French/Spanish – Senior Phase

From S4, pupils can opt to study one or both Modern Languages at National 4, National 5 or Higher level, depending on their attainment in the language by the end of the BGE. Pupils who are working at 3rd Level by the end of the Junior Stage can study the language of their choice at National 4 level, while pupils who have attained 4th Level should opt for National 5. Pupils are expected to be working above 4th Level before embarking on the Higher course in order to cope with the level of challenge of the course. Recommended entry for Advanced Higher is an A pass at Higher level.

Jump to:
National Level
Higher
Advanced Higher

National 4-5 French/Spanish

As part of their studies at National level, pupils will continue to develop their linguistic skills in Reading and Listening (Understanding Language Unit) as well as Talking and Writing (Using Language Unit), while covering the broad contexts of Society, Culture, Learning and Employability. These will include the following topics:

1. Society

  • Healthy Lifestyles
  • Media
  • Relationships

2. Culture

  • Travelling
  • Spanish/French Films
  • Literature
  • Traditions

3. Learning

  • Education
  • Current & Future Studies

4. Employability

  • Jobs & Future Plans
  • Work & CV

National 5 Modern Languages Courses develop literacy skills by giving learners opportunities to read, listen, talk and write in a modern language and to reflect on how this relates to English.

The Course provides flexibility, personalisation and choice to enable learners to achieve in different ways and at a different pace.

The Course provides learners with the opportunity to:

  • develop skills in reading, listening, talking and writing, essential for learning, work and life
  • use language to communicate ideas and information
  • use different media effectively for learning and communication
  • enhance their enjoyment and their understanding of their own and other cultures
  • develop understanding of how language works
  • explore the interconnected nature of languages
  • develop independent learning
  • develop generic skills such as working with others, research skills, presenting information and ICT skills

Higher French/Spanish

The Higher Modern Languages course will focus on developing the students’ ability to read, listen, talk and write in a Modern Language, in other words to understand and use a Modern Language. Learners will also develop the language skills of translation, and apply grammatical knowledge and understanding.

This Higher Modern Languages course is made up of two mandatory Units:

Modern Languages: Understanding Language (Higher)
The purpose of this Unit is to develop and extend reading and listening skills in the Modern Language, and to develop their knowledge and understanding of detailed and complex language in the contexts of Society, Learning, Employability, and Culture.

Modern Languages: Using Language (Higher)
The purpose of this Unit is to develop and extend talking and writing skills in the Modern Language, and to develop their knowledge and understanding of detailed and complex language in the contexts of Society, Learning, Employability, and Culture.

For entry to this course, students are expected to have achieved an A or B pass at National 5 or equivalent

Advanced Higher French/Spanish

The aim of this course is to allow students to further develop their existing ability in the four language skill areas of Listening, Talking, Reading and Writing, leading to greater fluency, sophistication and accuracy in the language and a wider knowledge of French literature and culture.

For entry into this course, students are expected to have achieved a Grade A at Higher or equivalent.

This Course is made up of 3 mandatory units:

Understanding and Using Language Units
The purpose of these 2 units is to provide students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of cultural and topical issues in the relevant country/countries in the contexts of society, learning, employability, and culture. Students will develop the skills needed to understand and use a Modern Language in a wide range of contexts and increase their language proficiency, while enjoying opportunities to discuss, compare and contrast a number of topical issues.

Specialist Study
This unit will provide students with the opportunities to develop analytical and evaluative skills through the study of complex literary or media texts in the Modern Language. The main focus of this unit will be to develop students’ Writing skills.