Modern Languages – Boroughmuir High School

FACULTY OF MODERN LANGUAGES

We feel strongly that knowledge of other languages has never been more important. Through language learning, pupils develop skills and habits which are highly valued by employers, such as problem solving, critical thinking, self-confidence and creativity, while also learning more about their own language.

Studying another language opens doors to further study, employment opportunities and travel, while giving pupils a growing awareness and understanding of life in other countries and cultures. We believe that all pupils can succeed in language learning and the courses we offer encourage all pupils to fulfil their potential.

In Modern Languages, pupils study either French and German in S1, making a choice of which language to continue from S2, or Mandarin. In S3, pupils continue the language they have been learning in S2 and there is the option to choose a second language (French/German/Mandarin/Spanish).

For all languages and levels, we assess pupils in the skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing. Pupils are encouraged to practise key vocabulary at home on a regular basis. Online resources from their Teams pages as well as apps such as Languagenut are very useful for this.

Modern Languages Staff

Simon Alexander (Curriculum Leader)

Hannah Gray
Katie Howells
Ina Knieselies
Katharine Kustra
Ben Nelson
Andrea Purkiss
Antonio Schiavone
Sean Sproull
Georgia White

Other Key Information

To give pupils the opportunity to use their language skills for a real purpose, we run French and German exchanges for our S3 pupils and a trip to Spain for our senior Spanish pupils. In addition, we run trips to languages events hosted by Edinburgh University.

FACULTIES

MATHEMATICS & NUMERACY