Maintain CCEA's German GCSE and A level qualifications in Northern Ireland
The Issue
The recent announcement that CCEA will discontinue offering GCSE and A Level German is deeply concerning. This move jeopardizes the linguistic and cultural diversity in Northern Ireland's education system. There was no consultation, nor is there any indication as to how many learners are viable for CCEA to offer a qualification. Which subject will be next?
German will be the only Key Stage 3 school subject that you cannot take to GCSE with CCEA.
Modern Languages are more than optional extras in our collective education; they are essential components that equip students with critical cognitive and practical skills. German, in particular, is a major language spoken by over 100 million people worldwide and is a key language in European trade, politics, and culture. Eliminating its option at GCSE and A Level sends a damaging message about the value of languages education.
The importance of German in academic and professional fields cannot be overstated. It is the second most commonly used scientific language, often necessary in fields such as engineering, chemistry, and physics. Furthermore, Germany is one of the world’s strongest economies, and knowledge of German can present significant career opportunities in trade, economics, and international relations. Students in Northern Ireland deserve access to these opportunities as part of a comprehensive education.
There is a pressing need for CCEA to maintain German in the curriculum to ensure students are not deprived of these vital benefits. Instead of removing it, CCEA could consider working more closely with the Goethe Institut to explore creative delivery and assessment methods.
Finally, we must remember the broader implications of language study: fostering global citizenship, understanding multicultural perspectives, and developing empathy. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, these skills are indispensable. The decision to remove German from the curriculum neglects these critical benefits.
Your support in requesting CCEA to continue offering GCSE and A Level German is crucial. By signing this petition, you are standing up for a future that values cultural literacy and education. We need CCEA to hear our voices and recognize the importance of German for the future of our students and the wider Northern Ireland community. Please sign this petition today to protect and promote language education in our schools.
3,215
The Issue
The recent announcement that CCEA will discontinue offering GCSE and A Level German is deeply concerning. This move jeopardizes the linguistic and cultural diversity in Northern Ireland's education system. There was no consultation, nor is there any indication as to how many learners are viable for CCEA to offer a qualification. Which subject will be next?
German will be the only Key Stage 3 school subject that you cannot take to GCSE with CCEA.
Modern Languages are more than optional extras in our collective education; they are essential components that equip students with critical cognitive and practical skills. German, in particular, is a major language spoken by over 100 million people worldwide and is a key language in European trade, politics, and culture. Eliminating its option at GCSE and A Level sends a damaging message about the value of languages education.
The importance of German in academic and professional fields cannot be overstated. It is the second most commonly used scientific language, often necessary in fields such as engineering, chemistry, and physics. Furthermore, Germany is one of the world’s strongest economies, and knowledge of German can present significant career opportunities in trade, economics, and international relations. Students in Northern Ireland deserve access to these opportunities as part of a comprehensive education.
There is a pressing need for CCEA to maintain German in the curriculum to ensure students are not deprived of these vital benefits. Instead of removing it, CCEA could consider working more closely with the Goethe Institut to explore creative delivery and assessment methods.
Finally, we must remember the broader implications of language study: fostering global citizenship, understanding multicultural perspectives, and developing empathy. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, these skills are indispensable. The decision to remove German from the curriculum neglects these critical benefits.
Your support in requesting CCEA to continue offering GCSE and A Level German is crucial. By signing this petition, you are standing up for a future that values cultural literacy and education. We need CCEA to hear our voices and recognize the importance of German for the future of our students and the wider Northern Ireland community. Please sign this petition today to protect and promote language education in our schools.
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 16 August 2026