MFL

In the Modern Languages faculty we firmly believe that languages are relevant and useful for everyone, regardless of their background or ability. 

Not only does learning a language improve metaskills such as problem solving, adaptability, communication and creativity, but allows for learners to become more tolerant and understanding of other cultures and traditions while developing a greater understanding of their own language. 

By the end of the BGE we grow learners into dynamic citizens with the key skills necessary to take language learning into the senior phase, as well as equipping them with the transferrable skills required for success in other disciplines. 

The skills and attributes we develop are increasingly valued by employers in an ever more globalised economy and they contribute to future employability and Scotland's national prosperity, not only in terms of business and commerce but in outward-looking education. Our faculty is a happy place to be and learn and we are extremely proud of the relationships and pathways offered for learners, from N3 to MLLW 7. We have high aspirations for all learners and provide support for all including those with ASN requirements or indeed, native speakers. 

All learners have the opportunity to achieve a SQA accreditation in S2 through the Modern Languages for Life and Work at Level 3 NPA across French and Mandarin. In S1 and S2 all learners spend 3 periods per week learning French and 1 of Mandarin. At the end of S2 pupils have taster sessions in Spanish and German which supports course choice for S3. There are a number of pupils who choose to study 2 languages with us. By the end of BGE most pupils work at Level 4. We focus on the contexts of Society, Learning, Employability and Culture across French, German, Spanish and Mandarin. 

We have close partnerships with Primary schools in the learning community and established a French transition project. We also invite around 200 P7 Primary pupils to the school in June each year to take part in our China Day event.

Pupil Voice indicates that learning a language at SHS is an enjoyable experience and language lessons have an active learning focus and feature, at times, games which develop a variety of skills such as running dictations, scavenger hunts, fly swat and grab the vocabulary. learners also develop digital skills through accessing learning with their Chromebooks and through departmental packages such as Thisislanguage. 

learners also have opportunities to learn outside of the classroom for example at the SCEN in Edinburgh, Balmoral Hotel, a visit from our partner school in Spain as well as trips to Cologne, Barcelona, Paris and Tianjin. We also have a number of senior language ambassadors who support small groups in BGE classes to consolidate learning and give back to the department where they have flourished.

learners that have studied with us have gone on to live and work in other countries as au pairs in Seville and Paris while others have been taking part in scholarships in China where they are truly immersed in the culture and language of China. 

Every young person has a place with us in Modern Languages.