Years 5 and 6 Band Description
The nature of the learners
At this level, students are widening their social networks, experiences and communication repertoires in their first language and Modern Greek. They continue to need guidance, and participate in structured, collaborative tasks that both recycle and extend language. Students are gaining greater independence and becoming more conscious of their peers and social context. They are gaining greater awareness of the world around them. Learners are noticing extra similarities and differences between Modern Greek language and culture and their own.
Modern Greek language learning and use
Learners use Modern Greek in the classroom for a widening range of purposes: exchanging information, expressing ideas and opinions, performing role-plays, dialogues, and responding to experiences. Key concepts that underpin language use are associated with this extended social space such as family, neighbourhood, locality and community. Students’ pronunciation, intonation and phrasing are more confident. Learners have access to a broader vocabulary, and use a widening range of strategies to support communication. Purposeful contexts and shared activities in the classroom develop language skills and enhance understanding and communication. More attention is paid to language structure and reinforcing oracy and literacy. Individual and group presentation and performance skills are developed through modelling, rehearsing and resourcing the content of presentations, and selecting appropriate language to use with particular audiences (γειά, χαίρετε, να, τι, ορίστε). Students enjoy reading for meaning and apply their language knowledge and skills to decode unknown words and predict meaning. They write more accurately and fluently for a wider range of purposes and audiences, for example, creating birthday invitations, emails and advertisements.
Contexts of interaction
Learners use Modern Greek with each other and the teacher for an increasing range of purposes. They are able to work more independently, but also enjoy working collaboratively and in groups. They explore cultural elements of communication, and use information and communication technologies (ICT) to support and enhance their learning.
Texts and resources
Learners interact with an increasing range of informative, persuasive and imaginative texts about neighbourhoods, places, Greek-speaking communities and individuals. They refer to and use more established grammatical and lexical resources to understand and communicate in Modern Greek. The use of dictionaries is encouraged for accuracy in language acquisition, such as ensuring the correct interpretation of similar words (βάζω, βάζο, σήκω, σύκο, γέρος, γερός, ώμος, ωμός, μήλο, μύλος, μιλώ).
Features of Modern Greek language use
Learners begin to reflect on language and how it is used in different ways to communicate. As they use Modern Greek for a wider range of interactions, learners develop a stronger understanding of the interconnection between language and culture. They begin to recognise how language features and expressions reflect cultural values, for example, κέφι, φιλοξενία, and the cultural and social impact of some grammatical forms or vocabulary, for example, using informal or formal language to address others, or using masculine forms of some professional titles when referring to women (η γιατρός, η δικηγόρος).
Level of support
While learners work independently and collaboratively at this level, ongoing support and feedback are incorporated into task activities such as the production of written text. Support includes the provision of models, scaffolds, stimulus materials, and resources such as word charts, vocabulary lists and dictionaries.
The role of English
The language of response varies according to task demands, with Modern Greek being the primary language of communication, while English may be used for reflective tasks and explanations. Learners are given opportunities to think about personal and community identity. They engage with texts that reflect Greek culture, and ask questions about cultural values and practices and how these relate to their own.