Years 9 and 10 Band Description
The nature of the learners
At this level, students bring to their learning existing knowledge of Modern Greek language and culture and a range of strategies. They are increasingly aware of the world beyond their own and are engaging with youth-related and social and environmental issues. They require continued guidance and mentoring but work increasingly independently to analyse, reflect on and monitor their language learning and intercultural experiences. They are considering future pathways and options, including the possible role of Modern Greek in these.
Modern Greek language learning and use
This is a period of language exploration, vocabulary expansion and experimentation. As learners develop greater control of language structures and systems, their confidence increases, as does their interest in communicating in a wider range of contexts. They use Modern Greek to communicate and interact, to access and exchange information, to express thoughts and opinions, and to participate in imaginative and creative experiences Αύριο στη Θεσσαλονίκη ο καιρός θα είναι ..., Τι γνώμη έχετε για τη σχολική στολή;). They demonstrate understanding of language variation and change, and of how intercultural experience, technology, media and globalisation influence language use and forms of communication (το φαστφουντάδικο, το ματς).
Contexts of interaction
Learners interact with peers, the teacher and other Greek speakers locally and globally through a variety of means and modes of communication, including digital, online, collaborative performance and group discussions. They may participate in wider experiences related to Greek language and culture, such as film festivals, film competitions, drama and art competitions and programs, local Greek festivals, interacting with Greek-speaking guests, artists and musicians, and in-country study trips. These authentic experiences give learners a sense of connectedness and purpose, and make use of and extend their capability beyond the school context.
Texts and resources
Media resources, fiction and non-fiction texts, performances and research projects allow for exploration of themes of personal and contemporary relevance, for example, global issues such as the environment (Πώς θα προστατέψουμε το δάσος;), Greek-specific issues such as the diaspora, identity and relationship issues such as the concept of ‘journey and belonging’, and questions of diversity and inclusivity such as the concept of ‘One World’.
Features of Modern Greek language use
Learners communicate with greater fluency, and use their knowledge of grammar and orthographic systems, such as understanding of primary tenses and declensions, to self-correct more readily. They investigate texts through more critical analysis, identifying how language choices reflect perspectives and shape meaning. Task characteristics at this level are more complex and challenging. Elements of tasks may involve interpreting, creating, evaluating and performing, collaborative as well as independent language planning and performance, and development and strategic use of language and cultural resources.
Learners understand the relationship between language, culture and identity. They explore in more depth and detail the cultural, personal and linguistic processes involved in learning and using a different language. They recognise that deriving meaning from a different language involves interpretation and personal response as well as accurate translation and factual reporting. They explore intercultural communication, and how moving between different languages and cultural systems enables flexibility, and awareness of and openness to alternative ways.
Level of support
Support at this level of learning includes provision of rich and varied stimulus materials, continued scaffolding and modelling of language functions and communicative tasks, and explicit instruction and explanation of the grammatical system, with opportunities for learners to discuss, clarify, practise and apply their knowledge. Critical and constructive teacher feedback combines with peer support and self-review to monitor and evaluate learning outcomes, for example, through portfolios, peer review, e-journals.
The role of English
Modern Greek is used as the primary medium of interaction in both language-oriented and most content-oriented tasks. While learners at this level are able to express some complex concepts and reactions in Modern Greek, English is the medium they use for substantive discussion, explanation and analysis. This allows learners to communicate in depth and detail about their experience of learning Modern Greek, and their thoughts on culture, identity and intercultural experience, at a level that may be beyond their existing ability in Modern Greek.