Language scheme a 'win-win' for Ballyclare 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."

Recent research suggests that pupils in Northern Ireland are required to learn languages less than those in any other country in Europe.

There has also been a dramatic fall in the number of pupils taking languages like French at GCSE over the past two decades.

Irish language teachers have also previously called for action to halt the "critical decline" in pupils studying second languages in schools.

A scheme to teach primary pupils additional languages was axed by the Department of Education (DE) in 2015 due to financial cuts.

The Year 13s and Year 14s from Ballyclare High School who are teaching the primary school pupils have studied languages at GCSE or are currently studying at A-Level.

Those taking the classes are juggling their lesson-planning alongside studying for their upcoming exams.

One of the students, Neve, is learning French and German at A-Level.

"We get the pupils involved in fun activities; they get to learn a bit of different languages and when they get to high school, it makes it much easier for them to continue on with," she said.

"I think it's very important to get involved with languages at primary school age.

"When I look back at my time at primary school, I remember learning a little bit of German and French, which made it much easier as I knew the basics of the language once I got to secondary school," Neve added.

"Our world is becoming so much more online and there are so many other cultures out there meaning there's a big need for linguists."

Erin told BBC News NI that she loves learning languages.

"I study French for A-Level and I learn on my own outside of school," she said.

"I want to be a teacher when I'm older so being able to come in and share my passion, it's a very enriching experience."

BBC News NI joined a class joined a class taught by Neve and Erin at Fairview Primary School for Primary 4 pupils, including Jack and Sadie.

"When I'm older, I want to travel the world, so I'd like to learn languages so I can talk to people" Jack said.

"I've been learning German and French. I like German the best."

Sadie told BBC News NI that she prefers the French lessons.

"We've been learning French colours today," she said.

"I really enjoy learning French as whenever I go on holiday, I'll be able to speak the languages."