PPLI Audit of Foreign Languages - Flipbook - Page 9
1.1 Introduction
This audit was carried out in the context of Languages Connect, Ireland’s Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education
2017-2026 and Implementation Plan 2017-2022. The audit sought to identify the range of languages schools offer,
the languages schools wish to offer, and the range of language teachers employed in schools. It was also intended
to identify teachers who are qualified to teach a foreign language but who may not currently have the opportunity
to teach that language in their schools, with a view to providing opportunities and incentives for these teachers to
upskill by means of CPD or post-graduate courses. Finally, it sought to identify locations where there is a level of
interest and demand for mother tongue support to inform further provision. The results of the audit will be used
to inform future actions which will be taken as part of the foreign languages strategy.
The report examines the profile of the schools which have responded to the audit, and demonstrates that they are
representative of schools across the country. Data is presented on the breakdown of languages taken throughout
the different stages of school, including in junior cycle, transition year, and Leaving Certificate. This data highlights
the dominance of French, and the various factors that influence how many languages a school is likely to offer. The
next section examines foreign language teachers in schools and spare capacity, or lack thereof, and the demand for
upskilling. Diversification of Foreign Language Provision examines the languages that schools would like to be able
to offer. Heritage Languages examines the languages spoken in schools in addition to English and Irish, the provision
of non-curricular languages as part of the Leaving Certificate, and support classes for these languages. A section in
the audit allowed for schools to provide general comments and a selection of these are provided in order to give an
overview of the feedback received.
1.2 Research Methodology
The Post-Primary Languages Initiative (PPLI) initially consulted with a variety of stakeholders and experts in relation
to the questionnaire which was prepared in English and Irish. The questionnaire was then sent to a market research
company in order to ensure it was fully accessible and user-friendly. It was then tested by a number of school
principals acting as critical friends. In June a letter was sent from the Curriculum and Assessment Policy unit (CAP),
Department of Education and Skills (DES), to the 711 post-primary schools across the country, requesting completion
of the survey. The completion date was set for 29th September 2017. Two emails, one in June and a second in
September, containing a direct link to the survey, were sent to schools as follow up to the letter, and a final reminder
email was sent on 29th September. A total of 393 schools completed the survey, which is 55.3% of the schools in
the country. The data collected was processed, for example some Irish-medium schools replied in English, and vice
versa, and eleven schools submitted twice. Experts were consulted and the current report was prepared.
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Audit of Foreign Languages Provision in Post-Primary Schools 2017
Post-Primary Languages Initiative February 2017 Draft Report