The teaching and learning approaches used in modern languages in both primary and early secondary should guarantee continuity and progression in young people’s learning and help to:
establish by the end of primary school a solid foundation for the lifelong learning of modern languages
promote enjoyment, for example through games, stories, poems, songs and interesting/stimulating tasks, and an awareness of the features of countries where the new language is spoken
ensure a smooth and coherent transition from P7 into S1 with secondary experience building on what has been covered and on the teaching strategies
develop a firm foundation in language learning which allows opportunities for young people to learn, if they choose, additional languages later.
The Curriculum for Excellence modern languages framework encourages teachers to acknowledge the need for well-planned and effectively delivered transition arrangements to support the implementation of the purposes and principles of Curriculum for Excellence. Teachers from both the primary and secondary sectors agree that partnership and collaboration are essential to ensure effective cross-sector transition.
This project illustrates one approach that St Thomas of Aquin's High School in Edinburgh and its associated primary schools collaborate to ensure a smooth and coherent transition from P7 to S1. In doing so, the project emphasises the importance of building relationships between staff and pupils in primary and secondary sectors.
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