Ballyclare: Language scheme a “win-win” for pupils

Sharing knowledge between schools is a “win-win situation” when it comes to learning a second language, according to a Ballyclare teacher.

Pupils in the County Antrim town have come together to tackle the falling numbers of children who learn a second language in Northern Ireland.

Sixth form students from Ballyclare High School teach language classes to pupils in several local primary schools.

Jonny Nelson, head of Spanish at the school, said the lessons are mutually beneficial for the students.

Learning a second language is not compulsory for primary school children in Northern Ireland.

The ‘Language Leaders’ scheme allows primary school pupils to get a taste of German, French and Spanish, which they would not otherwise learn on the primary curriculum.

The sixth form students lead lessons including games and interactive activities for younger pupils, while they in turn are provided with leadership and teaching experience.

“Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK at the moment that doesn’t have a primary languages programme as part of the curriculum so we have to take the steps to try and instil that knowledge and enthusiasm from day one,” Mr Nelson told BBC News NI.

“At the moment we deliver French, Spanish and German in Ballyclare High and our pupils are also delivering all three of these languages to four primary schools.

“As languages are not part of the curriculum, primary schools are glad of the help, and we are glad of the enthusiasm that we get back from them.”