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Subject Aims/Rationale

• Here in St Mary’s High School, we aim to provide a holistic and student- centred approach to the learning of French and German.  ​ 
• Students are given the opportunity to express themselves through various means of communication and literacy skills​ 
• Students are provided with an enjoyable, rich and varied classroom environment ​ 
• Studying French and German helps students to build on their learning to date and to enhance their skills so they can enjoy using foreign languages. Through learning languages, students are provided with the opportunity to gain the understanding, knowledge and skills to develop their personal, cognitive and social development, as well as their effective participation.​ 
• By learning, acquiring, and using French and German, students discover information, develop thinking skills, and express opinions and emotions.​ 
• A particular level of competence in French and German is required in different employment areas in Ireland and overseas.​ 
• By studying French and German, students are given the opportunity to identify with the language community and participate meaningfully in it.  
• By thinking about and studying French and German and elements of French and German culture, students’ awareness of the culture of the language grows. Often this appreciation encourages students to consider their own place in the world and to think about cultural identity.​ 
• Students will focus on the development of the four key skills of reading, writing, listening and oral production.  

Assessment

• A mark is awarded after two years of preparation for the Leaving Certificate.​ 
• Assessment is done as an ongoing process in the four areas of language learning. 
• The assessment culminates in an oral, aural and written exam in June of their Leaving Certificate year.  

Extra-Curricular Activities & Resources

• Attending French and German cultural events, e.g. film festivals  
• French and German quiz events 
• Participation in the Goethe institute debating competition  
• German essay competition  
• Catchphrase competition  
• Promotion of language exchange programmes  
• Mindfulness exercises in the target language  

Possible Career Options

• Career opportunities in translation, interpretation and diplomacy 
• Career opportunities with international pharmaceutical and digital technology companies 
• Career opportunities in the area of Education, Business and Law 
• Career opportunities in the areas of media communications and tourism 
• Opportunities to be involved in global Humanitarian Aid