Modern Languages – Junior Phase

Pupils in S1-S3 follow the Broad General Education (BGE) in preparation for National qualifications in S4. The tasks are differentiated to take into account pupils’ different levels of ability.

The current arrangements in the BGE are that all pupils learn French during the first half of the Junior Stage (beginning S1 till Christmas of S2) to allow for continuity from the language studied in Primary. The study of Spanish is then introduced as an additional language for the remainder of the Junior Stage.

In S1, pupils cover the topics of

  • personal language
  • family
  • school and studies
  • hobbies
  • home area

In S2 and S3, pupils will continue to build on their knowledge of French in Listening and Talking, Reading and Writing.
Topics covered will include the following:

  • holiday and travel
  • media and new technologies
  • fashion and other interests

Classwork will also focus on developing effective dictionary skills.

S2/S3 Spanish (beginners’ course)
In S2, focus will be on developing a sound knowledge of core vocabulary and grammar.
Pupils will develop their skills in Listening and Talking, Reading and Writing through their study of the topics of:

  • personal language
  • family
  • school and studies

In S3, pupils will further build on the work done in S2, consolidating their knowledge of vocabulary and covering the topics of hobbies and home area, while addressing the relevant aspects of grammar, including starting to look at a range of tenses.