Annual Report 2024 - Flipbook - Page 104
National #ThinkLanguages Champion Team Competition Winners 2024
Ten shortlisted schools were selected from the competition entries and visited during #ThinkLanguages
Week. The finalist teams were chosen to present to a panel of judges at the National Final at the Department
of Education. The #ThinkLanguages 2024 Champion Team finalists were Beaufort College Navan, Ennistymon
Community School, Nenagh College and Presentation Secondary School Thurles. The four teams presented
on what they had learned from their experience. All put a commendable amount of work into the event
management of their festivals, as well as into their final presentations, which thoroughly impressed the
judging panel. Attendees of the event commented on the students’ top quality presentation skills, their
creativity, and their obvious passion for languages.
A lively panel discussion took place at the National Final, bringing together PPLI staff members to share their
experience and insights into their language learning journeys, the Erasmus program, and teaching
opportunities through the ELA (English Language Assistant) and JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching)
schemes. The discussion explored the transformative experiences of those who have studied and taught
abroad, highlighting the personal and professional growth that comes from cultural immersion and
embracing foreign language learning. Panellists shared their challenges and successes in acquiring new
languages, emphasising the importance of international exchanges in fostering linguistic skills and global
understanding. Attendees were provided with valuable advice on applying for these programs and making
the most of their time overseas, leaving inspired to embark on their own language-learning adventures.
PPLI Director, Karen Ruddock and Evelyn O’Connor from the Curriculum and Assessment Unit of the
Department of Education presented the Champion Team of the Year 2024, Beaufort College Navan, with their
trophy and prize of a trip to Brussels. The students and teachers greatly appreciated and enjoyed the
opportunity to learn more about where language learning can take them.
Finalist – Ennistymon Community School
Finalist – Nenagh College
Finalist – Presentation Secondary School Thurles
Winners – Beaufort College, Navan
Overall Winners- Beaufort College Navan
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- PPLI ANNUAL REPORT 2024 -
Champion Team
Winners 2024