Modern Languages
Induction
Higher
4747
Spring 1999
HIGHER STILL
Modern
Languages
Induction
Higher
Support Materials


CONTENTS
Introduction
Student Question and Answer
Appendix A - Internal Assessment Overview
Appendix B - Summary of Course Assessment
Appendix C - Difference between Internal and External Assessment
Appendix D - Sample Departmental Induction Booklet
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
1
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
2
INTRODUCTION
This Induction pack is intended to be part of any induction programme for students
embarking upon the Higher Course in Modern Languages.
It should be used in conjunction with the various Appendices in the Arrangements
Document as reference has sometimes been made to these with suggestions that the
teacher/lecturer might share information with students from:
 List of themes and topics (Appendix 1 of Higher Course)
 Summary of Assessment (Appendix 2 of Higher Course)
 Grammar Grid (Appendix B)
Appendix D of this pack contains a ‘localised’ version of an induction to the Higher
course. The original is an A4 fourteen page spiral-bound booklet. The version in this
pack has had spacing and type size reduced. Clearly the Head of Department has
referred to resources being used within that particular department. Other centres
might wish to customise Appendix D or combine various sections within this
document to produce a support pack which best suits the needs of students.
Customising could include:
 removing reference to optional unit not being offered
 changing any reference to sequence of themes and timings of assessments
 including references to in-house resources
 including references to Support Materials produced by the Higher Still
Development Programme
 amending details with reference to homework assignments
 deleting references to’ teacher’/ ‘lecturer’ as appropriate
 substituting Intermediate 2 information.
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
3
STUDENT QUESTION AND ANSWER
1. What are the entry requirements?
Normally you will have already passed:
 Standard Grade award at grade 1 or 2, including Writing award at grade 1or 2
 Intermediate 2 course award or its component units
2. What are the aims of the Higher Course?
Gaining a course at Higher in a foreign language is an indication that you are able to
use the language independently in confident and flexible ways.
You will develop your skills in speaking, reading, listening and writing to a level of
some sophistication. You will also develop your knowledge of the vocabulary and
structures of the language and of the culture of the countries where the language is
spoken.
3. How does the Higher Course differ from Standard Grade or Intermediate 2?
The Higher course will build on the skills and knowledge of the language which you
have already developed and raise them to a more sophisticated level. Instead of just
stating facts about certain topics you will be required to state opinions and make
evaluations.
You will develop new skills such as:
 spoken presentation
 discussion
 translation
You will also find that more emphasis is placed on the ability to write accurately in
the foreign language.
4. What exactly does the course consist of?
You will have to pass two units and also prepare for external assessments in May/
June.
5. What are the 2 units?
a. The compulsory 80-hour Language unit.
In this unit you will develop and practise your skills in speaking, reading, listening
and writing. The themes covered will be:
 lifestyles
 education & work
 the wider world.
Your teacher/lecturer may share more detail of this with you.
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
4
b. The 40-hour unit which will be either
 Extended Reading/Viewing or
 Language in Work.
Your teacher/lecturer will advise you on which option will be available.
In Extended Reading/Viewing you will:
 read a book or
 read a series of related texts or
 view film, TV or video and read related texts
In Language in Work you will:
 study a series of linked texts on a vocational or work-related theme or
 prepare for and take part in a real or simulated work experience programme abroad
6. How will the Language Unit be assessed?
You will be required to:
 read a text 400-450 words and answer questions in English
 listen up to 3 times to a tape lasting 2-3 minutes and answer questions in English.
(For these two assessments you need to get at least 60% of the marks available.)
 make a spoken presentation on a topic of your choice and take part in a follow-up
discussion
 write 150-200 words (in the foreign language) under specific headings which are
