MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Staff
Ms E Roullet (Subject Co-ordinator)
Ms A Concannon
Mr R Giles
Ms A Horan
Ms S Lally
Ms F Maher
Ms P May
Ms A Rugg
Subject Overview
The Modern Foreign Languages Department places emphasis on all aspect of language learning. Pupils are encouraged to develop
an appreciation, not only of language, but also of culture. Studying Modern Foreign Languages helps students to appreciate
the diversity and breadth of traditions and heritage in our modern world.
Key Skills
* Listening, speaking, reading and writing in the chosen target language
* Participate in a range of activities in the target language in the classroom and in normal everyday transactions
* Communicate effectively, both in spoken and written form with native French/German/Spanish speakers
* Develop critical awareness of how meaning is organized and conveyed by the structures and vocabulary of the
target language
* Extract information and derive enjoyment from the mass media and literature of the target language
* Increase cultural awareness of the countries where the target language is spoken
* Use Information Technology where appropriate
Aims
* Help pupils develop strategies for effective language learning
* Consider as a realistic option the possibility of pursuing leisure activities, further study and /or career opportunities
through the medium of the target language
* Fulfil the entrance requirements for certain University courses
* Encourage cross curricular links with other subjects for example History, Geography, other Modern Foreign Languages, English, and Irish
Junior Cycle
The Junior Cycle curriculum is followed. Details are available by clicking here.
Pupils choose between French, Spanish and German at the beginning of Form 1 and continue with their language to
the end of Form 3.
The Junior Cycle course targets the skills of listening, reading, spoken production, spoken interaction and writing.
Pupils are encouraged to reflect on how the target language works (structures and grammar) and how this compares to
their own language.They are expected to develop an awareness of the target culture, relating it to their own country
and culture. There are two classroom-based assessments. The first is an oral presentation in Form 2 on a topic of
the pupils choosing. For the CBA2, pupils develop a language portfolio, containing a broad range of items, such as
written texts, projects, audio-visual materials, goals. The final assessment takes the form of an examination in June of Form 3.
Form 4 - Transition Year programme
French, German and Spanish can be studied. In Form 4 pupils develop the study skills necessary
for Senior Cycle. The curriculum in Form 4 is more open and allows time and space for pupils to explore different
aspects of linguistic culture and methodologies of language learning.
Senior Cycle
The Leaving Certificate curriculum is followed. Details can be found by clicking here.
At Senior Cycle the French, Spanish, and German syllabi are similar and are examined over the four key areas of speaking,
listening, reading, and writing. Topics are rooted in contemporary culture and cover areas such as the life of young people,
education, science, the environment, the Internet, school life, social issues, and the future.
Additional Information
Pupils are encouraged to participate in Inter-School Competitions. They have entered quizzes, Les Joutes
Oratoires (French Debating Competition) essay competitions, and a film competition.
The French Theatre For Schools Company has visited the school.
School trips have taken place to France and Germany.
During the European Day of Languages, pupils have performed in French and German in Assembly and quizzes were
organized in the Library.
Pupils have performed in French, German, and Spanish at the Carol Service.