Latest news with #BritishCouncilNorthernIreland
Belfast Telegraph
5 days ago
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
Rise in Irish A-level entries bucks trend with German, French, and Spanish in decline
The upward trend was in contrast to the decline seen by other languages at this level, with Irish entries up by 2.1% in comparison to last year. Numbers studying German fell by almost a third (32.9%), while French entries declined by 8%. Despite a 4.5% decline, Spanish remains the most popular language among A-level entries, followed by Irish, French and then German. "Languages help us connect with people and cultures' – Mary Mallon, British Council Mary Mallon, head of Education at British Council Northern Ireland, said the overall downward trend in language study was 'concerning'. "Congratulations to all students across Northern Ireland receiving their A-level results today,' she said. "This is a significant achievement, and we wish you every success as you move forward into the next stage of your journey - whether in further study, training or the world of work. "Although entries for many A-level languages continue to decline - a trend that is concerning given the importance of language skills - we remain committed to working with schools and educators to ensure language learning remains a vital part of education in Northern Ireland. "Through our Language Assistant Programme and other international school programmes, we help connect Northern Ireland's schools and young people with peers worldwide, enriching language learning through genuine cultural exchange and global perspectives. "Our latest Language Trends 2025 report highlights the enduring value of language skills - not just for individual learners, but for Northern Ireland's global future. "Languages help us connect with people and cultures, open doors to international opportunities and are vital for building strong economic and diplomatic relationships. Belfast History Explained: Who was Mary Ann McCracken? "We recognise that there are challenges. Teachers have shared concerns about limited uptake, pressures around enrolment and the demands of current exam structures. "These barriers must be considered if we are to give all young people the chance to benefit from the opportunities that language learning brings. "Languages are more than just subjects - they are tools for life. In an increasingly connected world, your ability to communicate across cultures will be one of your greatest strengths.'
North Wales Chronicle
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
NI theatre and dance productions to be spotlighted at Edinburgh Fringe
The Spotlight On Theatre And Dance From Northern Ireland initiative on August 19 is delivered by Theatre and Dance NI (TDNI), in collaboration with Belfast International Arts Festival, and supported by British Council Northern Ireland and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Now in its seventh year, the event aims to shine a light on work created by artists and arts organisations from Northern Ireland. The exposure of being part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe gives an opportunity for the artists to connect and network with international arts industry figures with a view to having their work tour internationally. The three productions from Northern Ireland being profiled in 2025 are Anthem For Dissatisfaction by Gina Donnelly with SkelpieLimmer Productions, Consumed by Karis Kelly, a Paines Plough, Belgrade Theatre, Sheffield Theatres and Women's Prize for Playwriting production in association with the Lyric Belfast and Shame Show by Colm McCready and Fergus Wachala-Kelly with SkelpieLimmer Productions. In addition, four Northern Ireland artists will travel to Edinburgh as part of the Fellowship Programme, designed to support artists, directors, and producers who are exploring future opportunities at the Fringe. This year's fellows are Carley Magee, Ronan McManus, Gemma Mae Halligan and Lisa May. Niamh Flanagan, executive director of Theatre and Dance NI said: 'Over the past seven years, Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe has demonstrated the strong national and international appetite for theatre and dance from Northern Ireland. 'The festival has created invaluable opportunities—drawing attention from national and international programmers leading to touring, collaboration, and other opportunities both at home and abroad. 'This recognition continues to elevate Northern Ireland's reputation on the global cultural stage. 'The Spotlight programme now extends beyond Edinburgh, providing support to artists and companies as part of both the Belfast International Arts Festival and Belfast Children's Festival.' She added: 'We are delighted to present three exceptional artists as part of this year's Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe programme. 'Their work exemplifies the innovation, ambition, and artistic excellence that define Northern Ireland's creative sector. We're thrilled to support them in showcasing their talent at the world's largest arts festival and marketplace.' Richard Wakely, artistic director and chief executive of the Belfast International Arts Festival said: 'The Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe programme continues to celebrate Northern Ireland artists who are working across performance disciplines and wish to create deep and sustainable international partnerships and collaborations.' Jonathan Stewart, director of the British Council Northern Ireland said: 'Providing Northern Ireland artists and companies with opportunities to showcase their work on international stages not only broadens their reach but also strengthens our local creative community. 'This exposure helps fuel a vibrant, thriving creative economy in Northern Ireland, benefiting artists, companies and audiences alike.' Siobhan Molloy, festivals, venues and international arts development officer at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: 'The Arts Council is proud to help spotlight the incredible theatre and dance work being made in Northern Ireland at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and funding from The National Lottery has been a game changer in helping us achieve that. 'It is vital that these works are seen, and so it is really exciting that a huge potential market is opened up to these theatre makers by attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.'
