Language Assistants thanked at Stormont Reception

The Department of Education’s Permanent Secretary, Will Haire, welcomed participants of the Modern Language Assistants Programme to a reception in Stormont.

Organised by the British Council and funded by the Department of Education, the Language Assistants Programme places young people from countries such as France, Spain, Germany, Argentina and China in our secondary schools and colleges.

Speaking after the event Will Haire said: “Language Assistants provide invaluable assistance to our teaching staff. Their enthusiasm and hard work has helped to enrich lessons and bring languages alive for students. In today’s global economic society our young people, now more than ever, need to develop their language skills in order to open up new and exciting career paths.

“Within schools the revised curriculum gives teachers a greater flexibility to tailor their teaching to the needs and interests of their pupils. A key element of the revised curriculum in post-primary schools is modern languages, enabling schools to develop their language provision. Within the primary school sector the Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has introduced the Primary Languages Programme offering primary schools support in teaching Spanish and Irish. This programme has proved a success and has been extended year on year, resulting in some 13,000 children per week taking part.

“I would like to thank all those assistants here at Stormont and those who have been involved in this year’s Modern Language Assistants Programme organised by the British Council. I hope as well as having helped the pupils here you have also had the opportunity to develop your own skills and enjoy your stay here.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Modern Languages programme employs approximately 130 young assistants in secondary schools across the north between September and May each year.
2. Media queries, contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours please contact the Duty press officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.