Gemma Archer is an English for Academic Purposes teacher and programme co-ordinator in the ELT unit at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. She is also the editor of the IATEFL Pronunciation SIG bi-annual journal 'Speak Out!’ and is joint PronSIG coordinator. She specialises in pronunciation pedagogy and accent diversity and is the creator of The Scottish Sound School.
Scotland on screen: Images of Scottish culture through music, movies, and more
Facilitator: Gemma Archer
Minimum age: 11-18
Level: Pre-intermediate / Intermediate/ Upperintermediate +
Time: 60 min.
*On demand, contents, level and timing can be tailored to groups’ needs.
In this 40-minute talk, you’ll explore what Scotland’s music and movies can teach us about the country’s culture, history and language. You’ll hear some traditional tunes, meet famous characters, learn a little about the country’s most historic moments, and even a few words from the Scots language.
Scotland: Getting to grips with how people speak
Event type: Interactive talk online
Facilitator: Gemma Archer
Minimum age: 11-18
Level: Pre-intermediate / Intermediate/ Upperintermediate +
Time: 60 min.
*On demand, contents, level and timing can be tailored to groups’ needs.
Scotland and Poland are countries with much shared history. But, for Polish speakers of English arriving in Scotland today, 80 years ago, or at any point in time, the language spoken by Scots can seem mystifying and vastly different to what was learned in their English classes. This session will talk about why the Scots seem to be more difficult to understand than other English speakers. It will dispel myths, pinpoint and explain key features of pronunciation, and test your comprehension using popular Scottish media.
Wordwall exercise 1 Quiz: The History, Geography and Culture of Scotland
Wordwall exercise 2 Matching: The History, Geography and Culture of Scotland
Wordwall exercise 3 Matching: Scotland and its Languages
Wordwall exercise 4: Flashcards: Scotland and its languages: English versus Scottish English
Scotland: Stories, myths and legends from folkloric traditions – beyond the Loch Ness Monster
Event type: Interactive talk online
Facilitator: Gemma Archer
Minimum age: 11-18
Level: Pre-intermediate / Intermediate/ Upperintermediate +
Time: 60 min.
*On demand, contents, level and timing can be tailored to groups’ needs.
The Loch Ness Monster has long been associated as a symbol of Scottish myth, legend and folklore. But this is a mere fraction of Scotland’s rich cultural heritage. In this session, we will explore some of the most well-known stories, myths, and legends from all corners of the country, uncovering the cultural, linguistic, and historic lessons they have to teach us.
Wordwall exercise 1 Quiz: The History, Geography and Culture of Scotland
Wordwall exercise 2 Matching: The History, Geography and Culture of Scotland
The below exercises can be used with lower level students before the event to support their understanding of the stories:
Wordwall exercise 3 Matching: Scotland: Myths and Legends – the Selkie Story
Wordwall exercise 4 Matching: Scotland: Myths and Legends – the Kelpie Story
Wordwall exercise 5 Gap-fill story (past tense verbs) Scotland: Myths and Legends – The Story of the Loch Ness Monster