If you speak Spanish, you can communicate with almost 500 million people worldwide! Think how many more employment options that gives you! And if you want to take a trip to Spain or Latin America, a little knowledge of Spanish will go a long way.

Spanish is the world's third most spoken language, after Mandarin Chinese and English, and ranks second in terms of native speakers.

At St. Malachy’s College, Year 8 pupils choose between studying Spanish and Irish.  Spanish is a very successful language at St. Malachy’s College with over 500 pupils studying it across the school.  It has a simple sound system with just five vowel sounds. There is a direct correspondence between spoken and written forms and the basic points of grammar are quite simple.

The Spanish department is formed by 2 energetic full-time teachers, one part-time and one Spanish language assistant.  Pupils at Key Stage 3 have 5 periods (50 minutes) of contact time over the two week timetable.  Those studying Spanish for GCSE have 2 ½ hours every week and those at A-level have 4 ½ hours of study per week plus 1 more hour of conversation practice with the language assistant.

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/ SPANISH IN ST. MALACHY'S

"If you speak Spanish, you can communicate with almost 500 million people worldwide!"

/ EXTRA CURRICULAR

• Bi-annual Spanish trip (Click here to see photos) for Key Stage 3 and 4

• Bi-annual Spanish trip, including a home stay with Spanish families, for A level pupils

• A-Level Spanish literature, theatre and cinema courses at Queen’s

• Participation in competitions organised by, for example, the Spanish Embassy and NICILT

• Celebration of the European Day of Languages (26th of Sept.) with activities related to Spain (music, food, films, etc.)

• Lunchtime support classes