The Modern languages department at Dunottar strives to provide a high-quality language experience for our pupils.
The department boasts expertise and an environment where pupils value and enjoy languages. They are also provided with opportunities to gain insight into other cultures and ways of life through our trips to France and Spain at KS4.
As a department, we support our pupils with an open-door policy, but also encourage them to become independent and inquisitive, qualities that are essential for all successful linguists. We aim to continually improve the language experience for our pupils and to give leadership opportunities for those who are keen on reinforcing the importance of learning a language amongst their peers through our Language Leader programme.
Integrating iPads into our teaching and learning has helped us develop practical ways to improve learning in the MFL classroom. Apps such as BookCreator, Clips and VoiceRecordPro, enhance our learners’ confidence to use languages orally and enable pupils to be creative and immerse themselves in the target language. We also use a wide range of language learning applications to support learning at home.
Outside of the classroom, we offer a thriving programme of clubs and activities to enhance pupils love and enjoyment of foreign languages, including:
In Years 7 and 8, pupils have the opportunity to study two languages: French and Spanish, for three lessons a fortnight, per language. At the end of Year 8, pupils chose between French and Spanish, with a few students taking the opportunity to study both to GCSE.
In Year 9, an emphasis on grammar and securing more advanced knowledge, especially in productive skills, will constitute the basis of their future success for our GCSE pupils.
Every year we host Languages Week, a diverse celebration of the cultural influences that make learning a new language so exciting.
Aside from our annual Languages Bake off in support of Macmillan Cancer Research, past activities have included lunchtime language sessions in languages such as Russian, German and Italian, and visits from Theatre groups in both French and Spanish.