the kind of thing you might put into a CV.
7. When will the assessments take place?
Assessments will be in class, under controlled conditions.
You may be attempting the reading and listening assessments on completing the
first theme. This is likely to be in October. If you do not pass the assessment at the
first attempt, you will be assessed again on completing the next theme.
The speaking and writing assessments require you to cover at least two of the three
themes. Assessments in these two skills will therefore be later on in the session,
probably in February/March.
If you do not pass your writing at the first attempt, your teacher/lecturer will make
notes on your script to help you redraft and improve your performance.
NB. The speaking test also counts towards your external assessment.
If you do not pass your speaking at the first attempt, your teacher/lecturer will give
you some help/advice to help you give a better performance.
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
5
8. How will the Extended Reading/Viewing Unit be assessed?
You will be required to:
 write 100-150 words on the text(s) you have read or the film/TV/video you have
viewed
 give a spoken presentation and take part in a discussion on what you have studied.
These are likely to take place in February/March, on completion of your programme
of study.
If you do not pass your extended reading / viewing at the first attempt, your teacher/
lecturer will make notes on your script to help you redraft and improve your
performance.
9. How will the Language in Work Unit be assessed?
You will be required to:
 give a spoken presentation and take part in a discussion and an interactional task
based on your programme of study
 write a letter (100-150 words) and a message (50-80 words) on a work-related
topic.
These are likely to take place in February/March, on completion of your programme
of study.
If you do not pass your speaking at the first attempt, your teacher/lecturer will make
notes on your script to help you redraft and improve your performance.
There is information on each unit in the Candidate Guide (Section 5) of the
Assessment pack. Your teacher may share that information with you.
10. How do I prepare for the External Assessments?
If you pass all your internal unit assessments, there will be evidence to show that you
are capable of at least a C pass in the external assessments.
In order to consolidate this and aim for a B or A your teacher/lecturer will help you to:
 aim to pass your unit assessments as early as possible in the session so that you
have the maximum time possible to raise the level of your knowledge and skills
 have a firm grasp of all the grammar points outlined as appropriate for Higher.
Your teacher/lecturer may show you a grid outlining the grammar you are expected
to cover.
- develop your translation skills
- be able to understand texts less closely linked to one theme and tapes more
difficult than those in the internal unit assessments
- develop your writing skills
- and get specific practice in essay writing and directed writing tasks.
Appendix B in this document gives a summary of the allocation of marks in the course
assessment.
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
6
11. How do the External Assessments in May/June differ from the Internal Unit
Assessments?
Much of the work will be similar. Appendix C in this document gives a summary of
the main similarities and differences.
12. What advice can you give me on study skills?
 You must realise that it is important to work consistently throughout the session
in order to pass the unit assessments and then start developing the skills necessary
to pass the external assessments. It will be impossible to get the course award by
cramming at the last minute.
 Always revise any texts you have read in class and note new words & phrases in
order to increase your vocabulary. Try to use new words & phrases in your
speaking and writing.
 Always redraft any piece of writing you have had corrected and build up a
folio of your best work. This will help you prepare for both speaking and writing
assessments.
 Record any ‘end-of-topic’ speaking work onto a tape. This will help you
prepare for your speaking test in which you have to cover at least two themes.
 Revise grammar notes regularly and ask your teacher/lecturer for further
explanation or practice of anything you do not understand fully.
13. How much & what kind of homework will I be expected to do?
You can expect to be given a wide variety of homework tasks to do, both as
preparation for and follow-up to classroom activities. These will include:
 reading a text in preparation for a discussion
