Feevagh NS says ‘Yes’ to Languages

The senior classes from Feevagh NS have taken part in the ‘Say Yes to Languages’ programme for the second year running. The language module, which is being made available for the third year following its extension by the Department of Education, has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm over the past two years and the interest continues with 1,200 schools registered to take part in 2023/2024.

‘Say Yes to Languages’ offers an introduction into a variety of modern foreign languages as well as Irish Sign Language (ISL) and looks to also raise awareness among pupils of the diversity of languages being used by their peers both in school and the wider community. Preparing the ground towards the future inclusion of additional languages as part of the redeveloped Primary Curriculum Framework, the targeted groups are third to sixth class pupils.

Over 700 schools took part in the module last year which saw Arabic, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, ISL, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Tamil and Ukrainian being taught across the country. 

Pupils of Feevagh NS said ‘Oui’ to French which was delivered over an eight-week period during the normal school timetable. This was their second year participating in the programme.

Speaking about the module, Principal Martina Murray commented: “We are delighted to be bringing ‘Say Yes to Languages’ to Feevagh NS again this year. We certainly recognise the benefit and importance of a module such as this. Whilst learning languages undoubtedly allows for the development of a life skill, it also helps build greater awareness of the rich and diverse cultures within our local community.” 

Lesa Rice, PPLI Tutor, delivered the module at Feevagh NS and is excited to have the opportunity to share her passion for French with the pupils.

“It is a fun, interactive and engaging module which really begins to set the foundations for an ongoing positive relationship with languages. This will be of great benefit to the pupils as they continue through their education, hopefully bringing a love of language with them,” added the Feevagh NS principal.

Feevagh NS finished up its eight-week programme recently and were joined by Agnieszka Grochola, Education Officer with Post-Primary Languages Ireland. Agnieszka was very impressed with the progress made by the students of Feevagh NS over the course of their participation in the module.

The children demonstrated their abilities through games and role play and finished up with a rendition of ‘Vive le Vent’ (Jingle Bells in French). Bravo à tous!