At Key Stage 3 all pupils will take Irish with French or Spanish. Throughout Key Stage 3 pupils build confidence and experience in each of the four skill areas (attainment targets) of listening, reading, speaking and writing.

They become familiar with the sounds, written form and grammar of the language and use this knowledge with increasing confidence and competence to express themselves in role-play, conversation and writing. They have opportunities to practise using the target language with our Foreign Language Assistants.

Language games, particularly at Key Stage 3, make language learning fun and also a motivating experience for all pupils. I.C.T. is used increasingly in our language teaching with an extensive range of CD-ROMS available for pupils both inside and outside the classroom. At Key Stage 4 all pupils will be required to take one language to GCSE.

We aim to develop the pupils cultural awareness as an important aspect of his language learning. To this end links with France and Spain are encouraged through correspondence, both written and e-mail, with pen pals.

It is hoped that a great many pupils will have the opportunity to perfect their language skills during their time at St. Patrick’s College through an educational visit to, or pupil exchange with, the ‘target language’ country!