N4 level.
Career Pathways
This is a very important time for our pupils and it is important that as much advice as possible is available from staff, Skills Development Scotland and parents/carers. This will enable our senior pupils to make informed decisions regarding their education and course choices. For pupils returning in S5 and S6 it is vital that they consider the commitment to study which is required in the senior school. Our curriculum is structured to allow for a wide variety of courses and levels of study.
It is important that all pupils have considered in advance why they have chosen to return to school and that they are being focused on their intended destination.
Celebrating Success
Remote Learning - Links
Bell Baxter Resources
Modern Languages on Twitter
Follow the Modern Languages faculty for all the latest information on what is happening in and around the school related to International Languages and Culture. Here we will post updates to events, projects and achievements by all pupils and staff. We will also recommend some reading for pupils and adults alike. A fun way to stay up to date with everything that is happening. Use the link or @ILC_BBHS
Bell Baxter YouTube
Join us for updates on everything that is happening around the school. From pupil productions to updates on events and activities, we hope to keep you updated as best we can. You'll also find helpful guides and tutorials for pupils and adults on how to use programmes such as Glow, Teams and much more.
Complete Resources List
We have compiled a complete set of resources for all pupils across the curriculum. These cover listening and talking, vocabulary and grammar practice and more. We will continue to update the list when new resources become available, so please don not forget to check back and see what has been added. The list is organised by year group for ease of navigation. You will find it here
External Resources
BBC Bitesize
What is Bitesize?
BBC Bitesize is a free online study support resource designed to help with learning, revision and homework! It provides support for learners aged 5 to 16+ across a wide range of school subjects. It also supports children and young people’s wellbeing and career choices. It is suitable for all ages and subjects across the curriculum.
National Parent Forum of Scotland
The Forum works in partnership with national and local government and other organisations involved in education and child wellbeing issues to ensure that parents play a full and equal role in education. The overall aim is to help every child to maximise their potential through their school life. The Forum also offers the handy Nationals in a Nutshell documents, which break down courses into understandable facts and information.
Apps
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is how teachers will communicate with pupils outwith of school. Each teacher will set up their classes through Teams and issue homework, handouts, and assignments in this manner. Teams is available as an app on most devices, as well as through Glow. We recommend that pupils use the app to access their work.
Click on this link to access information on how to MANAGE TEAMS..
Click on this link to access information on how to CHECK NOTEBOOK FOR WORK.
Click on this link to access information on how to HAND IN WORK WITH ASSIGNMENTS.
Office Lens
Office Lens is a handy app hat turns your smart device into a scanner. This can be used for scanning work from the whiteboard in school or any assignments completed at home. It is part of the Microsoft suite so it has Teams integration, making submitting work easier. It is also helpful for maintaining and organising notes from jotters and loose leaf paper.
