Annual Report 2024 - Flipbook - Page 50
Languages Provision
Junior Cycle
In the 2024-2025 academic year, languages provision in Junior Cycle continued to grow, offering students
increased opportunities to engage with a diverse range of languages. Currently, the following languages are
taught by PPLI Development Officers at the Junior Cycle level across 12 post-primary schools, reaching a total
of 590 students:
Language
Junior Cycle Students
Schools
Chinese
243
3 (2 in Cork, 1 in Dublin)
Japanese
57
2 schools in Dublin
Polish
290
7 (4 in Dublin, 1 in Cork, 1 in Kerry, 1 in Ofaly)
Total
590
12 Schools
The integration of additional languages at Junior Cycle in post-primary education provides numerous
benefits for students, schools, and the broader education system. These include:
•
Enhanced cognitive skills – learning languages improves memory, problem-solving skills, and critical
thinking abilities.
•
Stronger academic performance – multilingual students often perform better across various subjects,
benefiting from transferable skills such as enhanced literacy and communication.
•
Cultural awareness and inclusion – language learning fosters intercultural competence, helping students
appreciate diversity and develop empathy for those from different cultures.
•
Greater student well-being – for heritage language speakers, having the opportunity to study their home
language within the school system strengthens their sense of identity and belonging, which positively
impacts well-being.
•
Preparation for future careers – Ireland’s economy is increasingly globalised, and multilingualism is a key
asset in sectors such as business, technology, and diplomacy. Early exposure to these languages enhances
students’ career prospects.
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- PPLI ANNUAL REPORT 2024 -
