PPLI Annual Report (2019) - Flipbook - Page 43
Curriculum languages: Japanese and Russian (2.A.6, 2.C.1)
Action Progress:
In 2019 PPLI provided Senior Cycle (TY, 5th and 6th year) Japanese classes in 32 schools in Dublin, Cork,
Wexford, Sligo, Meath, Kildare, Limerick, Wicklow, Tipperary and Clare with a total of 2,771 students. Junior
Cycle Japanese was provided in Fingal Community College in September 2019, an exciting development in
the diversification of lesser taught languages. Japanese Leaving Certificate Saturday School classes in Dublin
and Cork cater for nearly 115 students. 18 Japanese teachers are employed by PPLI. Japanese Language
Adviser Akiko Harada works closely with the teachers offering CPD, support in the classroom and assistance
developing resources.
Annual CPD takes place during midterm in February, use of TY resources and LC exam tips were some of the
topics. In June Japanese teachers joined all the other PPLI teachers for an active teaching CPD session
focusing on using the target language in the classroom. The use of mini whiteboards was introduced.
The oral workshop for students in February prepared students for their Japanese Leaving Certificate oral
exam with tips for strategies and practice with native speakers. Other Japanese workshops provided by way
of outreach by PPLI for Japanese included 'Learning Japanese through Anime/Manga materials' at J-Con.,
Japanese language course (8 times in June and July) for 2019 JET participants and workshops at Experience
Japan.
School outreach involved PPLI’s Japanese graduate Claire Long speaking about Japanese as a Leaving
Certificate subject and bringing the subject alive by talking about her time in Japan.
Rugby World Cup fun survival Z-folds were produced for rugby fans travelling to Japan. The folders were
distributed to schools for students to learn about Japanese customs and fun facts, and to practice every day
Japanese phrases.
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