 preparation for speaking eg thinking out ideas on a given subject for discussion or
preparing a solo talk
 grammar/language work
 essay writing in French
 redrafting written work
 exam-type reading exercises
 listening - your teacher/lecturer may give you tapes to work on at home.
You can expect to have homework to do for each time your Higher class meets. This
may amount to 2-3 hours per week.
14. What happens if I don’t pass all of the internal unit assessments and external
assessments?
You cannot get the full Higher Course award without passing all the internal unit
assessments plus the external assessments. However you will be credited with what
you have achieved.
If you pass the 80 hour Language unit you will already have 2 credits. If you pass the
40 hour optional unit also, you will have another credit.
To complete the course you need to pass the course exam in May. This gives you
another 1 credit, making 4 in total.
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
7
Your record from the examining authority (SQA) will show your unit passes even if
you fail the external assessment. If you choose to re-sit the external assessments the
following year you will not have to re-do any unit assessments you have already
passed. You will be able to concentrate on improving the skills needed in the course
exam. A successful pass in the course exam in that following year means you will be
awarded the course certificate.
The following tables may help to give an overview of the course and where
assessments may fit in. Your teacher may also share with you other information from
the Arrangements document.
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
8
APPENDIX A – INTERNAL ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
Higher course with extended reading/viewing option
CALENDAR TIME/THEMES
LANGUAGE UNIT
(80 HOURS)
OPTIONAL UNIT:
EXTENDED
READING/VIEWING
(40 HOURS)
Block 1
start of course - October
holidays
Assessments in
reading
listening
Theme: Lifestyles
Block 2
October holidays – Xmas
Assessment in
writing
Theme: Education and Work
Reassessment(s) if necessary
reading
listening
Block 3
January – mid March
Assessment in
speaking
Reassessment(s) if necessary
Theme: Wider World
Assessments in
writing
speaking
reading
listening
writing
Block 4
End March – start of SQA
exams
Reassessment(s)
any skill(s) necessary
Reassessment(s)
any skills necessary
NB: Themes refer to Language Unit only
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
9
Higher course with Language in Work option
CALENDAR TIME/THEMES
LANGUAGE UNIT
(80 HOURS)
OPTIONAL UNIT:
LANGUAGE IN WORK
(40 HOURS)
Block 1
start of course - October
holidays
Assessments in
reading
listening
Theme: Lifestyles
Block 2
October holidays – Xmas
Assessment in
writing
Theme: Education and Work
Reassessment(s) if necessary
reading
listening
Block 3
January – mid March
Assessment in
speaking
Reassessment(s) if necessary
Theme: Wider World
Assessments in
speaking
writing
reading
listening
writing
Block 4
End March – start of SQA
exams
Reassessment(s)
any skill(s) necessary
Reassessment(s)
any skills necessary
NB: Themes refer to Language Unit only
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
10
APPENDIX B – SUMMARY OF COURSE ASSESSMENT
Your course Assessment will cover all 4 skills as follows:
SKILL
MARKS ALLOCATED
Listening Paper
20 marks
Writing in response to Listening paper
10* marks
Reading Paper Questions
20 marks
Translation
10 marks
Directed Writing
15* marks
1.Speaking related to Language Unit
25 marks calculated as follows:
Presentation (10 marks)
Discussion (15 marks)
2.Speaking related to Optional Unit
25 marks calculated as follows:
Presentation (10 marks)
Discussion (15 marks)
A mark will go forward for your course
Assessment
This will be the average of your two totals out of
25*.
For example:
Language Unit 15/25
Optional Unit 14/25
Average = 14 ½ out of 25
The total for the whole course assessment is 100 marks:
 25* in total for writing
 25 for speaking
 30 for Reading ( plus translation)
 20 for listening.
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
11
APPENDIX C – DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT (HIGHER)
SKILL
Speaking
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
1 presentation and follow-up discussion on topic of choice
DIFFERENCES
None – Dual Purpose
Presentation and follow-up discussion on chosen option
(NB: Extra Interactional Task in Language in Work unit)
Listening
Reading
Writing
1 text with two speakers on one of the
prescribed themes (3 playing)
1 text with two speakers based on the
prescribed themes (2 playing)

