PPLI Annual Report 2020 - Flipbook - Page 37
Audit of Foreign Languages Provision in Post-Primary Schools 2017 (2.A.2)
As a result of this audit, a Language Upskilling Scheme was created for teachers qualified in a language but
not currently teaching it (see below). A further audit is being planned in 2021.
Delivery of MFL Teacher Languages Upskilling Scheme (2.A.3)
Action Progress
The MFL Teacher Languages Upskilling Scheme Phase 2 continued in 2020. The upskilling scheme aims to
upskill MFL teachers qualified in a language which they are currently not teaching or are not teaching to full
capacity. It enables schools to expand their provision of languages and to introduce new languages using
existing qualified teachers. Due to COVID-19 upskilling involving face-to-face classes or travel could not take
place, halting most of the planned upskilling. However, some participants were able to switch to online
courses, and new applicants opted for online courses.
Of the total upskilling applicants, nearly a quarter were regrettably not eligible as the scheme only allows
teachers qualified in the language to take part. With this in mind, PPLI welcomed the Department of
Education-sponsored Spanish Higher Diploma initiative aimed at MFL teachers to qualify in Spanish. Related
to this, PPLI devised a new scheme to fund small shortfalls MFL teachers have in an additional language in
order to enable them to register with the Teaching Council for the language. This Shortfall Funding Scheme
was developed in 2020. The development phase involved a MFL teacher survey and consultation with HEIs.
The scheme will enhance the action by enabling teachers to register for an additional language thereby
increasing qualified teacher supply and the capacity in schools.
Impact
•
By the end of 2020, a total of 70 teachers have been granted funding to upskill since the scheme started in
September 2018. Of those 33% have been for French, 31% for Spanish, 27% for German and 7% for Italian
upskilling. Pre-COVID-19 face-to-face classes and study in the target language country were the most
popular options, illustrating the continued preferred impact physical classes and immersive environment
have on the learning experience. COVID-19 has had an obvious impact on the necessity of accessing
online classes only.
Since the upskilling scheme started, seven schools have been able to introduce a new language and offer
more languages to students (Spanish, German, Italian). In schools where the target language was already
being taught the school has been able to expand language provision or use additional teachers to deliver the
subject. Gaining confidence in the target language continues to be rated as the most positive outcome for
teachers, followed by improving the CEFR level.
The upskilling scheme has brought to attention the number of MFL teachers who are not registered with the
Teaching Council in an additional language they have credits in or are in fact teaching due to a credit
shortfall. Due to this PPLI was encouraged to devise the Shortfall Funding Scheme, which will be rolled out in
2021.
Next Steps
38
•
Upskilling scheme to be continued in 2021
•
Shortfall Funding Scheme to be launched in 2021