PPLI Annual Report 2020 - Flipbook - Page 5
Introduction to PPLI
Post-Primary Languages Ireland (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.
Capitalising on the extensive knowledge, expertise, and capacity acquired during the earlier years of the
initiative, PPLI has a role in implementing key actions in 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 2020, there were eleven core staff. The PPLI Team also includes
a Japanese Advisor and three interns. In addition, PPLI employs 6 Chinese, 18 Japanese, 2 Korean, 2 Lithuanian,
7 Polish, 3 Portuguese, 1 Romanian and 8 Russian 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 recognised 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.
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