text less closely linked to one theme

one fewer playing
1 text 400–500 words on one of prescribed
themes
1 text 550-650 words

longer text less closely linked to one theme
+ translation section

translation element
1 piece of Supported writing – account of
personal experience 150-200 words (3
sections)
Paper 3
Personal opinion linked to Listening (120
words)
External writing is:
Plus:
EITHER
Paper 2
Directed Writing to stimulus in English (150180 words)

Extended Reading/Viewing unit: writing
to headings which support speaking
presentation (100-150 words)

not supported

has different context, purpose and format.
OR

Language in Work unit:
Practical Writing:
1 letter 100-150 words
1 message 50-80 words
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
12
APPENDIX D
ABOYNE ACADEMY MODERN LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT
YOUR GUIDE TO HIGHER FRENCH
Resources
Which books will you be using?
1. Route nationale 3
2. Route nationale 4
3. Décollage
4. Au revoir, les enfants (script of the film by Louis Malle)
5. 1 other novel or play (which may be of your own choosing)
6. A good dictionary
Which other resources will be useful?
1. A blank vocabulary book for keeping your own lists.
2. A grammar reference book.
3. The usual jotters - but a loose leaf binder may be better to keep worksheets, etc.,
especially if you want to arrange them by topic.
Which main topics will you be studying?
A Lifestyles
 Family, friends & society
 Leisure & healthy living
B Education & Work
 School / college
 Careers
C The Wider World
 Holidays & travel
 Tourism
(These make up the 80 hour mandatory unit)
What else is involved?
1. There is an additional 40 hour unit (the so-called Optional Unit), concentrating on
Extended Reading / Viewing. This is where the books (Au revoir, les enfants plus
another) will fit in. Videos of the book(s) will also be used. You will read Au
revoir, les enfants in class, but you may even study the video of a film in place of
a second book.
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
13
2. The Mandatory and Optional units together come to 120 hours. There is scope for
up to 40 hours ‘Additional Time’. This will not all be in the French classroom,
and includes preparation for external assessment - e.g. Induction days; Prelims,
etc. Time spent in the French classroom will be devoted to a transitional unit,
bridging the gap between Standard Grade and Higher. This will take place in
June, possibly extending until the end of August. The main resource for this will
be Route nationale 3.
How will all of this come together ?
(These timings are very approximate, but will give you a rough idea of the
programme.)
Induction
Lifestyles
Education & Work
The Wider World
Prelims
3-5 weeks
8/9 weeks
8/9 weeks
8/9 weeks
3 weeks
Extended Reading/Viewing
1 period per week throughout the session.
The three topics of the Mandatory Unit in more detail
A
1.











Lifestyles
Family, friends & society
issues in relationships with friends/family
how families work
problems in families
opinions & preferences
role of the individual
dealing with others
social roles
vocational roles
role of women / men
racism / discrimination
advantages / disadvantages of home area
Main sources:
Route nationale 4, chapters 1,2,3 & 11
Supplementary sources:
What will you have to be able to do?
 go beyond factual information to discuss issues relating to home life
 talk/write about disputes concerning where and when you go out and when you
have to be home
 talk/write about roles within your own home or someone else’s
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
14




talk/write about your ideal home
talk/write about your plans for the future
listen to and read about others
react to situations outside your own immediate experience.
2.




Leisure & healthy living
leisure interests
local facilities
health issues
newspapers & magazines.
Main sources:
Route nationale 4, chapters 7&8
Supplementary sources:
What will you have to be able to do?
 go beyond factual information to discuss issues relating to leisure and health
 talk/write about personal interests and past events
 talk/write about facilities available locally - and desirable facilities
 talk/write about reasons for preferring one activity to another
 talk/write about films or TV programmes
 discuss health and fitness - what you do; what you could/should do
 discuss attitudes in society to health issues.
B
1.


Education & Work
School / college
critique of own school
personal achievements to date.
Main sources:
Route nationale 4, chapter 4
Supplementary Sources
What will you have to be able to do?
 go beyond factual information to discuss issues relating to education
 discuss good/bad points in your own school
 offer your suggestions for improvements
 discuss a range of issues relevant to your school - uniform; sports facilities, etc.
 discuss your future educational intentions
 discuss issues such as living at home or away when at college/university
 discuss what you have done to contribute to your personal record of achievement.
2. Careers
 job intentions and aspirations
 employment issues.
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
15
Main sources:
Route nationale 4, chapters 5 & 10
Supplementary Sources:
What will you have to be able to do?
 discuss your future intentions in terms of career options
 express personal reactions to different jobs.
C
1.



The Wider World
Holidays & travel
comparison of types of holiday
past holidays & journeys
ideal holidays.
Main sources:
Route nationale 4, chapter 6
Supplementary Sources:
What will you have to be able to do?
 discuss going on holiday with friends/family
 read about holidays in French-speaking countries
 discuss personal preferences in holiday destinations
 talk & write about incidents from past holidays
 discuss pros and cons of different methods of travel.
2. Tourism
 critique of local area as tourist centre
 areas of interest in French-speaking countries.
Main sources:
Route nationale 4, chapters 9, 11 & 12
Supplementary Sources:
What will you have to be able to do?
In addition to what is already covered in Holidays & Travel:
 give a critique of local area: advantages/disadvantages for various types of visitor,
such as, the young, special interest groups, etc.
 discuss the importance of the tourist industry, locally and elsewhere.
How will you be assessed?
There will be 2 forms of assessment:
1. External
2. Internal
NB The rest of this section has been omitted as the earlier Appendices cover the
information.
Modern Languages Support Materials: Induction (H)
16