PPLI Annual Report 2018 - Flipbook - Page 26
Russian (2.C.1)
In 2018-19 PPLI provides Transition Year Russian classes in 15 schools in Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Waterford,
Roscommon and Offaly with a total of 808 (+ Inna’s Sat Dublin) students. There has been a 7% increase in the
number of TY students choosing Russian since 2017-18. Student numbers in 5th and 6th year Saturday classes
held in Dublin, Galway and Limerick are up by 18%. 8 Russian teachers are employed by PPLI.
What appeals to the students most is the opportunity to practice Russian with their peers and making new friends.
Students' good level of spoken Russian makes exam preparation enjoyable. The students are enthusiastic, motivated
and focused, which makes teaching a rewarding experience. The students are eager to discover various aspects of
Russian culture and compare it to Irish culture, as well as take part in discussions on various topics and role-plays.
(Lana Ilyin, Teacher of Russian language Dublin Saturday School)
Comments from students:
Learning Russian means not only preparation for my Leaving Cert exam, but also it means a lot to me in relation to
my family’s ethnicity and culture.
It means I properly know how to speak my language which is not often taught in everyday schools
Polish in Transition Year (2.C.1, 2.E.10)
The classes in TY Polish provided an opportunity for students in a number of schools to appreciate better the
background of their Polish peers and learn how to communicate at a basic level with their Polish speaking
peers. Being able to communicate in Polish exposed students to and fostered an appreciation for the
traditions, religions, arts, and history of the people associated with Polish language. Greater understanding, in
turn, promoted greater tolerance, empathy, and acceptance of others.
It also gave them first-hand experience of the challenge of learning such a foreign language while making
mistakes in front of the class and this in turn allows them to experience what it was like for many of their peers
coming from other language backgrounds being pushed out of their comfort zone.
The perspective of learning about the history and culture of another country sheds light on aspects of students own
culture—both positive and negative—that they may not have previously considered
(Anna, Polish teacher)
I liked the interactive games, the food samples and how it wasn't really like normal class
(TY student)
I liked the teacher, how interesting the classes were, and learning about Polish culture.
(TY student)
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