Modern Foreign Languages Reports

Term 1 Tracking Reports for S2 and S3

Languages at Meldrum Academy – Our Approach in BGE

At Meldrum Academy, we want every young person in the Broad General Education to develop the skills to communicate effectively in a range of languages. Across the BGE, our courses focus on teaching patterns and chunks of language rather than isolated words. This helps pupils to manipulate language and gradually become able to communicate spontaneously, accurately and confidently across a range of relevant topics.

Our main classroom resource is our sentence builder booklets, which give pupils a clear structure to support their learning. Alongside this, we encourage all pupils to “think like a linguist” by spotting patterns, making educated guesses, decoding meaning, and drawing on prior knowledge. These strategies not only strengthen language learning but also support literacy more widely.

Throughout the BGE, all pupils experience a range of languages, including French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin and Scots. By doing so, we aim to nurture intercultural awareness and help pupils to understand their place in an intercultural society, where the ability to connect across languages and cultures is increasingly important.

Our approach ensures that every pupil has a clear pathway in language learning. Because we focus on transferable skills rather than memorising content, pupils are well prepared to pick up new languages in the senior phase as well as build on the ones they have already studied. This flexibility means all learners can continue to enjoy success with languages, whatever route they choose to take.

A more detailed description of our main courses, and the progress pupils can expect to make, is outlined below

S1 French

In S1, all pupils at Meldrum Academy continue their learning in French. The focus is on consolidating the skills and knowledge developed in primary school while working through the Second Level benchmarks. Pupils are also introduced to aspects of Third Level, such as writing longer sentences with more detail, giving personal opinions, and pronouncing unfamiliar words correctly.

By the end of S1, most pupils will have achieved Second Level and be making good progress towards Third Level.

Topics studied in S1 include:

·       School (subjects, teachers, daily routines)

·       Family and friends (introducing themselves and others)

·       Francophone culture (learning about French-speaking countries and traditions)

This course aims to build confidence in listening, talking, reading and writing in French, while helping pupils to understand more about the wider French-speaking world.

S2 French

In S2, pupils continue their learning in French, building on the foundations from S1. The focus is on developing skills within Third Level benchmarks. Pupils also begin to extend their learning by tackling more complex language, such as giving opinions with reasons, using a wider range of vocabulary, and starting to use different tenses with more confidence.

By the end of S2, most pupils will have made good progress through Third Level, and some will already have fully achieved Third Level outcomes.

Topics studied in S2 include:

·       Shopping and eating out

·       Technology

·       Free time

·       The environment

This course aims to help pupils use French in a variety of practical, real-life contexts while continuing to build confidence in listening, talking, reading and writing. Pupils will be given a recommendation for their S3 study based on how they perform throughout S1 and S2.

S3 French

In S3, pupils who have coped well with French throughout S1 and S2 and who have already achieved, or are close to achieving, Third Level can choose to continue with French. The focus in this course is on working through the Third and Fourth Level benchmarks, building greater accuracy and confidence in using the language.

By the end of S3, most pupils will have achieved Third Level and will be making significant progress towards Fourth Level.

Topics studied in S3 include:

·       House and home area

·       Holidays

This course aims to prepare pupils for moving into the senior phase, developing the skills needed to succeed at National 5.

S3 Spanish and German (Fast Track)

In S3, some pupils begin learning Spanish or German as a new language. These are intensive courses designed for pupils who have already achieved third level in S2. They can be studied on their own or alongside French.

The courses make good use of pupils’ existing knowledge of French and their ability to “think like a linguist,” helping them to recognise patterns and connections across languages. This allows pupils to cover the Second Level benchmarks quickly before moving on to Third and Fourth Level.

Topics covered include:

·       Family

·       Home Area

·       School

·       Hobbies

·       Food

By the end of S3, most pupils will have achieved Third Level and will be making strong progress towards Fourth Level. While progress can seem slower at the very beginning of the course due to the need to cover essential vocabulary and structures, pupils move on rapidly and typically go on to do very well at National 5 level.

S3 German (Beginners)

In S3, pupils who are still developing their skills at Third Level have the option to take our beginners’ German course. This course works at a slower pace and places less emphasis on grammar, while still giving pupils a strong foundation in the language.

Learning focuses on covering the Second and Third Level benchmarks, helping pupils to build confidence in using German for everyday topics.

Topics covered include:

·       Family

·       Home Area

·       School

·       Hobbies

 Pupils also work towards the Languages for Life and Work Award at third level.

By the end of S3, pupils will have made good progress through Third Level, preparing them to continue with German into the senior phase and work towards National 4 in S4.

S3 Languages for Life

In S3, some pupils follow our Languages for Life course. This pathway is designed for pupils who need to further develop their overall literacy skills and is most suitable for those who are unlikely to achieve the Third Level languages benchmarks.

Pupils experience a range of different languages, with the focus on making links with English, spotting patterns, and developing intercultural awareness. The course helps pupils to strengthen their confidence with language in general while also building important skills for life and learning.

Pupils work towards achieving National 2 “Life in Another Country” units. Some pupils will also achieve the Languages for Life and Work Award at third level.

By the end of S3, pupils will be well prepared to continue into the senior phase, working towards National 3 or, in some cases, National 4.