INTRODUCTION
Introduction
These resources have been created in an attempt to address the general
difficulty being encountered by teachers in guiding their A dvanced Higher
students towards decent, ‘meaty’ background topics for the Extended Reading
and Viewing options.
The background topic represents 15 marks out of 30 available for the folio.
The folio, in turn, represents 30 of a total 200 possible for the entire
Advanced Higher course (including all external and internal components ), ie
15% of the course. It is therefore worth doing well and can serve the student
in other areas.
For example, apart from the folio, it can be used for a speaking NAB, the
Extended Reading and Viewing NAB (which must be completed in the target
language) and as a topic for the extended oral exam in front of a visiting
examiner.
My past experience as a visiting examiner has also convinced me of the need
to offer a more structured approach to the background topic. On many
occasions I was confronted with candidates unwilling or unprepared f or a
meaningful discussion of the background topic.
La Grande Guerre is a vast topic that is still very relevant and poignant
today. I have based these resources on one study – ‘Fusillés pour l’exemple’
– where Général Bach offers a vast amount of evidence to dispel the myth
about the French state’s execution of her own troops.
It is commonly believed that the majority of these executions were due to the
Verdun mutinies. However, in 16 months – from September 1914 to 1915 –
France executed nearly 430 of her own soldiers. Yet the total number for the
whole of the conflict was slightly more than 600!
An analysis of these executions, through carefully chosen original texts
(unabridged) from Général Bach’s comprehensive study, will open the
student’s mind to the many issues evoked.
Through studying these extracts in various formats – reading comprehension
and translation, listening, suggested speaking and writing exercises – the
student will acquire practice in exam technique for the various internal and
external exams.
Furthermore, students should also improve and extend their linguistic skills
and gain an authentic insight into a critical period of European history.
EXTENDED READING/VIEWING (AH, FRENCH) 1
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2010
INTRODUCTION
Certain tasks will require the student to research authentic French websites to
summarise events and analyse the roles of different characters. An
interdisciplinary Curriculum for Excellence approach will be encouraged to
foster independent learning – an indispensable skill for the serious future
university student of any discipline.
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EXTENDED READING/VIEWING (AH, FRENCH)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2010