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Languages

Subject Overview

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Pupils study the French & Irish Language in Years 8 and 9. In Year 10 students choose either French or Irish. During study, pupils develop their Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills through a wide variety of activities and resources. Pupils have the opportunity to practice their skills with their peers, the Language assistant and interactive activities.

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Key Stage 3

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Year 8 - Topics studied

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  • Introducing yourself

  • The Alphabet

  • Numbers

  • Days of The Week

  • Months

  • Birthdays

  • School

  • Likes and Dislikes

  • Hobbies

  • Colours

  • Animals

  • Family

  • Countries

  • Food

  • The Weather

Head of Department

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Miss N Keenan

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Year 9 - Topics studied

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  • Likes and Dislikes

  • Descriptions

  • Friends

  • School

  • The Time

  • Celebrations

  • Technology

  • Sport

  • Home

  • Holidays

Year 10 - Topics studied

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  • TV/Cinema

  • Reading

  • Technology

  • Pastimes

  • Holidays

  • Personality

  • Friends

  • Style

  • Home

  • Food

  • Festivals

  • Ambitions

  • French-Speaking Countries

​​Key Stage 3 Extra Curricular Activities/Trips/Industry links

 

  • Year 9 Paris Trip

Key Stage 4

 

Why Study the Subject?

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Studying French or Irish at GCSE gives pupils the opportunity to develop valuable communication, problem-solving and cultural awareness skills that are highly regarded by employers, colleges and universities. Learning a language helps to improve memory, confidence and literacy skills, while also opening doors to future careers in areas such as business, education, tourism, translation, public service and international relations. GCSE French allows pupils to connect with one of the world's most widely spoken languages and cultures, while GCSE Irish enables pupils to deepen their understanding of Ireland’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage. Both subjects provide enjoyable opportunities to develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, preparing pupils for success in further education and an increasingly global society.

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​​​Assessment Structure

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CCEA GCSE is exam-based.

There are four exams:

  • Writing

  • Speaking

  • Reading

  • Listening

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Each exam is worth 25% of the GCSE.

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Year 11 - Topics studied

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  • Self

  • Family and Friends

  • Free Time

  • Leisure and Daily Routine

  • Social Media and New Technology

  • Local Area and the Wider Environment

  • Customs and Festivals

  • Studies and School Life

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Year 12 - Topics studied

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  • Part-time Jobs and Money Management

  • Work Experience

  • Travel and Tourism

  • Social and Global Issues

 

Employability/job opportunities/further study

 

  • Teaching

  • Translating

  • Law

  • Journalism

  • Travel and Tourism

  • Interpreting

  • International Business

  • Arts and Culture Industry

  • Media and Technology

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St Mary's High School, Newry

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