Tullamore school says yes to languages!

Fifth and sixth class pupils in St Philomena's Girls NS, Tullamore are participating in a new Primary Language Sampler project. The sampler module is a means for raising awareness among pupils of the range of languages used by their peers, in their schools and community.

Over 500 schools nationwide are taking part and offering modules in a range of modern foreign languages and Irish Sign Language.

The module will introduce the pupils to French and be taught over a 6-week period during the normal school timetable.

Alex Aubin, a French teacher from the Sacred Heart Secondary School, Tullamore, is delighted to be involved in sharing his native speaking language and experience with the pupils, having gained the skills while living/studying/travelling/working in Paris and all others places in France.

"I appreciate the importance of languages as a life skill, an opportunity for the pupils to think in a different way and build opportunities for the future. With all the languages being used by the pupils and staff at our school, this module really helps to build awareness and celebrate the diversity within the school and community."

This project involves the support of all the staff with Ms Brigit Clear, Principal, Gráinne Moran, 5th/6th class teacher and Ms Rebecca Madden, 6th class teacher.

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.

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