Modern Languages Department

Welcome to the
Modern Languages Department

Members of Staff

L. Scott-Watson, H. Shanley, L. Scott, M Graham

Philosophy

To encourage all pupils to be confident in at least one foreign language when they leave Ross High so that they can play an important role as citizens in an ever expanding Europe.

Course Information

In S1 pupils study either French or German. In S2 and S3 pupils continue to work towards Standard Grade or Access 3. Pupils may then choose to continue onto Higher or Intermediate 2. The four skills of Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking are practised and assessed throughout all courses. The syllabus is made up of topic areas such as: Self, Family and Home, Holidays and Travel, School and work, Food and Drink, Leisure, Goods and Services.

Courses

German S1: Gute Reise

S2 and S3: Gute Reise, Mach mit, Na klar, Hilfe or SOS Deutsch

French S1: Metro

S2 and S3: Metro pour l'Ecosse or Voila

SQA Assessment

In Standard Grade all four skills are assessed by SQA in S3. Speaking is assessed internally, whereas Listening and Reading continue to be tested by examinations set and marked externally. A folio of written work is completed in class and submitted to SQA for assessment.

Intermediate 2 and Higher Speaking is assessed internally and the other three skills are tested by examinations and marked externally.

Departmental News

Visit to Edinburgh Filmhouse

On the 4th October 2007 a group of Higher German pupils went to the cinema to see a German film called ‘Das Leben der Anderen’, which translates as ‘The lives of others’. The film was about an actress and her playwright partner who were under surveillance by the Stasi, the East German secret police, and how it affected them and the others involved.As the story progressed the Stasi agent assigned to spy on them became utterly fascinated by their lives and was prepared to give up everything for them.

Onatti Theatre Company Visit

Onatti Theatre Company came into school on 31st October 2007 and gave a performance to S2 and S3 German pupils called 'Meine neue Schwester'.The play was about a young, well behaved and hardworking teenager whose mum met another man. The man had a daughter of his own. She was a loud-mouthed, badly behaved and adventurous teenager. The play was based on their relationship and how different their personalities were. The play was done entirely in German but because it was being acted out it was much easier to understand. The actors involved the audience and at one point four boys were up on the stage dancing!

Paris Christmas Markets Trip

On 10 December 2007 a group of 43 students and 4 staff headed to the Christmas Markets in Paris. As well as visiting the huge Christmas market of La Defense, we went up the Eiffel Tower, along the River Seine on a boat, toured the Stade de France as well as visited Le Louvre. There was also time for a lot of Christmas shopping both in Paris as well as at the huge shopping centre in Calais. All this in 5 days!!

Higher German work experience trip to Forst 6-13 February 2008.

Homework

Pupils are set chunks of vocabulary to learn on a regular basis. This is always consolidation of work done in the classroom. Pupils must also be prepared to memorise Speaking and Writing assessments

Extra Curricular Activities

The S1 and S2 Modern Languages Club takes place in the library on Thursdays from 1pm - 1.30 pm. Pupils are invited to come and play games, access French and German internet sites and get help with homework.

The Modern Languages Homework Club for S3, S4 and S5 takes place in the department on Wednesdays 3.30pm - 4.00pm in room 130.