1. COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SERVICE Languages and Culture Program

2. Content LCP History Pupils Staff Syllabus Cultural Awareness Sample Lesson Feedback p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 P6-11 p12

3. LCP History Date established The Language and Culture program was established in October 2013, creating a link between the Modern Languages Department and Williamwood Communication Services. Aim The aim of this program is to create experiences which will extend pupils’ knowledge of different countries and cultures as well as arouse their curiosity. This program consist of delivering a stimulating and engaging series of lessons for ASD pupils by introducing them to a new aspect of their curriculum; Modern Foreign Languages. Content Pupils are introduced to French culture and vocabulary in their first year, followed by Spanish culture and vocabulary in their second. The lessons are mainly focussed on the delivery of new vocabulary at beginners level which naturally lends itself to the introduction of cultural aspects of each particular country. In order to facilitate this we make effective and appropriate use of pupil/parent friendly interactive websites such as linguascope, zut!, games, songs and videos. 1

4. Pupils accessing the service Pupils accessing the Communication Support Service (CSS) within Williamwood High School are those who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Autism Spectrum is the collective term for a range of conditions that impact on the development, learning, processing and perceptions of individuals. Pupils accessing this service typically have challenges with aspects of understanding social communication, social interaction and social imagination. Pupils are based within classrooms within the CSS for the majority of their timetable, where they work on core subjects, English, Maths and Social Skills. They also have the opportunity to access mainstream classes throughout the school including P.E, Art, F&TT, and ICT. 2

5. Staff The number of staff working within the LCP are as follows: 2 Support for Learning Teachers – G. Laird E. Spratt 2 PSA - variable 1 French Teacher - N. Varenne 1 Spanish Teacher - S. Nicol 3 Pupils accessing the service

6. Cultural awareness The study of a modern language has a unique contribution to make to the development of cultural awareness as it provides children and young people with a means of communicating directly with people from different cultures, enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of other cultures and of their own. They gain insights into other ways of thinking and other views of the world and therefore develop a much richer understanding of active citizenship. Cultural inputs introduced throughout the year include Christmas, Easter and celebrated festivals. In order to make the language learning as active as possible, the LCP has led to interdisciplinary learning with the Food and Textile Technology Department through projects such as “Pancake Day” and the creation of “Ratatouille” or “Tortilla”. The LCP also consider the realisation of projects a great opportunity for the pupils to broaden their knowledge of the country. Indeed, with projects such as “My city” they develop their research skills to find out about their selected city and thus extending their communicative competence as they deliver their presentation in front of the class. 4

7. Syllabus Basic vocabulary is introduced through the year covering several topics as well as linking with cultural input. Topics developed: Greeting Numbers Days of the week Months of the year Weather Classroom objects Colours Family Pet Parts of the body Clothes Food Countries/Nationalities 5

8. Lessons The lessons are adaptable from one language to another thanks to the introduction of basic vocabulary and a set structure. Each lesson is planned using consistent routines to lower pupils' anxiety and increase their ability to function independently in the classroom. Transition activities are set up for pupils to do when they have finished with their assigned tasks. Visual reminders of transition activities are also here to help and guide the child through the lesson comfortably. French Spanish 6

9. Sample Lesson Part 1 – Vocabulary introduction Access vocabulary, focussing on pronunciation, pointing out cognates, using cover and check method. 7

10. Sample Lesson Part 2 – Vocabulary reinforcement Vocabulary reinforcement through different activities such as flashcards, domino game, group challenge Mondayjeudi Thursdaydimanche Sundayvendredi Pronunciation exercise correction under the black box 8

11. Sample Lesson Part 3 – Interactive learning Smart board based activities using appropriate websites as a support, reinforcing all 4 skills. 9

12. Sample Lesson Part 4 – using vocabulary in context This penultimate section of the lesson requires pupils to use the vocabulary learnt throughout the lesson. This enables the pupils to settle and work on an independent basis. 10

13. Sample Lesson Part 5 – Multimedia Plenary Media plays a huge role in the introduction of new vocabulary as the pupils thoroughly enjoy and respond very well to music and sound and visual stimulus. Therefore, the last few minutes of the lesson are set aside for either a song or a video which makes reference to the topic of study. 11

14. Feedback 12 Since the creation of this program, the feedback from both pupils and staff has been extremely positive.