Leader Live
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
NI theatre and dance productions to be spotlighted at Edinburgh Fringe
The Spotlight On Theatre And Dance From Northern Ireland initiative on August 19 is delivered by Theatre and Dance NI (TDNI), in collaboration with Belfast International Arts Festival, and supported by British Council Northern Ireland and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Now in its seventh year, the event aims to shine a light on work created by artists and arts organisations from Northern Ireland. The exposure of being part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe gives an opportunity for the artists to connect and network with international arts industry figures with a view to having their work tour internationally. The three productions from Northern Ireland being profiled in 2025 are Anthem For Dissatisfaction by Gina Donnelly with SkelpieLimmer Productions, Consumed by Karis Kelly, a Paines Plough, Belgrade Theatre, Sheffield Theatres and Women's Prize for Playwriting production in association with the Lyric Belfast and Shame Show by Colm McCready and Fergus Wachala-Kelly with SkelpieLimmer Productions. In addition, four Northern Ireland artists will travel to Edinburgh as part of the Fellowship Programme, designed to support artists, directors, and producers who are exploring future opportunities at the Fringe. This year's fellows are Carley Magee, Ronan McManus, Gemma Mae Halligan and Lisa May. Niamh Flanagan, executive director of Theatre and Dance NI said: 'Over the past seven years, Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe has demonstrated the strong national and international appetite for theatre and dance from Northern Ireland. 'The festival has created invaluable opportunities—drawing attention from national and international programmers leading to touring, collaboration, and other opportunities both at home and abroad. 'This recognition continues to elevate Northern Ireland's reputation on the global cultural stage. 'The Spotlight programme now extends beyond Edinburgh, providing support to artists and companies as part of both the Belfast International Arts Festival and Belfast Children's Festival.' She added: 'We are delighted to present three exceptional artists as part of this year's Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe programme. 'Their work exemplifies the innovation, ambition, and artistic excellence that define Northern Ireland's creative sector. We're thrilled to support them in showcasing their talent at the world's largest arts festival and marketplace.' Richard Wakely, artistic director and chief executive of the Belfast International Arts Festival said: 'The Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe programme continues to celebrate Northern Ireland artists who are working across performance disciplines and wish to create deep and sustainable international partnerships and collaborations.' Jonathan Stewart, director of the British Council Northern Ireland said: 'Providing Northern Ireland artists and companies with opportunities to showcase their work on international stages not only broadens their reach but also strengthens our local creative community. 'This exposure helps fuel a vibrant, thriving creative economy in Northern Ireland, benefiting artists, companies and audiences alike.' Siobhan Molloy, festivals, venues and international arts development officer at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: 'The Arts Council is proud to help spotlight the incredible theatre and dance work being made in Northern Ireland at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and funding from The National Lottery has been a game changer in helping us achieve that. 'It is vital that these works are seen, and so it is really exciting that a huge potential market is opened up to these theatre makers by attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.'
South Wales Argus
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
NI theatre and dance productions to be spotlighted at Edinburgh Fringe
The Spotlight On Theatre And Dance From Northern Ireland initiative on August 19 is delivered by Theatre and Dance NI (TDNI), in collaboration with Belfast International Arts Festival, and supported by British Council Northern Ireland and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Now in its seventh year, the event aims to shine a light on work created by artists and arts organisations from Northern Ireland. The exposure of being part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe gives an opportunity for the artists to connect and network with international arts industry figures with a view to having their work tour internationally. Pictured launching the spotlight are (L-R) Seon Simpson, Fergus Wachala-Kelly, Colm McCready, Karis Kelly and Simon Sweeney (Arts Council NI/PA) The three productions from Northern Ireland being profiled in 2025 are Anthem For Dissatisfaction by Gina Donnelly with SkelpieLimmer Productions, Consumed by Karis Kelly, a Paines Plough, Belgrade Theatre, Sheffield Theatres and Women's Prize for Playwriting production in association with the Lyric Belfast and Shame Show by Colm McCready and Fergus Wachala-Kelly with SkelpieLimmer Productions. In addition, four Northern Ireland artists will travel to Edinburgh as part of the Fellowship Programme, designed to support artists, directors, and producers who are exploring future opportunities at the Fringe. This year's fellows are Carley Magee, Ronan McManus, Gemma Mae Halligan and Lisa May. Niamh Flanagan, executive director of Theatre and Dance NI said: 'Over the past seven years, Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe has demonstrated the strong national and international appetite for theatre and dance from Northern Ireland. 'The festival has created invaluable opportunities—drawing attention from national and international programmers leading to touring, collaboration, and other opportunities both at home and abroad. 