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School Curriculum

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 May 2022

Thursday, 12 May 2022

Ceisteanna (234)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

234. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the availability of modern foreign languages in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23657/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following publication of Languages Connect, Ireland’s Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education 2017 – 2026 (Action 1.E.2) , the Department asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to consider including foreign languages in senior classes as part of the review of the primary curriculum.

The NCCA published the Draft Primary Curriculum Framework (PCF) for public consultation in 2020.

This draft Framework acknowledges the language-learning journey that all children are on in English and Irish. It also acknowledges and harnesses the diversity of languages spoken in Irish primary schools. It supports the introduction of modern foreign languages in senior classes, incrementally building on children’s existing knowledge and awareness of language and progressing competency.

The initial plan was for the consultation to take place between January and June of 2020. However, the impact of Covid required changes to be made with the data gathering ultimately taking place over two phases between February 2020 and March 2022. The data from the consultation is currently being analysed and will be reported on in the coming months. The Department will consider this report when available later in 2022.

Last year I invited expressions of interest from English-medium and Irish-medium primary and special schools to participate in a new language sampler module. The ‘Say Yes to Languages’ sampler module allows schools identify a modern foreign language of their choice, or Irish Sign Language (ISL). Schools are supported by Post-Primary Languages Ireland (PPLI) in providing a six-week sampler module across a range of additional languages including Irish Sign Language (ISL).

This six-week sampler module is targeted at pupils in 3rd to 6th class for up to 1 hour per week within the normal school timetable. It is open to schools to participate on a voluntary basis. Schools will have the autonomy to determine the language they wish to introduce to the children and to secure a language tutor e.g. language teacher/language assistant from a post-primary school /a member of the school/wider community who is fluent in the target language.

PPLI have developed the module content in consultation with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). PPLI also provide a short online training programme for the language tutors identified by each school. There is additional training for schools management and class teachers who are hosting the module, should they wish to access it. Delivery of the sampler module could be online or by way of a blended approach. PPLI are providing advice on sourcing language tutors/teachers.

There was huge interest in the sampler module with 470 schools and some 40,000 pupils participating in the scheme in 2021/22 and 12 different languages have been selected including: French, German, Irish Sign Language, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Lithuanian, Romanian, Polish, Portuguese, Arabic and Tamil. A grant of up to €1,000 has been provided to each participating school.

The module has now been extended for a second year 2022/23 and is currently open for applications from primary schools until May 25. Details of the scheme are outlined in Circular 0028/2022: www.gov.ie/en/circular/88a1a-say-yes-to-languages-language-sampler-module-202223/. The module will be extended to 8 weeks in 2022/23 and the grant will be increased to €400 per classroom up to a maximum of €1,600.

The sampler module aims to:

- 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.

The sampler module will also inform future developments in the area of language acquisition and development of the Primary Curriculum Framework. I would encourage primary and special schools to explore this opportunity to take part in this new module.

Language classes may also be provided by primary schools through extra-curricular classes which are organised locally by schools.

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