Annual Report 2023 Entire Book - Flipbook - Page 39
PPLI representatives also met with the German sending agency, Der Pädagogische Austauschdienst (PAD) in
May 2023, to learn more about the process for FLAs prior to arriving in Ireland, and to provide information
regarding available supports, and how they could be enhanced, over the course of the academic year.
From June onwards, preparations intensified for the arrival of the 2023-24 intake of FLAs. PPLI developed a
newsletter to provide pre-arrival support as well as an online teaching and learning resource to allow FLAs to
reach out to each other in advance of arrival and to share teaching and learning resources that they may
develop over the course of the year. In September, for the first time, PPLI introduced a series of online sessions
for cooperating teachers to support them as they prepared for the pending arrival of their FLAs. Feedback
from these sessions was very positive.
A total of 171 FLAs registered for their induction at the Languages Connect Summit. This was the first time
that PPLI organised the annual induction for the FLAs and was an excellent opportunity for the FLAs to learn
more about the Irish education system, network with other FLAs and teachers and to enjoy the atmosphere
of this engaging event. Representatives from PPLI and the Department of Education were on hand to outline
available supports to FLAs and there were opportunities for questions and answers.
FLAs also had an opportunity for a ‘meet and greet’
with their PPLI Link Associate, who is available to
support them for the duration of their participation in
the scheme with any teaching and learning queries.
The link allows FLAs to contact their associate at any
time and to receive appropriate support and
guidance. FLAs and Link Associates report that this has
been of particular benefit to their integration into the
scheme.
FLAs also benefitted from additional support at the event, with induction extended to include an additional
session that focussed on practical ‘tips and tricks’ for the classroom. Feedback from the FLAs was very positive,
with comments mentioning that the day was ‘informative’, ‘useful’, ‘well-organised’, ‘inspiring’, ‘exciting’,
and ‘welcoming’.
346 FLAs and CTs registered for the first round of in-person support sessions in October 2023. The sessions
were delivered by PPLI Education Officers and Associates in venues nationwide over a two-week period, and
participants could select from a wide range of dates and venues. These sessions looked at ideas to develop
collaboration and plan for the academic year ahead.
PPLI supported the FLAs with dedicated Communities Of Practice in November 2023, and the annual
competitions to encourage ongoing collaboration between the FLA and CT team took place through
November and December 2023.
- PPLI ANNUAL REPORT 2023 -
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