Today’s world is often described as a Global Village. Never before has it been so easy to study, work and travel right around the globe, and the proliferation of different nationalities coming to live in Northern Ireland would bear testimony to this. Employers recognise the value of languages in their employees, not just in traditional export sectors but increasingly in many different areas, such as investment banking, where it is recognised that having language skills gives you the edge over other candidates.

Pupils follow the CCEA Specification, in which each of the four areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing are worth an equal 25%. All exams are taken at the end of year 12, although for speaking, part of the exam can be prepared in advance as CCEA state a compulsory topic to be studied in September of year 12.