Modern Languages
Teachers:
Ms S. Morgan (French, Spanish, Italian) Head of Department
Mr M. McConville (Irish, French, Spanish)
Mr C. O'Hara (Spanish, French)
Mr J. Lynch (Irish)
Ms K. O'Hare (Spanish)
Ms A. Devlin (Irish)
Our Departmental Vision
- To promote the study of languages within the school community.
- To give each pupil an appreciation of other cultures and a passion for language learning.
- To provide exciting, engaging and stimulating lessons which will be tailored to meet the needs of all learners allowing them to achieve their individual potential.
- To provide a firm basis in the language for those who wish to pursue languages at KS4/5 and third level education.
- To help pupils to develop an understanding of Modern Languages in a variety of contexts and for practical use.
- To prepare students for later life, developing transferable skills for an increasingly globalised world.
In Modern Languages we endeavour to:
- improve pupil communication skills
- develop their confidence and self-awareness
- encourage learner autonomy and independence
- develop digital literacy of learners
- provide opportunities for pupils to experience life abroad for themselves
Supporting our students:
- High expectations combined with strong pastoral support
- Encouragement of effort, progress and positive attitudes
- Differentiation to support a range of learning needs
- A safe environment where mistakes are seen as part of learning
- Regular feedback to help students improve and succeed
Enrichment Opportunities:
- European Day of Languages Quiz
- Language Library
- Home Economics Collaboration
- ‘Write Amigos’ penpal club & cinema club
- Mentorship programme with St Ronan’s College and St John the Baptist’s Primary School
- Virtual Tours of France, Ireland and Spain
If possible in a carousel format:
What our students say:
“It is a new way to learn and excel in languages and opens up to new opportuniuties.”
“I have always wanted to speak Spanish to know an extra language.”
“Our lessons are very fun and productive and our teacher is the best and makes Spanish very fun to learn.”
“I enjoy the way my teacher teaches me new techniques in class. It is very fun!”
“I feel well supported and know exactly how to improve in Spanish.”
“I get to learn a new language and new words in class.”
“French lessons are really fun and interactive, we do lots of speaking and games which makes learning easier.”
“The teachers are supportive and always encourage us to do our best.”
“I enjoy languages because the lessons are active and practical, not just writing.”
“We learn about other countries and cultures as well as the language, which is really interesting.”
“I didn’t think I’d like languages, but now it’s one of my favourite subjects.”
“My teacher is kind and encouraging and always helps us if we don’t understand.
“I like learning a new language because the lessons are exciting and everyone feels included.”
“Languages lessons make me feel confident to try, even if I make mistakes.”
GCSE Results 2025
The Modern Languages department prides itself on ensuring that all pupils are supported in achieving their full potential and we are delighted to say that 100% of pupils achieved a pass grade across a variety of languages and qualifications. Pupils with English as a second language are given the opportunity to undertake a GCSE in their home language.
| Qualification | Pass Rate (2024/25) |
| GCSE Spanish | 100% |
| GCSE Irish | 100% |
| GCSE Portuguese | 100% |
| GCSE Polish | 100% |
| GCSE Russian | 100% |
| OCN Spanish | 100% |
KS3 Overview
Irish
At Key Stage 3, pupils develop a solid foundation in Irish, building confidence across the four key skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Teaching aligns with the Northern Ireland Curriculum and supports progression to GCSE Irish, while promoting communication, cultural awareness and accuracy.
Year 8
In Year 8, pupils are introduced to core vocabulary and basic grammatical structures through familiar contexts, including:
- Self and Family
- School Life
- Weather
- Days, Months and Seasons
- Food and Meals
- Numbers and Time
Pupils learn to give personal information, take part in short conversations and read and write simple texts with increasing confidence. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation, listening skills and accurate sentence formation.
Year 9
In Year 9, pupils extend their language skills and begin to express ideas in greater detail. Topics include:
- Pastimes and Leisure
- Daily Routine and Weekend Activities
- Health and Lifestyle
- Shopping and Public Services
Pupils develop the ability to express opinions, ask and answer questions and engage in pair and group work through games, role-plays and practical activities. Cultural awareness is promoted through the use of the cúpla focal, with pupils able to earn a ‘cúpla focal’ badge in recognition of their spoken Irish.
