Languages
Rathmore prides itself on the strength and vibrancy of the Languages Departments. Each department has its own unique identity and vision which contribute to our school’s sterling reputation as a centre of excellence for language learning, both in the school and in the wider community.
Why study languages?
“Linguists are trained to think structurally, they write essays which give them good practice in thinking clearly and in presenting focused arguments. Many language courses involve working cooperatively in groups and making formal presentations to an audience… just the sort of teamwork and presentational skills which employers tell us they are looking for.”
Skills acquired in language learning broaden horizons and create new opportunities. Our pupils are encouraged to use their language in real-life situations and to become aware of the culture associated with them, whilst also recognizing the transferable skills they are acquiring such as:
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Critical & Analytical thinking
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Ability to Research
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Communication Skills
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IT Proficiency
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Independant Learning
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Time Management
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Organisation
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Ability to Work as Part of a Team
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Interpretation & Translation Skills
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Self-Assessment & Self-Evaluation
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Expression of Opinions & Ideas
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Presentation Skills
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Numerical Skills
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Cultural Awareness
Our team of ten teachers and four assistants serve to foster a love of language learning as a means of communication and expression.
In keeping with our French roots, all pupils study French from Years 8 to 10 plus either German, Irish or Spanish.
At GCSE, all pupils take at least one language, with many choosing to study two.
All four languages continue to be very popular at AS and A2 level, with some pupils again choosing to study two.
Languages at GCSE
Pupils may choose 1 or 2 of the languages studied at Key Stage Three. Below is a summary of GCSE language assessment:
Listening
Examination - 20%
Speaking
Controlled Assessment - 30%
Reading
Examination - 20%
Writing
Controlled Assessment - 30%
For details of the GCSE course and Controlled Assessment visit:
http://www.rewardinglearning.org.uk/microsites/languages/
Languages at A Level
AS
Speaking
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Presentation
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Discussion
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Conversation
Listening
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Two Recorded Pieces
Reading
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Reading Comprehension
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Translation (Target Language to English)
Writing
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Essay Based on a Stimulus
A2
Speaking
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Discussion
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Conversation
Listening
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Two Recorded Pieces
Reading
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Reading Comprehension
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Translation (Target Language to English)
Writing
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Essay Based on a Stimulus
For details of the AS and A2 courses visit:
Spanish Club
Year 8 pupils have the opportunity to attend our Spanish Club which is led by our Spanish Assistant at lunch-time. In addition to consolidating work covered in class in the form of games and fun activities, pupils learn about and get to sample a flavour of Spanish culture when they taste the typical Spanish “Merienda”.
Languages Department
Teaching Staff
Mrs Carmel McCaffrey (HOD)
Mrs Ann Marie Magee
Mr Damien McAnaney
Miss Susan McCann
Miss Helen McClements
Miss Sonya McMullan
Miss Helene Vieussens
Mrs Ursula Lavery (HOD)
Ms Leila Leonard
Mr Paul McGlone (HOD)
Mr Bill Gardner
Mrs Ann Marie Magee (HOD)
Miss Susan McCann
Miss Sonya McMullan
Miss Helene Vieussens
Spanish Assistant
Ms Nuria Priego
Irish Assistant
Miss Órla McGurk
German Assistant
Ms Eva Bäuerle
French Assistant
Miss Maryannick Drapier
RATHMORE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
