Reception held for modern language assistants

Chief Inspector of the Education and Training Inspectorate, Mr Stanley Goudie, has welcomed modern language assistants from across Europe and further afield to a reception in Parliament Buildings.

The Modern Language Assistants Programme, managed by the British Council, places the students in schools and colleges throughout Northern Ireland. The role of the assistants is to help in the teaching of their language and also allow them the opportunity to improve their competence in English and experience the life and culture of another country.

Speaking after the reception, Mr Goudie said: “The benefits for our young people which learning another language can bring are well documented. I believe that learning a language can help our young people become creative, confident and articulate individuals, able to play their full part in society and achieve their full potential.

“It is great that there are so many different languages being taught in schools now. The assistants have helped our teachers to bring languages alive and to make learning languages fun. We know that our young people need additional languages, particularly in today’s global society. Every skill they can develop will help them and having language skills will open new opportunities to exciting career pathways.

“Hearing about the success of the work you do in school reinforces the Department of Education’s commitment to promoting the learning of languages in school here.

“The Department has introduced a revised curriculum which gives schools and teachers much greater flexibility to tailor their teaching to the needs and the interests of our pupils their young people. This offers greater scope than ever for primary schools to offer modern languages. There is good work already happening in our primary schools in teaching modern languages and we really should encourage this.

“Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has introduced a Primary Languages Programme to support those primary schools who wish to offer Irish, Spanish or Polish. The emphasis is on providing an enjoyable learning experience for young children, which builds their confidence and enthusiasm for language learning. The programme is very successful in schools and around 26,000 children participate in the programme each week.

“I hope you have really enjoyed working with our teachers and young people and learnt about our life and culture; and I hope to see you back with us in years to come.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Modern Language Assistants Programme 2009/2010 placed approximately 130 young assistants from 14 countries worldwide in schools and colleges across the north between September and May.
2. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.
3. Photographs from the reception are available from the Department of Education Press Office.