GCSE Irish offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding and use of the Irish language across all four key skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Each of these skills plays an essential role in achieving success at this level.

Throughout the course, students will revisit familiar topics from Key Stage 3, but with a greater focus on detail and fluency. They will also encounter new and engaging themes that reflect modern life, such as environmental issues, the influence of social media, and planning for future education and careers. These topics encourage learners to express their views clearly and support their opinions with confidence in Irish.

Contexts for Learning

The course is structured around three main contexts, which provide a broad and meaningful framework for language learning:

Unit 1: Listening (25%)

External written exam
Students respond to a range of spoken French in different formats
Available at Foundation and Higher tiers

Unit 2: Speaking (25%)

Conducted and recorded by the teacher, marked by CCEA

Includes:

Two role-plays (prepared in advance)
Two conversation topics (one prepared, one unseen)

Same level of challenge for all students

Unit 3: Reading (25%)

- External written exam
- Includes comprehension questions and a translation from French into English
- Available at Foundation and Higher tiers

Unit 4: Writing (25%)

- External written exam
- Includes structured and open-ended writing tasks
- Also includes a short translation from English into French
- Available at Foundation and Higher tiers

Assessment structure

The GCSE Irish assessment takes place at the end of Year 12 and follows the CCEA specification. In April/May, students will complete a Speaking assessment with their teacher. This includes one prepared task and two unseen elements. In May/June, students will sit the Listening, Reading, and Writing assessments, which are available at both Foundation and Higher tiers, depending on each student’s strengths.

The GCSE Irish qualification is made up of four units: The GCSE Spanish qualification is made up of four units: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Each of the four units is worth 25% of the final grade.

Each unit is worth 25% of the final grade, ensuring that all four language skills are equally valued and assessed.

Unit 1: Listening (25%)

External written exam
Students respond to a range of spoken French in different formats
Available at Foundation and Higher tiers

Unit 2: Speaking (25%)

Conducted and recorded by the teacher, marked by CCEA

Includes:

Two role-plays (prepared in advance)
Two conversation topics (one prepared, one unseen)

Same level of challenge for all students

Unit 3: Reading (25%)

- External written exam
- Includes comprehension questions and a translation from French into English
- Available at Foundation and Higher tiers

Unit 4: Writing (25%)

- External written exam
- Includes structured and open-ended writing tasks
- Also includes a short translation from English into French
- Available at Foundation and Higher tiers

Why Study Irish at GCSE?

Choosing Irish at GCSE opens the door to a world of opportunity. It’s a creative and rewarding subject that not only strengthens communication skills but also allows students to engage with Irish-language media—such as television, radio, social media, and literature—offering a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the Irish-speaking world.

Through learning Irish, students build confidence, independence, and cultural awareness—qualities that are highly valued by employers and further education providers. The subject also enhances memory, critical thinking, and adaptability, helping students become more versatile and capable learners.

Whether you're passionate about preserving a unique cultural identity, interested in careers in education, media, or public service, or simply want to connect more deeply with Irish-speaking communities, studying Irish at GCSE makes the journey more meaningful, empowering, and enjoyable.

Global Relevance

Cultural Heritage: Irish is one of the oldest written languages in Europe and a key part of Ireland’s identity.
International Recognition: Irish is an official EU language, giving it a place on the global stage and in international institutions.

Academic Benefits

Cognitive Development: Learning Irish strengthens memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Cross-Subject Support: It enhances literacy and understanding in English, history, and cultural studies.

Career Advantages

Valued Skill: Irish is important in education, media, public service, and heritage sectors.
Unique Edge: Fluency in Irish can set candidates apart in roles requiring bilingual communication or cultural expertise.

Travel & Culture

Deep Cultural Access: Irish opens doors to traditional music, literature, folklore, and festivals.
Local Exploration: It enriches experiences in Gaeltacht areas and Irish-speaking communities.

Personal Growth

Confidence & Identity: Learning Irish builds pride in heritage and boosts communication skills.
Broader Perspective: It fosters appreciation for linguistic diversity and cultural history.

Future Study

Pathway to Further Learning: GCSE Irish leads to A-Level, university study, and immersion programs.
Gaeltacht Opportunities: Students can take part in cultural exchanges and summer courses in Irish-speaking regions.

What past students think

Useful links:

CCEA GCSE Irish ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-irish-2017

BBC Bitesize GCSE Irish tywww.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zqtw7ty

Irish grammar and vocabulary revision www.bitesize.irish/

Why learn Irish? www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFTx2x6RxWA

Careers in Languages: Where can languages take you?

Career prospects

Studying Irish or any foreign language at GCSE level opens up exciting career opportunities. Language skills are highly valued by employers and can lead to rewarding jobs both in the UK and internationally.

Benefits of Speaking a Second Language in the Workplace:

Higher Pay: Bilingual employees often earn 5% to 20% more than monolingual peers.
Better Job Prospects: 90% of employers rely on staff who speak multiple languages.
Improved Communication: Helps build trust with clients and colleagues.
Cognitive Benefits: Enhances multitasking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Global Mobility: Opens doors to international roles and travel opportunities.
Cultural Awareness: Fosters empathy and understanding in multicultural environments.

translator

Turn words into meaning! Translators work with written documents, helping people and businesses communicate across languages.

Average salary: £25,989/year

interpreter

Live language in action! Interpreters translate spoken language in real-time—perfect for meetings, conferences, and international events.

Average salary:£33,949/year

Irish Language Content Creator

Create with culture! These creatives produce engaging content in Irish for social media, education, and entertainment—keeping the language alive and thriving online.

Average salary: £25,800–£38,700/year

Gaeilge Curriculum Developer

Shape how Irish is taught! These specialists design learning materials and programs that make Irish accessible and exciting for learners of all ages.

Average salary: £34,400–£51,600/year

Television Presenter (Irish-language media)

Be the face of Gaeilge! Presenters host TV shows in Irish, from news to entertainment, promoting the language to a wide audience.

Average salary: £25,800–£51,600/year

Publishing Editor (Irish Language)

Polish and publish! Editors ensure Irish-language books, articles, and educational materials are accurate, engaging, and culturally rich.

Average salary: £25,800–£38,700/year

Irish Language Teacher

Inspire the next generation! Irish Language Teachers bring the beauty of Gaeilge to life in classrooms, helping students connect with Irish culture and heritage.

Average salary: £25,800–£43,000/year

Diplomatic Service Officer

Represent Ireland abroad! Work in embassies or consulates, using your language skills to build international relationships and solve global issues.

Average salary: £35,000–£50,000/year

Language Specialist

A versatile role in education, government, or business, using language skills to support communication, training, and cultural understanding.

Average salary:£33,318/year

Why Being Multilingual Is Your Secret Superpower

You don’t need to be a translator to make your language skills work for you. In fact, in many careers, speaking another language is like having a backstage pass—it gets you into rooms others can’t enter, helps you build trust faster, and makes you the MVP in global teams. It’s not just a skill—it’s a strategy.

Lawyer

Why it helps: Multilingual lawyers can work with international clients, translate legal documents, and navigate cross-border cases.
Especially useful in immigration, corporate, and human rights law.

Marketing Executive

Why it helps: Understanding cultural nuances helps tailor campaigns for global audiences.
Multilingual marketers often lead international launches or manage global social media.

Journalist

Why it helps: Access to foreign sources, interviews, and stories others miss.
You could cover international beats or work with foreign media outlets.

Scientific Researcher

Why it helps: Reading papers in other languages, collaborating globally.
Multilingual researchers often lead international projects or publish more widely.