The methods used are a blend of what is best in old and new. Although our approach is basically communicative, traditional grammar is also taught, but as a means to an end rather than an end in itself. Extensive use is made of all available audio-visual materials. The Department regularly organises a trip to Paris for senior pupils to reinforce historical and cultural aspects of their courses. The course is topic-based and includes such areas as:

1. Family life
2. Leisure
3. Holidays
4. Geographical surroundings.
5. School
6. The environment

Pupils complete longer pieces of written work in preparation for the written French paper, and expand the scope of their oral communication by working on role plays, extended reports and presentations. Reading and listening techniques are also practised extensively.

Pupils sit papers in the four skill areas of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, all of which are equally weighted. They are not required to complete a coursework assignment.

Like all languages, GCSE French is a demanding course, but we hope an enjoyable and rewarding one. After all, France is an important country, both in European and in world terms, and a good working knowledge of the language is becoming increasingly valuable.

Those who wish to continue with French beyond GCSE may take the Higher in the Sixths and then AS-Level and A-Level in the Sevenths.

Pupils use materials which deal with various aspects of contemporary Germany. The course is rewarding, but demanding - close attention to detail, perseverance, and above all a commitment to language-learning are called for. Traditional grammar, audio-visual methods, and communicative teaching approaches are all used extensively.

The course is topic-based and includes such areas as: Family life. Leisure, Holidays, Geographical surroundings, School, The environment. Pupils are strongly recommended to spend some time in Germany. We particularly encourage members of the Thirds to take part in the exchange with our partner school in Münstermaifeld, and private visits and exchanges can also be arranged by the Department.

Pupils complete longer pieces of written work in preparation for the written German paper, and expand the scope of their oral communication by working on role plays, extended reports and presentations. Reading and listening techniques are also practised extensively.

Pupils sit papers in the four skill areas of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, all of which are equally weighted. They are not required to complete a coursework assignment.

Those continuing with German beyond GCSE may take Scottish Higher in the Sixths and A-Level in the Sevenths.

Topic areas for Standard Grade are similar to those in the GCSE syllabus, covering areas such as: family life, leisure, holidays, geographical surroundings, school and the environment.

Successful completion of the Standard Grade could lead to study at Higher level. Competence in a foreign language involves hard work, but the effort is well worth it - communication in a foreign language is a rewarding and important skill and, in an era of increasing globalization, linguistic ability can greatly enhance employment prospects.

All four skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Listening – are assessed.

1. Reading and Listening are assessed by an external examination, set and marked by SQA.

2. Writing is performed internally under controlled conditions, but marked externally.

3. Speaking is assessed in school by teachers, but passed to external examiners for verification.

In the calculation of the overall award, Speaking and Reading are given twice as much weight as Writing and Listening.