This is through experiencing other cultures and engaging in realistic conversations with other pupils from around the world.
As well as travelling to these destinations, Dollar has also welcomed exchange schools to visit the Academy. Last September, pupils from Northfield School of Buenos Aires, Argentina, visited Dollar. Our visitors gave our pupils a presentation about their country, and also brought some delicious food and drinks for our pupils to taste. This exchange benefitted everyone involved, and Dollar pupils especially enjoyed the ‘mate tea’ that the Argentinians had brought with them.
As no exchanges can currently take place due to COVID-19, Northfield School and Dollar connected virtually in order to create an online exchange, where pupils from both schools could share information about their country and also engage in some language learning.
On Friday 22 May, Form IV Spanish pupils hosted a virtual presentation to Northfield School, where they spoke about Scotland and Scottish culture entirely in Spanish. The Argentinians also did a presentation to Dollar pupils in English, describing their country and culture. They showed our pupils some of the most beautiful locations in Argentina, including the Cataratas of Iguazú and the Glaciar of Perito Moreno.
Form V and VI pupils have also been involved in this, and spoke to pupils from Northfield School through a separate online session.
These sessions have proven to be very enjoyable, and are also a way to maintain the benefits of the exchanges – despite the circumstances.
Earlier this year, our Head of Modern Languages, Mrs Rice wrote an article about some of the trips and exchanges that Dollar pupils have previously taken part in, as well as some information about the importance of knowing a second language. To read the article, please click here.
