Dear parent/carer,
In this page we want to introduce you to three key ideas which support the teaching methodology at Lusofonias. Whist we want to encourage the learning of Portuguese in Edinburgh by as many children as possible, we want to ensure this to be a quality learning experience. We also want our children to be provided with a rich and diverse range of learning experiences. And what do we mean by this?
First, that we want our students to have a diverse range of experiences and for that we’ll ensure there is a variety of methodologies and resources used in these lessons. We will not just use paper, pencil and worksheets. We want to develop our pupils different language competences (listening, speaking, writing and reading) using a range of materials, resources and teaching strategies. We have already invested in the acquisition of language workbooks for PLE/PLS/PLH (PLE stands for Portuguese as a Foreign Language, PLS Portuguese as a Second Language, and PLH stands for Portuguese as a Heritage Language). Furthermore, we are continually purchasing and using in our lessons fiction and non-fiction books, audiovisual materials, IT resources, newspapers and magazines, games and arts and crafts materials, amongst others. We want above all to keep our students motivated and respond to their different learning styles, competences and language levels.
We also want our lessons to be enriching experiences where we are opening our pupils’ world, we do not just want them to speak Portuguese, but we want them to engage with the Lusophone world and culture, through its Literature, key historical dates, iconic images and social aspects of the Lusophone world. We want to do this work through our lessons, and the resources we use in these lessons, but also through partnerships with organisations such as Native Scientist, or artists and writers for example who speak Portuguese.
The final key idea we want to highlight is the issue of quality of the teaching we promote. For that reason we have partnered with Camoes, the expert organisation in the teaching of Portuguese overseas. This partnership is clear in this website and the numerous links we have to the Camoes site. Last but not least, in order to ensure the quality of the teaching we offer, we will only hire qualified teachers, and whenever possible, teachers who are experienced in teaching PLE/PLS/PLH. We will also strive to offer continuing professional development opportunities to our teachers.
This is our vision for Lusofonias in Edinburgh. We believe this is all possible, in fact we are already delivering it!
See you soon,
The Lusofonias Team
PS – Suggestions are always welcome, please get in touch.
N.B PLE stands for Portugues Lingua Estrangeira or Portuguese as a Foreign Language, PLS stands for Portugues Lingua Segunda or Portuguese as a Second Language, and PLH stands for Portugues Lingua de Heranca or Portuguese as a Heritage Language.