1. Presentation: Learning Languages at Shimna Integrated College in Year 8

2. Which languages do children learn?

3. 2 languages from:  French  Irish  German  Spanish Each student has 2 hours a week for each language in 1 hour blocks

4. How do they learn?

5. Through the “Target Language” (TL) as much as possible

6. Skills that children are developing

7.  to listen in the TL  to listen and be able to respond to basic words and phrases  to be able to say basic words and phrases  to be able to read & write basic words and phrases  In Year 8 we concentrate on speaking and listening skills in class

8. How do they learn?

9.  Listening/repeating & practising the language  Using games  Making it fun  Making it as “hands-on” and interactive as possible (Student participation is very important) (Student participation is very important)

10. Examples:  students may come up to the board to take part in games  mime/ drama  learn rhymes & songs in the T.L  sample food from T.L country

11. Extra-curricular Activities  Language Clubs at lunchtime (Language Assistants from Germany, France, Spain, Ireland) (Language Assistants from Germany, France, Spain, Ireland)  Trips: open to students in year 9 and above (trips to Spain, Germany, France and the Donegal Gaeltacht) (trips to Spain, Germany, France and the Donegal Gaeltacht)

12. Examples of some topics that we cover:  Name / Age / Birthday  family / pets  where you live / countries  school & transport  your home / rooms  hobbies / sports  the time  food & drink

13. Why learn languages?

14. According to a recent study young people in the UK are at a serious disadvantage in the labour market. Why? The UK workforce suffers from a chronic shortage of people with usable language skills According to a recent study young people in the UK are at a serious disadvantage in the labour market. Why? The UK workforce suffers from a chronic shortage of people with usable language skills

15. 70% of British companies conduct business with other countries 70% of British companies conduct business with other countries BUT : Only 15% of UK Nationals speak another language fluently

16. A knowledge of a language(s) can significantly improve your employability. A knowledge of a language(s) can significantly improve your employability. Why? Because language students are better at oral and communication skills both in English and other languages. Why? Because language students are better at oral and communication skills both in English and other languages.

17. Also: learning and speaking another language(s) brings  new friendships  improves relationships  helps to create a better atmosphere overall as it helps to break down barriers

18. How can I help my child with language learning?

19.  put behind you any negative experience you had of learning languages. Things have changed!  try to take an active interest in your child’s language learning  check that your child is doing 1 written and 1 learning homework a week for a language

20. A learning homework:  learn words or short phrases  ask them (if they want !) to tell you the words /phrases  encourage them to say the word, then cover it up and say it, maybe write out the word  think of a song / rhyme / story to help remember words

21. For more information  information will be available on the school website (www.shimnacollege.org.uk) under “Languages”

22.  list of the topics covered  core vocabulary to learn  extended vocabulary  tips for parents on how to help your child  links to useful websites for language learning

23. Please contact us at the College if you need further assistance or clarification Please contact us at the College if you need further assistance or clarification (or if you haven’t got access to the internet) (or if you haven’t got access to the internet)

24. Thank you for supporting language learning