Annual Report 2024 - Flipbook - Page 10
Director Review
The numbers sitting nine of the eleven curricular languages offered at Leaving Certificate have shown a steady
increase over the past few years. A more overall decrease in language sits at Leaving Certificate is a result of a
reduction in those taking French and German and much of this can be attributed to the introduction of new
subjects which offer students more choice catering for diverse interests and new opportunities for personal
development. This, in parallel with a removal of the Modern Foreign Language (MFL) matriculation requirement
for many tertiary courses is also frequently mentioned as leading some students to drop a foreign language.
Most of the work in PPLI seeks to either directly or indirectly increase participation in foreign language learning.
Having a foreign language is an absolute necessity for our students to remain competitive in both the European
and the global context. Every one of our students has the right to acquire skills that allow full participation in
society and the labour market and limited multilingual competence remains one of the main obstacles to
benefiting from the opportunities offered by virtue of being a European state. Enhanced multilingual
competence would also support our young people in taking more informed decisions about opportunities in
other EU countries thus putting them on a more level playing field. Multilingualism is an important priority in
Europe because it is such an important element of Europe’s competitiveness.
Learning foreign languages exposes students to different cultural perspectives, enhancing their adaptability
and intercultural communication skills. This fosters global awareness and prepares students for diverse
professional and social interactions. The need for multilingual global citizens with strong intercultural
competence who can navigate diverse cultural contexts and collaborate across borders is now more important
than ever to stay relevant in the job market.
PPLI seeks to support this messaging through the development of resources and dissemination of information
which encourages uptake in foreign language subjects as well as highlighting the tangible benefits of learning
languages and having language skills. The #ThinkLanguages festival, facilitated by PPLI as part of the Languages
Connect awareness raising campaign, continues to grow and extend its reach which increases opportunities
for students to think about taking a language for Leaving Certificate. 2024 was the first year that schools from
all 26 counties in Ireland were represented in #ThinkLanguages. 17,500 students from over 200 schools
participated. The Champion Team competition winners went to Brussels courtesy of the Department of Foreign
Affairs as part of their ‘A Career for EU strategy’ and were able to see Ireland at the EU. Colleagues reported that
it was particularly rewarding to hear the students talk about their future career plans after their visit to the EU
Institutions. The students left feeling inspired and energised to take their languages with them in their respective
future journeys.
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- PPLI ANNUAL REPORT 2024 -
