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:

  • Critical & Analytical thinking

  • Ability to Research

  • Communication Skills

  • IT Proficiency

  • Independant Learning

  • Time Management

  • Organisation

  • Ability to Work as Part of a Team

  • Interpretation & Translation Skills

  • Self-Assessment & Self-Evaluation

  • Expression of Opinions & Ideas

  • Presentation Skills

  • Numerical Skills

  • 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.

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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

  • Presentation

  • Discussion

  • Conversation

Listening

  • Two Recorded Pieces

Reading

  • Reading Comprehension

  • Translation (Target Language to English)

Writing

  • Essay Based on a Stimulus

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A2

Speaking​

  • Discussion

  • Conversation

Listening

  • Two Recorded Pieces

Reading

  • Reading Comprehension

  • Translation (Target Language to English)

Writing

  • Essay Based on a Stimulus


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For details of the AS and A2 courses visit:

www.ccea.co.uk/languages

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

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Mrs Ursula Lavery (HOD)

Ms Leila Leonard

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Mr Paul McGlone (HOD)

Mr Bill Gardner

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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

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© 2020 Rathmore Grammar School

  That they may have life, and have it to the full.
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