Language Works!

Pupils at MHS took part in a Languages Work event designed to give them a better understanding of the need for foreign languages in the workplace. 

Pupils heard first hand from workers from abroad who are using languages in their jobs and have the opportunity to examine some of the reasons for the need for language skills. 

The pupils then had to put their language skills into action in different work settings with French visitors for whom these skills are an everyday necessity.  Pupils will be involved in forming a new company and performing a number of tasks: an interview in a foreign language; book train and hotel reservations at a Tourist desk; meet and entertain a visiting foreign representative; make up a slogan on the theme of ‘Languages Work’; and complete a quiz based on information from foreign notice boards.

We are very grateful to our visitors from - Scottish Crop Research Institute in Invergowrie, Dundee United FC, University of Dundee and Dundee school’s foreign language assistants.

The pupils were assisted by senior pupils, their teachers and school language assistants with their tasks and were scored on each task.

The day was organised by Principal Teacher Joanne Hynie and Modern Languages staff: Richard Cant, Gillian Macrosson and Elsa Seulin with the assistance of Dundee City Council Determined to Succeed staff tutors Sharon Neilson and Shona McKnight.  This initiative has been created at Menzieshill and will now be tried in other schools.

Head Teacher, George Laidlaw said “I was delighted to see this preparation being done with our pupils for their exams.  It is good to see the relevance of school work being brought to life for pupils in such a practical way.”