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Gaelscoil Uí Éigeartaigh, An Cóbh joins over 500 Primary Schools nationwide saying ‘Yes’ to Languages!

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Sixth Class pupils in Gaelscoil Sheáin Uí Éigeartaigh Cobh are taking part in the new Primary
Language Sampler Module which started in the school a few weeks ago. The sampler
module is a means for raising awareness among pupils of the range of languages used by
their peers, in their schools and community. Over 500 schools nationwide are taking part
and offering modules in a range of modern foreign languages and Irish Sign Language. The module will introduce Gaelscoil pupils to French and be taught over an 8-
week period during the normal school timetable.

Teachers Pádraig Ó Maoláin (Class Teacher) and Siobhán UÍ Chonchúir ( Staff Teacher and
Project Co-ordinator) are delighted to be involved in providing this unique learning
opportunity for their pupils.

On the importance of the initiative, School Principal, Dónal Ó Duinnshléibhe stated the
following:
‘We appreciate the importance of languages as a life skill, an opportunity for the pupils to
think in a different way and build opportunities for the future. With Gaeilge, English and
now French being used by the pupils and staff at our school, this module really helps to
build awareness and celebrate the diversity within the school and community. The ‘Saying
‘Yes’ to Languages’ initative also builds on the connection between Gaelscoil Uí Éigeartaigh
and École Saint-Joseph in Ploermel in Brittany, France which was established last year when
the Gaelscoil hosted two visiting teachers from that school for a very successful and
enjoyable week-long visit.’

It is hoped in the Gaelscoil that pupils can put into practice what the research already states
i.e. that knowledge acquired in learning a second language (i.e. Gaeilge) makes the learning
of another (i.e. French) easier for language learners! It is therefore envisaged that this
initiative will be of great benefit to pupils moving on to Second Level next year.

This ‘Language Sampler Module’ is being rolled out over eight weeks in each participating
school, with the support of Languages Connect and PPLI (Post-Primary Languages Ireland) – a
unit of the Department of Education.

A suite of resources has been produced including lesson plans for teachers and tutors and
‘Language Passports’ for all participating pupils to show their family and friends.
Packs have been sent to participating schools to help support both the teaching and
learning, but also awareness raising objectives of the module.

More information regarding the modules, tutor expression of interest and supports are
available at www.languagesconnect.ie/primary

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