#ThinkLanguages Champion Team
of the Year Announced

#ThinkLanguages Prizegiving

Beaufort College crowned #ThinkLanguages Champion Team of the Year 2024!

The national final of the #ThinkLanguages Champion Team of the Year competition took place today, Thursday, 23rd January at the Clock Tower in the Department of Education, where six transition year students from Beaufort College, Navan were crowned winners, taking home the title as well as an amazing prize of a trip to Brussels. Karen Ruddock, Director of Post-Primary Languages Irelandwas in attendance to congratulate the finalists – Beaufort College Navan, Ennistymon Community School, Presentation Thurles and Nenagh College – and present this year’s award, which recognises the contribution of students to the promotion of the many personal, professional and social benefits of foreign language skills during #ThinkLanguages Week.

Karen Ruddock, Director Post-Primary Languages Ireland, organisers of the event, Students L-R: Aymen Serouti, Osborn T. Osasu, Elliott Kristiansen, Maria Hangan, Sean Mitchell, Laurentiu Sirit and Evelyn O’Connor Principal Officer Curriculum and Assessment Unit, Department of Education.
Group #TL finalists

Speaking about the event, Karen Ruddock said: ““I am delighted to present this award today which recognises the immense value of foreign language learning. The students serve as incredible ambassadors for language learning, demonstrating how subjects extend beyond textbooks and taking them into real life”

The #ThinkLanguages Champion of Team of the Year competition runs alongside the annual national #ThinkLanguages festival, which was celebrated by over 17,500 TY students in over 200 schools across Ireland during the week of 18 -21 November 2024. The student-led celebration of languages and cultures brings to life the many benefits of foreign language skills with each participating school creating an impressive line-up of fun activities such as language-based workshops, insightful talks, music, dance, film and much more.

 Karen Ruddock added: “The benefits of language learning go far beyond the classroom, and grades, as we saw and heard today. The immense transversal skills they provide for, such as communication, critical thinking and teamwork will stand to each student in their futures. I hope today’s participants will remain champions for language learning, inspiring all students, regardless of their proficiency level, to embrace the world of languages.”

To enter the competition, Champion Teams provided an overview of their school’s planned line-up of activity, with eleven schools selected for a judge’s visit. The standard of events around the country was extremely high in 2024, with the judges having a difficult time choosing four finalists. The themes for #ThinkLanguages 2024 revolved around how language learning can boost life skills, create greater experiences in life, open global work opportunities, and help build a wider circle of friends. The four finalists stood out across all categories, with each demonstrating a thorough understanding of these themes both within their schools’ event and their final presentation.

As well taking home the winning trophy, Beaufort College will have the opportunity to experience what a career with languages could look like as part of their prize, thanks to the Department of Foreign Affairs and its ‘A Career for EU Strategy’. This is the second year they have supported the competition in recognition of the importance of multilingual Irish representation in Europe. The winning team will visit the heart of Europe, Brussels, to see a multitude of languages in action at European Institutions, learning all about what a career in the EU looks like including day-to-day life in one of Europe’s most multicultural cities.

A Career for EU

A representative of the Department of Foreign Affairs commented,  “We are delighted to see students participating in #ThinkLanguages and encourage you to carry your passion for languages into further education and beyond. Proficiency in a second EU language is a vital skill for those aspiring to careers in EU institutions such as the European Parliament and European Commission. Both English and Irish (as well as French, Spanish, German, Polish etc) are among the 24 official EU languages.

“Careers in the EU are well paid and offer you a way to make a meaningful difference. When you finish school, you may go on to study law, technology, science, economics, agriculture, or languages. The European Union offers careers in all these areas and more. By mastering a second EU language, you could help shape policies that improve the lives of 450 million citizens across Europe. Your love of languages could be the key to building a rewarding career and making your mark on Europe’s future. Keep learning languages as you move from school to university and beyond!”

Save the Date!

Dates for #ThinkLanguages Week 2025 were also announced at today’s proceedings, with the festival of languages and cultures set to take place from 17-21 November. Be sure to follow us on social media for updates over the coming months.