Annual Report 2025 Entire Book - Flipbook - Page 11
PPLI continues to prepare the ground for the introduction of Modern Foreign Languages in the primary
curriculum through Say Yes to Languages, reaching over 60,000 primary pupils across 1,344 schools in 2025.
Enhanced inclusion, enthusiasm for languages and cross curricular learning was reported by participating
schools. There was a transition from pilot to national foreign language upskilling scheme for primary teachers
with 310 teachers completing courses across four languages in the orst stage of this, supporting curriculum
reform and long term capacity building. A French immersion programme in partnership with the French
Embassy piloted intensive language and cultural learning, informing future immersion opportunities.
In the context of seeking to expand provision, #ThinkLanguages Week 2025 reached over 21,000 Transition Year
students in more than 240 schools nationwide, marking the eighth year of the national festival. Partnerships
with 14 higher education institutions delivered outreach activities and campus visits with peer to peer
engagement helping to demystify third level language study, Erasmus opportunities and international career
pathways. 13 cinemas ofered opportunities for 3,400 students to watch a foreign language movie, and four
cultural institutes hosted events giving students the opportunity to experience languages in authentic cultural
settings. 99% of students surveyed said they would recommend #ThinkLanguages, with 75% reporting a
changed perception of the value of languages. Student led and community based activity continued to grow,
highlighting home languages, intercultural awareness and peer learning.
PPLI maintained a strong presence at national student and guidance events, reaching more than 35,000
attendees through Higher Options, Career Options Cork and other events. Languages Connect content on
Careers Portal saw nearly 300,000 visits related to language courses and pathways. 2,000 guidance counsellors
were reached through targeted communication, events and conferences, and a new Communities of Practice
supported teachers in embedding languages within whole school guidance structures.
PPLI9s role as a national and international leader in language education continues to be reinforced also through
participation in forums, conferences and research, ensuring evidence informed policy and practice.
PPLI9s work is collaborative. Schools, teachers, students, parents, guidance counsellors, higher education
institutions, embassies, cultural institutes and national agencies all play a role in shaping an ecosystem within
which language learning can nourish. I would like to acknowledge the commitment and expertise of the PPLI
team, our Development Oocers and Associates, and the many partners whose engagement makes this work
possible. Thank you to all who continue to support and collaborate with PPLI. Your partnership is central to the
progress renected in this report.
As we look ahead, the focus will remain on consolidation, sustainability and impact - strengthening pathways
from primary to post primary and beyond, supporting teachers in increasingly complex contexts, and ensuring
that language learning remains visible, valued and accessible to all learners.
Karen Ruddock
Director PPLI
- PPLI ANNUAL REPORT 2025 -
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