Modern Languages and Latin
Pupils at Hutchesons', some of whom are already bilingual, are exposed to foreign languages from an early age. Although pupils in P1 to P4 are not taught foreign languages formally they are encouraged to be aware of them through special assemblies and language-related events held throughout the year. In addition, individual classes are occasionally visited by the Modern Languages teachers based in the primary school, along with their teaching tool, the multi-lingual "Superbär" (Super Bear!).
In P5, pupils have two periods of language during which they learn through written and spoken German using a custom-made Superbär course which consists mainly of cognates. A similar course has been compiled in Italian which concentrates on the many Italian words used in English, particularly in relation to music, food and drink. The use of cognates not only builds confidence and a wide vocabulary base, but also reinforces the links between languages and cultures.
The emphasis in P6 is initially on Spanish and the countries in which it is spoken. Pupils are encouraged to learn phrases which can be used on holiday. This is followed by an introduction to French, mainly exposing pupils to its many unusual and beautiful sounds.
In P7 the work of the previous two years is consolidated and it is hoped that by their last term at Kingarth Street our pupils will be in a position to choose the language best suited to them for secondary school. Having chosen French, German or Spanish, they will usually continue with this language until the end of S4. When making their subject choices towards the end of S2 they may add a second modern language, which they will learn ab initio in S3.
In addition to learning modern foreign languages, pupils in P6 and P7 are taught Latin one period a week from the highly acclaimed Minimus primary course. This teaching is directly linked to our modern language courses.
Throughout their years at Kingarth Street, pupils are made aware of the history, traditions, music, similarities and differences of our near neighbours in mainland Europe and encouraged to share experiences from their own travels.
Hutchesons' innovative Modern Languages programme kicks in when pupils enter Primary 5.