Scoil Mhuire Girls’ NS says ‘Oui’ to Languages
This year, over 170 pupils in 3rd and 5th class joined over 80,000 Primary pupils nationwide, taking part in the ‘Say Yes to languages’ Sampler Module to promote Modern Foreign Languages in Irish Primary schools.
This initiative was launched in 2021 by the Department of Education as part of Ireland’s national Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education 2017–2026. The initiative was hugely successful, and now, with the extension of the pilot scheme for a second year, Scoil Mhuire Girls’ N.S. has joined 900 primary schools registered to take part in 2023/2024.
This is Scoil Mhuire's second year of 'Say YES to Languages' with our pupils completing a primer module in Irish Sign Language last year, however his year our pupils are receiving French lessons, delivered over an eight-week period during the normal school timetable. The module is being rolled out with the support of Languages Connect and PPLI (Post-Primary Languages Ireland), a unit of the Department of Education, and is funded by the DES.
Our colleague, Mrs. Emma Hipwell, delivered the French module to Ms. Foy’s 3rd class, Ms. Lyons' 3rd class, and Ms. Campion’s 3rd class in Term 1 and has now commenced French Lessons with our pupils in 5th class, Ms. Daly's Class, Ms. Morrin's Class and Ms. Farrell's Class. Mrs. Hipwell is excited to have the opportunity to share her passion for French with the pupils, having many years experience as a French teacher.
In Scoil Mhuire Girls’ N.S., we appreciate the importance of languages as a life skill, a communication tool, a community builder, the key to an authentically inclusive society, and one that can broaden the horizons of all our pupils. With many languages being used by the pupils and staff at our school, this module is really helping to build awareness and celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity within our school and within the wider Lucan Community.
Please view the photo gallery to see our pupils experiencing the fun of learning a Modern European Language.