Modern Languages
Welcome to the Modern Languages Department!
At Mearns, we believe that learning a new language opens doors to a world of opportunities. In the Modern Languages Department, we are passionate about helping our students become confident, ambitious, and culturally aware global citizens with well-developed essential communication skills.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Bienvenue! ¡Bienvenidos!
Broad General Education
At Mearns Academy S1 to S3 pupils will study French with a term of Spanish. Throughout this time various topics will be covered such as personal descriptions, health, eating out and school. Pupils will assess on understanding language and using language in a variety of ways to suit each topic from group role plays to traditional reading and listening assessments.
S1-S3
Throughout S1 students will learn and revise basics such as numbers and introductions as well as learning new grammatical concepts, for example regular verbs in the present tense. They will also learn how to write paragraphs on their home area and school, discuss their preferences when it comes to sport, and will be part of a group project called the band project where in which they will create a band memeber and describe them in French.
Throughout S2, students will develop their skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking by completing a short project on wild animals, learning how to describe and order food and learning what to do if you become ill and need medicine. Second Years will be assessed on their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills at various point throughout the course.
Throughout S3, students will further develop their skills and begin work towards gaining a National Qualification in French. They will also have a taster term of Spanish language.
Senior Phase
In the Mearns Academy Senior phase there are courses available in French and Spanish. Mearns Academy currently offers its senior students’ courses in N5 French and Spanish, Higher French and Spanish and YASS courses in both French and Spanish at various levels.
National 5 French:
Throughout this course students will further develop their listening, talking, writing and reading skills. It has two mandatory units: Understanding Language and Using Language. Pupils will be assessed on four contexts: society, learning, employability and culture. The exam itself is made up of 5 components. 120 marks overall.
There are three exam question papers:
Reading – 30 marks, 25%
Directed Writing – 20 marks, 12.5%
Listening – 20 marks, 25%
Plus two assessments completed in class but assessed by the SQA
A Writing Assignment- 20 marks, 12.5%
A Speaking Assessment- 30 marks, 25%
National 5 Spanish:
This is a crash course. Throughout this course students will develop their listening, talking, writing and reading skills. It has two mandatory units: Understanding Language and Using Language. Pupils will be assessed on four contexts: society, learning, employability and culture. The exam itself is made up of components. 120 There are three exam question papers:
Reading – 30 marks, 25%
Directed Writing – 20 marks, 12.5%
Listening – 20 marks, 25%
Plus two assessments completed in class but assessed by the SQA
A Writing Assignment- 20 marks, 12.5%
A Speaking Assessment- 30 marks, 25%
Higher French:
Throughout this course pupils will progress their understanding of French towards more detailed and complex language, and further develop their reading, listening, writing and talking skills in the French language. The course contributes towards the development of literacy skills by providing learners with opportunities to read, listen, talk and write in French, and to on reflect how this relates to English. Pupils will be assessed on four contexts: Society, learning, employability and culture. The exam itself is made up of 5 components. 120 marks overall.
There are three exam question papers:
Reading – 30 marks, 25%
Directed Writing – 20 marks, 12.5%
Listening – 20 marks, 25%
Plus two assessments completed in class but assessed by the SQA
A Writing Assignment- 20 marks, 12.5%
A Speaking Assessment- 30 marks, 25%
While entry to the course or units will be at the discretion of the principal teacher, pupils will normally be expected to have attained:
N5 at Grades A or B at French.
N5 at Grades A or B at English.
Higher Spanish:
For most pupils, this will also be a crash course. Throughout this course pupils will progress their understanding of Spanish towards more detailed and complex language, and further develop their reading, listening, writing and talking skills in the Spanish language. The course contributes towards the development of literacy skills and provides learners with opportunities to read, listen, talk and write in Spanish, and to on how this relates to English. Pupils will be assessed on four contexts: Society, learning, employability and culture. The exam itself is made up of 5 components. 120 marks overall.
There are three exam question papers:
Reading – 30 marks, 25%
Directed Writing – 20 marks, 12.5%
Listening – 20 marks, 25%
Plus two assessments completed in class but assessed by the SQA
A Writing Assignment- 20 marks, 12.5%
A Speaking Assessment- 30 marks, 25%
While entry to the course or units will be at the discretion of the principal teacher, pupils will normally be expected to have attained:
N5 at Grades A or B at Spanish and/or French
N5 at Grades A or B at English
Supported Study Sessions
Information on Supported Study Sessions for the Modern Languages department is noted below but should be checked on our Supported Study webpage
Tuesdays 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Wednesdays 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Modern Languages Resources / Websites
Pathways / Careers Links
Studying modern languages can significantly boost your career in several ways:
1. Increased Employability and Job Opportunities: Global Companies: Many multinational companies prefer bilingual or multilingual employees for roles in international sales, marketing, customer support, and management. Travel and Tourism: Fluency in foreign languages is highly valued in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Diplomacy and International Relations: Careers in diplomacy, international organizations (like the UN or EU), and NGOs often require proficiency in multiple languages.
2. Higher Earning Potential: Bilingual or multilingual employees often earn higher salaries. For instance, in engineering, finance, and tech sectors.
3. Enhanced Communication Skills: Learning new languages improves overall communication skills, including listening, speaking, and writing, which are valuable in any profession.
4. Cultural Awareness and Adaptability: Understanding different cultures makes you more adaptable in international work environments, improving teamwork and leadership in multicultural settings.
5. Networking Opportunities: Speaking more languages widens your networking circle, enabling connections with international clients, partners, or colleagues.
6. Cognitive and Analytical Benefits: Multilingualism enhances problem-solving skills, creativity, and multitasking abilities.
7. Career Flexibility and Mobility: You can work or relocate to different countries more easily, expanding your career horizons.
8. Specialized Careers Directly Using Languages: Translation and Interpretation, Language Teaching and Tutoring, International Marketing, Journalism and Media