PPLI Annual Report 2018 - Flipbook - Page 5
Introduction to PPLI
The Post-Primary Languages Initiative (PPLI) is a dedicated unit providing expertise and
support for foreign languages education in Ireland, predominantly at post-primary level.
PPLI was originally set up in September 2000 with a remit of diversifying, enhancing
and expanding the teaching of languages in second-level schools throughout Ireland
and this remains core to its remit with a focus on enhancing and broadening the
opportunities available to students for learning foreign languages that are relevant to
Ireland’s future cultural, social and economic needs.
Capitalizing on the extensive knowledge, expertise, and capacity acquired during the earlier years of the
initiative PPLI has a lead role in implementation of Languages Connect - Ireland’s Strategy for Foreign
Languages in Education 2017-2026 which was published in December 2017. The strategy is the context
for PPLI activities and frames a large part of the work. In 2018, the number of core staff increased from
five to seven. The PPLI Team also includes a Japanese Advisor and two interns. In addition PPLI employs
17 Japanese, 8 Russian, 5 Polish, 2 Lithuanian and 1 Korean Development Officers who teach in schools.
PPLI is the only dedicated organisation supporting foreign languages education at post-primary in Ireland
and its important role is recognized in the strategy. There is also a broader role for PPLI in the
implementation of the strategy which includes awareness raising, employer engagement and languages
in society, in addition to the important aspects of implementation which relate to languages in education.
An additional part of its role is to conduct applied research that informs and supports policy.
Karen Ruddock
Director PPLI
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