'This recognition continues to elevate Northern Ireland's reputation on the global cultural stage. 'The Spotlight programme now extends beyond Edinburgh, providing support to artists and companies as part of both the Belfast International Arts Festival and Belfast Children's Festival.' She added: 'We are delighted to present three exceptional artists as part of this year's Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe programme. 'Their work exemplifies the innovation, ambition, and artistic excellence that define Northern Ireland's creative sector. We're thrilled to support them in showcasing their talent at the world's largest arts festival and marketplace.' Richard Wakely, artistic director and chief executive of the Belfast International Arts Festival said: 'The Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe programme continues to celebrate Northern Ireland artists who are working across performance disciplines and wish to create deep and sustainable international partnerships and collaborations.' Jonathan Stewart, director of the British Council Northern Ireland said: 'Providing Northern Ireland artists and companies with opportunities to showcase their work on international stages not only broadens their reach but also strengthens our local creative community. 'This exposure helps fuel a vibrant, thriving creative economy in Northern Ireland, benefiting artists, companies and audiences alike.' Siobhan Molloy, festivals, venues and international arts development officer at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: 'The Arts Council is proud to help spotlight the incredible theatre and dance work being made in Northern Ireland at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and funding from The National Lottery has been a game changer in helping us achieve that. 'It is vital that these works are seen, and so it is really exciting that a huge potential market is opened up to these theatre makers by attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.'
Rhyl Journal
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
NI theatre and dance productions to be spotlighted at Edinburgh Fringe
The Spotlight On Theatre And Dance From Northern Ireland initiative on August 19 is delivered by Theatre and Dance NI (TDNI), in collaboration with Belfast International Arts Festival, and supported by British Council Northern Ireland and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Now in its seventh year, the event aims to shine a light on work created by artists and arts organisations from Northern Ireland. The exposure of being part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe gives an opportunity for the artists to connect and network with international arts industry figures with a view to having their work tour internationally. The three productions from Northern Ireland being profiled in 2025 are Anthem For Dissatisfaction by Gina Donnelly with SkelpieLimmer Productions, Consumed by Karis Kelly, a Paines Plough, Belgrade Theatre, Sheffield Theatres and Women's Prize for Playwriting production in association with the Lyric Belfast and Shame Show by Colm McCready and Fergus Wachala-Kelly with SkelpieLimmer Productions. In addition, four Northern Ireland artists will travel to Edinburgh as part of the Fellowship Programme, designed to support artists, directors, and producers who are exploring future opportunities at the Fringe. This year's fellows are Carley Magee, Ronan McManus, Gemma Mae Halligan and Lisa May. Niamh Flanagan, executive director of Theatre and Dance NI said: 'Over the past seven years, Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe has demonstrated the strong national and international appetite for theatre and dance from Northern Ireland. 'The festival has created invaluable opportunities—drawing attention from national and international programmers leading to touring, collaboration, and other opportunities both at home and abroad. 'This recognition continues to elevate Northern Ireland's reputation on the global cultural stage. 'The Spotlight programme now extends beyond Edinburgh, providing support to artists and companies as part of both the Belfast International Arts Festival and Belfast Children's Festival.' She added: 'We are delighted to present three exceptional artists as part of this year's Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe programme. 'Their work exemplifies the innovation, ambition, and artistic excellence that define Northern Ireland's creative sector. We're thrilled to support them in showcasing their talent at the world's largest arts festival and marketplace.' Richard Wakely, artistic director and chief executive of the Belfast International Arts Festival said: 'The Spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe programme continues to celebrate Northern Ireland artists who are working across performance disciplines and wish to create deep and sustainable international partnerships and collaborations.' Jonathan Stewart, director of the British Council Northern Ireland said: 'Providing Northern Ireland artists and companies with opportunities to showcase their work on international stages not only broadens their reach but also strengthens our local creative community. 'This exposure helps fuel a vibrant, thriving creative economy in Northern Ireland, benefiting artists, companies and audiences alike.' Siobhan Molloy, festivals, venues and international arts development officer at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: 'The Arts Council is proud to help spotlight the incredible theatre and dance work being made in Northern Ireland at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and funding from The National Lottery has been a game changer in helping us achieve that. 'It is vital that these works are seen, and so it is really exciting that a huge potential market is opened up to these theatre makers by attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.'
