Entire Annual Report (2) - Flipbook - Page 33
Primary Languages Sampler Module
Action 2.E.1
2.E.3
Say Yes to Languages
40,000 students
526 schools
All counties
Ongoing
PPLI was asked by the Department of Education to facilitate the re-introduction of languages other than
English and Irish to primary education in the form of a Language Sampler Module. The 'Say Yes to Languages'
Sampler Module aims to facilitate participating primary schools to introduce their pupils to a Modern Foreign
Language (MFL) of their choice or Irish Sign Language (ISL). The module takes place over a six-week period for
up to one hour a week, within the normal timetable and was targeted at third to sixth class pupils. The initial
Expression of Interest in June 2021 had a very high number of applications. As a result, over 500 schools will be
involved during the 2021/2022 school year, introducing nearly 40,000 primary pupils to a new language. Due
to the high level of demand, the scheme was rolled out across the three terms, with the first term in November
2021 with 150 primary schools across the country. Participating schools were eligible for a grant of up to
€1,000 from the Department of Education, depending on the number of classrooms registered to take part.
Diversity of Languages
A wide range of languages was chosen by schools nationwide including French, Spanish, Irish Sign
Language,German, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian and Lithuanian.
Say Yes to Languages
To ensure that all resources were user-friendly and accessible for schools, pupils and parents, the
communication and resources for the Primary Sampler Module were branded under the awareness raising
campaign, Languages Connect.
The call to action Say ‘Yes’ to Languages was used across all collateral to give the module and all those
involved in it a clear vision about what the aim of the module was. It is an appealing and simple message that
is easily understood by primary pupils, but also carries a deeper meaning for tutors/teachers, principals and
the wider community.
- PPLI ANNUAL REPORT 2021 -
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