Local pupils say ‘Ja’ to German

CBS Primary School takes part in language initiative

Over 100 Third to Sixth Class pupils from CBS Primary School, Nenagh, are taking part in the Primary Language Sampler module - ‘Say Yes to Languages’ again this year. The module, which is being made available for the second year following its extension by the Department of Education, was met with overwhelming enthusiasm last year and this interest looks set to continue with 700 schools having registered to take part in 2022/2023.

‘Say Yes To Languages’ offers an introduction into a variety of modern foreign languages and Irish Sign Language (ISL) while also looking to raise awareness among pupils of the diversity of languages being used by their peers in their schools and community.

Over 500 schools took part in the module last year, which saw French, Spanish, ISL, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Romanian, Arabic, Lithuanian, Polish, Tamil and Portuguese being taught across the country. CBS Primary School, Nenagh, spent their time learning German and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

This year, pupils will be saying ‘Ja’ to German again and the programme will be delivered over an extended eight-week period during the normal school timetable.

Speaking about the module Principal William Greene notes: “We are delighted to be taking part in ‘Say Yes to Languages’ again this year. The response last year was overwhelmingly positive right across the school community – from pupils and teachers to parents and tutors.

“It is a fun, interactive and engaging programme which really begins to set the foundations for an ongoing positive relationship with languages. This will be of great benefit to the pupils as they continue through their education, hopefully bringing with them a love of languages. Many of our pupils already speak a foreign language, and it is terrific to be able to provide them with the opportunity to study another language.”

Tutors of the module may be teachers or part of the wider school community including parents, native speakers or other staff members. Ms Micha Ryan, a graduate of Arts in Mary Immaculate College Limerick, will be delivering the module this year at CBS Primary School Nenagh.

In line with last year, the module is being rolled out over three terms, with the support of Languages Connect and PPLI (Post-Primary Languages Ireland), a unit of the Department of Education.

A suite of resources has been produced including lesson plans for teachers and tutors and ‘Language Passports’ for all participating pupils to show their family and friend. Packs have been sent to participating schools to help support both the teaching and learning, but also awareness raising objectives of the module.

FURTHER DETAILS ON PROGRAMME

More information regarding the modules, tutor expression of interest and supports are available at www.languagesconnect.ie/primary