S1 Modern languages (Third level / Fourth level): What to Teach (Scotland)
Your Teacher Information Pack for S1 Modern languages (Third level / Fourth level) in Scotland: the curriculum structure, our short summaries with links to the official wording, and key dates.
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- Country
- Scotland
- Stage
- S1
- Level
- Third level
- Ages
- 11–12
- Source
- Curriculum for Excellence – experiences and outcomes (broad general education)
- Last checked
- 2026-10-20
Usually S1–S3 (third and fourth levels are both covered in S1–S3) (a guide, not a fixed year group). Roughly US Grades 7–9 (approximate).
Curriculum for Excellence levels are a guide, not year groups: learners move through levels at their own pace. Third and fourth levels are both covered in S1–S3; schools decide the pace.
Plan the whole year: open this course in the Year Planner – every lesson dated around your term dates, with a coverage check. Free.
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What to teach
Below are the experiences and outcomes with their official codes, in our own short summaries. Each code links to the official document.
Third level
Listening and talking: Listening for information
- MLAN 3-01a Understands longer familiar language from varied sources and speakers.
Listening and talking: Listening and talking with others
- MLAN 3-02a Responds in mainly predictable, extended conversations.
- MLAN 3-03a Shares opinions and experiences in prepared conversations, giving simple reasons.
- MLAN 3-04a Supports conversations by asking for help, repetition, and simple questions.
- MLAN 3-05a Joins structured role plays in realistic contexts, mainly in target-language countries.
Listening and talking: Organising and using information
- MLAN 3-06a Helps plan and prepare short group talks on personal or cultural topics.
- MLAN 3-06b Delivers an individual presentation in the target language using media.
Listening and talking: Using knowledge about language
- MLAN 3-07a Applies intonation and pronunciation to speak clearly and read aloud accurately.
Reading: Finding and using information
- MLAN 3-08a Understands more complex texts containing both familiar and unfamiliar language.
Reading: Reading to appreciate other cultures
- MLAN 3-09a Explores texts and shows knowledge of life and culture in target countries.
Reading: Reading for interest and enjoyment
- MLAN 3-10a Selects and reads longer imaginative texts in prose and poetry for enjoyment.
Reading: Using knowledge about language
- MLAN 3-11a Uses a bilingual dictionary independently to understand new language.
- MLAN 3-11b Recognises word features to understand vocabulary and connections between words.
Writing: Organising and using information
- MLAN 3-12a Uses support and chosen reference materials to plan engaging writing, using ICT.
Writing: Writing
- MLAN 3-13a Creates extended written information about self, others, experiences, or chosen topics.
- MLAN 3-13b Expresses opinions in writing, with straightforward reasons.
Writing: Using knowledge about language
- MLAN 3-14a Checks writing accuracy using language knowledge, support, and reference materials.
Fourth level
Listening and talking: Listening for information
- MLAN 4-01a Understands complex, less predictable language from unfamiliar speakers.
Listening and talking: Listening and talking with others
- MLAN 4-02a Responds in extended, less predictable conversations with fluent speakers.
- MLAN 4-03a Holds detailed conversations using varied structures, opinions, feelings, and reasons.
- MLAN 4-04a Starts, supports, and sustains conversations through relevant questions and help-seeking.
- MLAN 4-05a Prepares open-ended role plays in varied realistic contexts, at home and abroad.
Listening and talking: Organising and using information
- MLAN 4-06a Plans, prepares, and delivers an individual presentation on chosen or cultural topics.
Listening and talking: Using knowledge about language
- MLAN 4-07a Pronounces and reads familiar and unfamiliar words and texts aloud with accuracy.
Reading: Finding and using information
- MLAN 4-08a Independently reads detailed texts with complex language and a range of tenses.
Reading: Reading to appreciate other cultures
- MLAN 4-09a Researches texts and shows understanding of different cultures and worldviews.
Reading: Reading for interest and enjoyment
- MLAN 4-10a Selects and reads detailed texts with complex and unfamiliar language for enjoyment.
Reading: Using knowledge about language
- MLAN 4-11a Uses language knowledge and strategies to analyse detailed texts with complex structures.
Writing: Organising and using information
- MLAN 4-12a Uses support and chosen reference materials to plan engaging writing, using ICT.
Writing: Writing
- MLAN 4-13a Writes extensively on varied topics, using varied structures, tenses, and linking words.
- MLAN 4-13b Writes about experiences, feelings, and opinions, giving reasons for them.
Writing: Using knowledge about language
- MLAN 4-14a Takes responsibility for writing accuracy in structure, spelling, and punctuation.
Assessments and key dates
Qualifications Scotland exams 2027: Mon, 26 April 2027 to Thu, 3 June 2027 (timetable). There are no national tests of curriculum levels; teachers judge progress using the Benchmarks.
Official documents
Trusted free resources
- Education Scotland – the official curriculum site.
- BBC Bitesize – videos and quizzes by nation and stage.
Links only: we don't copy their content and we aren't connected to these organisations.
More packs
Modern languages – First level · Modern languages – Second level · Modern languages – Third level · Modern languages – Fourth level · P2 Modern languages · P3 Modern languages · P4 Modern languages · P5 Modern languages · All Scotland packs · Find another TIP
Codes and structure from Curriculum for Excellence experiences and outcomes and Benchmarks, Education Scotland (Crown copyright). Summaries are Classfern's own words – always read the official wording via the link.
No official wording is reproduced: codes and structure are facts, and the short descriptions are our own summaries. Always read the official wording via the links. Checked on 2026-10-20.
Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by Education Scotland, Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA) or the Scottish Government.