Modern Languages
Language is a central element of the curriculum. Through language young people receive much of their knowledge and develop and express their own personal understanding. From the earliest stages, learning experiences in Modern Languages develop and enhance the essential skills of literacy, personal and interpersonal skills, communication and ICT skills, and working with others. Equally importantly, Modern Languages learning activities encourage young people to take responsibility for their own learning, to assess their own strengths and weaknesses and to develop an awareness of the needs of others.
Language is an essential skill for the workplace. Communicating with others is becoming ever more important in a world where global trade, business, travel and ICT are now part of everyday life. In the world of international trade and business, young people in Scotland must be equipped with the skills that will allow them to take advantage of the opportunities that exist for those with sound language abilities. Therefore, all pupils (exceptions being pupils with severe SEN) should study at least one Modern Language from Junior school and throughout the Secondary school until at least S3 or whenever a pupil can gain an external qualification.
At Belmont House
FRENCH is introduced at Junior 1 level
GERMAN is introduced at Transitus level
SPANISH is introduced for Senior pupils at S4/5
Extra Curricular Activities
The Modern Languages Department encourages pupils to use the skills they have acquired in their learning of other languages in areas outwith academic examinations.
The Department encourages pupils to enter for various competitions such as the Rotary Club International Public Speaking Competition, and The University of St Andrews German Speaking Competition. We encourage students of all ages to submit written entries to national competitions such as the SALT 'Poster' competition and those run by the Goethe Institut or Alliance Française.
The Department takes pupils at all stages within the school to view films and theatrical productions in the foreign languages they study.
S5 / S6 pupils attend the annual international debate held at Herriot Watt University and run by the School of Translation and Interpreting. Here they can appreciate the importance of languages put to actual use. In Session 2004-05 we arranged for an Interpreter from the European Parliament to come to the school and demonstrate what her role entails. We are looking forward to her return visit.
Extended trips abroad have been organised and supported by the Department, and various trips are available to pupils when appropriate.
We encourage individuals to participate in exchanges whenever possible.