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Primary School Languages Sampler - Say 'Yes' to Languages!

 

Languages Connect and PPLI are delighted to announce that over 500 Primary Schools nationwide will be receiving confirmation today of their participation in the Say ‘Yes’ to Languages Primary School Language Sampler Module.

The Languages Connect Sampler Module will facilitate participating Primary Schools to introduce their pupils to a Modern Foreign Language of their choice or Irish Sign Language (ISL). The modules will take place over a six-week period for up to one hour a week, within the normal timetable and is targeted at third to sixth class pupils.

The initial Expression of Interest in June 2021 had a very high number of applications. Over 500 schools will be involved during the 21/22 school term. Due to the high level of demand, the scheme will be rolled out across the three terms with the first Modules starting in November 2021 in over 150 Primary Schools across the country.

Participating schools will be eligible for a grant of up to €1,000 from the Department of Education, depending on the number of classrooms registered.

The Sampler Modules will:

  • Generate awareness among pupils of the range of languages used by their peers, including Irish Sign Language, in their schools and communities which may help support greater inclusion and appreciation of diversity in society.
  • Encourage uptake of languages at post-primary level.
  • Provide opportunities for increased levels of collaboration among the school community with regard to the celebration of languages and cultures.
  • Support implementation of Languages Connect, Ireland’s Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education 2017 – 2026.

 

For more information on the many benefits of this scheme, visit the Department of Education Press Release here

Interested in being a Tutor?

If you would like to register your interest in becoming a language tutor for the Primary Modules, we’d love to hear from you. We are currently looking for potential tutors nationwide in a range of foreign languages as well as Irish Sign Language.

Tutors may be qualified teachers or part of the wider school community; i.e. parents/guardians, native speakers, other staff members, etc. If you are interested, please fill out the Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch in due course as needs arise.

For all the latest updates on the Primary Language Sampler Module, check out the Primary Section of the website and follow Languages Connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Best of luck to all schools involved! We are so much looking forward to starting this language learning journey with you all!