Annual Report 2025 Entire Book - Flipbook - Page 10
Director Review
The work of Post-Primary Languages Ireland is more important than ever. In the complex environment of
broadened learner choice and diversiocation of curriculum provision, there is an increased urgency of raising
awareness of the value of learning foreign languages and supporting existing provision. Most of the work in
PPLI seeks to either directly or indirectly increase participation in foreign language learning.
Our students have the right to acquire skills that allow full participation in society. Limited multilingual
competence remains one of the main obstacles to students beneoting from work and mobility opportunities
available across the European Union. Learning foreign languages exposes students to diferent cultural
perspectives, enhancing their adaptability and intercultural communication skills. This fosters global awareness
and prepares students for diverse professional and social interactions. Importantly, an education in additional
languages fosters a more inclusive environment for all students reducing susceptibility to extremist views.
In the context of supporting diversiocation of the foreign languages' curriculum, PPLI continues to provide
alternative delivery models which include in school provision, shared and peripatetic teachers, Leaving
Certiocate classes, and online and blended learning for more than 10,000 students. As a result, more recently
introduced and lesser taught languages remained accessible to students where viable in school provision is not
possible, supporting equity of access and learner choice. Heritage language provision is part of this, supporting
student engagement, identity recognition and progression, including access to Leaving Certiocate points that
signiocantly innuence post-Leaving Certiocate education pathways. Underpinning this, 58 PPLI Development
Oocers continue to be supported through a structured professional learning programme, with 25 professional
learning sessions delivered across induction, CPD and targeted online/blended teaching supports.
In the context of enhancing provision, PPLI continues to provide teachers and students across the wider system
with resources, opportunities, and support to ensure that language lessons in schools are as engaging as
possible, seeking to support the retention of students into senior cycle through much of its work. Examples of
projects which enhance foreign languages provision in schools include the development of supports for
innovative methodologies such as Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL); training in the use of AI
and digital technologies in collaboration with Oide Technology in Education; and ongoing support for the use
of a toolkit for self-evaluation and supporting cultural and linguistic diversity in our schools.
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- PPLI ANNUAL REPORT 2025 -