Year 10
In Year 10, pupils consolidate prior learning while being introduced to more complex language. Topics include:
- Present and Future Tenses
- House and Local Area
- School Life and Future Plans
- Holidays and Travel
Pupils are encouraged to speak and write in longer sentences, use a wider range of tenses and express future intentions. Pupils also take part in enrichment activities such as the Gael-Linn inter-school quiz, promoting cultural engagement and motivation.
Irish-Medium Provision
Pupils from Irish-medium backgrounds are supported through a combination of withdrawal classes, one-to-one teaching, independent study and extension work. These pupils continue to develop their Irish through literature, digital resources and extra-curricular activities. Where appropriate, pupils may be offered the opportunity to sit OCN or GCSE Irish in Year 10.
French
At Key Stage 3, French is taught through engaging, interactive and technology-enhanced learning. Pupils develop competence in speaking, listening, reading and writing, while building confidence and cultural awareness.
Year 8
Pupils are introduced to key vocabulary and grammatical structures through topics such as:
- Personal Details and Family
- School
- Pastimes
- Numbers and Time
- Weather
- Days of the Week, Months and Seasons
Pupils learn to communicate basic information, understand simple texts and apply grammatical structures accurately. Project work on France promotes an appreciation of French culture and daily life.
Year 9
In Year 9, pupils broaden their language skills through topics including:
- Food and Drink
- Clothes
- Health
- Television and Cinema
- Daily Routine
- Helping at Home
Pupils develop confidence in describing routines, expressing opinions and using a wider range of verbs and sentence structures in spoken and written French.
Year 10
In Year 10, pupils work with more challenging and real-world language, including:
- Travel and Tourism
- Paris and French Cities
- Personality
- The World of Work
- Environmental Issues
- Music and School Life
There is a strong focus on career awareness and employability, helping pupils understand the relevance of French for future study and employment. Pupils may also participate in enrichment opportunities such as the Queen’s University Belfast Franco-Fest business enterprise competition.
Spanish
Spanish was introduced following consultation with pupils and parents, recognising the importance of additional language learning in a global society. The department continues to grow, with pupils offered opportunities to study Spanish alongside French throughout KS3 and KS4.
At Key Stage 3, Spanish is taught using modern teaching approaches and online learning platforms, developing confidence across all four language skills while fostering cultural awareness.
Year 8
Pupils are introduced to foundational vocabulary and structures through topics such as:
- Greetings and Personal Information
- Self and Family
- School
- Numbers and Time
- Weather
Pupils learn to communicate basic information, understand simple spoken and written texts and apply key grammatical structures accurately.
Year 9
In Year 9, pupils extend their language skills through topics including:
- Hobbies and Leisure
- Daily Routine
- Food and Drink
- Health and Lifestyle
- Free-time Activities
Pupils develop the ability to express likes and dislikes, give opinions and participate more confidently in spoken interaction.
Year 10
In Year 10, pupils develop language for more practical and real-life contexts, including:
- Travel and Holidays
- Local Area
- School Life and Future Plans
Pupils are encouraged to use a wider range of vocabulary and tenses, preparing them for progression to GCSE Spanish.
KS4 Overview
Irish – Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
In Years 11 and 12, pupils study Irish to GCSE level with a strong emphasis on spoken language and communication. Pupils develop confidence and accuracy through a range of topics including:
- Identity, family and lifestyle
- Health and wellbeing
- School life and future plans
- Local area, culture and traditions
- Holidays, leisure and employment
Pupils learn to:
- Take part in extended conversations
- Use present, past and future tenses effectively
- Express opinions and give reasons
- Apply grammatical structures accurately in both spoken and written work
A positive and supportive learning environment encourages enjoyment and success in learning Irish.
French – Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
GCSE French ensures continuity and progression from Key Stage 3 and is taught through the three CCEA contexts for learning:
- Identity, Lifestyle and Culture
- Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest
- School Life, Studies and the World of Work
Pupils:
- Extend previously studied topics
- Communicate ideas clearly and accurately
- Use a variety of tenses and sentence structures
- Express and justify opinions
There is a strong focus on developing oral fluency, written accuracy and an understanding of how French supports future study and career opportunities.
Spanish – Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
At GCSE level, pupils study Spanish in line with the CCEA specification, developing practical language skills for real-life situations. Topics include:
- Identity and lifestyle
- Leisure and media
- Education and future plans
- Travel and cultural experiences
- Local and global issues
- The world of work
Pupils develop:
- Confidence in speaking and listening
- Accuracy in reading and writing
- The ability to use a range of tenses
- Independence and resilience in language learning
Supportive relationships and high expectations help pupils achieve their full potential in Spanish.
