#ThinkLanguages Save the Date

#ThinkLanguages Week 2024 – Save the Date

We are delighted to announce that the festival of languages and cultures for TY students, #ThinkLanguages will return in 2024 so be sure to save the date!

This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever running for a week from 18th – 22nd November.

The student-led celebration of languages and cultures looks to bring to life the many benefits of foreign language skills with each participating school creating an impressive lineup of fun activities such as language-filled workshops, insightful talks, music, dance, film and much more.

The event will remain in a week-long format, making it easier for schools to choose a date that suits them. You can find out more about #ThinkLanguages and what is involved, including the Champion Team Competition which runs in tandem with #ThinkLanguages, on our dedicated page here.

#ThinkLanguages National Champion Team Award 2023

Last year’s event was a huge success with over 15,000 students in 180 schools nationwide coming together, with the help of Higher Education Institutions, the Irish Film Institute and Business in the Community, to celebrate languages and cultures. The Champion Team Competition, which recognises the contribution of students to the promotion of the many personal, professional and social benefits of foreign language skills during #ThinkLanguages week, was a highlight for many.

The National Final of the #ThinkLanguages Champion Team of the year took place in the Clock Tower at the Department of Education in January where Our Lady’s Bower Secondary School, Athlone were chosen as the overall #ThinkLanguages Champion Team of 2023. The team planned a brilliant #ThinkLanguages Festival for their school with talks from inspirational guest speakers on their journey with languages, a creative multi-lingual murder mystery as well as cultural cookery and sports competitions.

The #ThinkLanguages Champion Team Competition had a spectacular prize – a trip to Brussels, the languages capital of Europe, which was kindly funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs as part of the A Career for EU Strategy. The lucky students from Our Lady’s Bower, now have the opportunity to see the magnificent buildings of the Grand-Place and try out the world-famous chocolates and waffles. An exclusive tour of the European Parliament for an insight into what A Career for EU really looks like was also included!

More details on this year’s festival of languages and cultures, #ThinkLanguages 2024, will be announced in the coming months, including details regarding registration which opens in September. For now, be sure to block out the calendar and stay tuned via our website and social media channels for updates.