The Modern Languages Department includes French, German, and Spanish.
Aims & Objectives of Modern Languages Department
To offer education of the highest quality toallpupils who come to our department
To encourage all our pupils to become responsible global citizens and effective contributors to their society through their learning of foreign languages and cultures
To build on pupils’ previous knowledge and develop their skills to become successful learners and enable them to achieve their potential
To make pupils aware of our high expectations by setting appropriate targets taking into account their individual learning styles and needs
To create strong, positive relationships and foster an ethos where pupils flourish and become confident individuals
To create strong, positive links between school, home and the local community
To promote a safe and protective environment where all pupils and staff feel valued and their contributions are recognised
In the Modern Languages Department, topics are similar across all subjects. These topics include:
S1 - Pets, numbers, colours, family, where you live, school and free time
S2 - My house, plans, family, illnesses, and food
S3 - Daily routine, free time, holidays, health, food and family relationships
S4 - Homework, school, future plans and part-time jobs
S5/6 - Society, learning, employability, culture, travel and film evaluation
From S1 to S6 we endeavour to make pupils appreciate the skills they are developing for life after school too. The relevance of language learning is inherent to all our courses. Pupils participate in a wide range of activities for the European Day of Languages as well as in numerous IDL projects and events with outside agencies. Trips and exchange visits also play am important role in our work.
We are delighted to announce that Bishopbriggs Academy won a Gold Award in the SCILT Scottish Languages Employability Awards.
The Scottish Languages Employability Award (SLEA) helps schools and businesses to build partnerships through languages in order to develop young people’s learning about the world of work and the value of language skills.
To read about the award and view the films written, created and produced by the pupils, visit the SCILT website.
On 20thJune 2008 a unique partnership was formed between Bishopbriggs Academy and the Federal Government of Germany. The only school in Scotland to be selected, we are now part of Schulen: Partner der Zukunft, (Schools: Partners for the Future) enabling our young people to make connections with students in over 1,000 schools across the globe. With the support of our colleagues from the Goethe Institut, departments have worked together to promote the learning and teaching of German and explore German culture.
Pupils have had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities including trips to Germany to develop language and sports skills, German careers fairs, undertaking Maths in German and meeting German author, Ronald Reng.
Click on the links below to access resources associated with the German Partnership and the Goethe Institut:
Bishopbriggs Academy celebrated their ten-year partnership anniversary with the Goethe Institut on Thursday 11th October 2018 by hosting a commemorative celebration event. This showcased not only the German linguistic flair and experiences of pupils, past and present (through testimonial videos and slideshow presentations) but also the amazing range of talent of our young people in the field of expressive arts. Our wonderful newly formed wind band put in a dazzling debut public performance and Beth Taylor sang beautifully in both German and Scots; both accompanied by the multi-talented Mr Gordon. Jack Davison gave a powerful dramatic performance of a monologue from the Goethe funded theatre production that senior German pupils had recently attended. The piece was confidently introduced by Uthman Mehmood who summarised Jack’s performance in English. S1 pupils also paired up with an S4 partner to deliver their quirky take on what partnership meant to them in both German and English.
This event was enjoyed by our S1 and S2 German pupils, former pupils and colleagues from both Bishopbriggs Academy and the Goethe Institut, representatives from Education Scotland, East Dunbartonshire Council and Members of the Scottish Parliament. Jens-Peter Voss from the German Consulate in Edinburgh and Hans-Georg Thönges, Head of the Goethe Institut in Glasgow, both voiced their admiration for our pupils alongside their sincere hopes for our continued partnership. Master of Ceremonies, Mr Moulsdale, who had opened proceedings with a heartfelt welcome in word-perfect German, was delighted to accept an exquisite commemorative plaque from Herr Voss.
