Progression
Primary curriculum
The Primary Language Curriculum (2019) is an integrated language curriculum, which encourages a plurilingual approach to language learning and exploration. This approach draws on the knowledge and experiences of languages that children bring to the classroom. This includes languages of the school (English and Irish), children’s home languages, and languages of the wider community. Underpinning this approach is the recognition that every child has their own unique linguistic repertoire which is shaped by their experiences since birth. The Primary Curriculum Framework (2023) supports the introduction of modern foreign languages (
MFL
Modern Foreign Languages
) in Stages 3 and 4, incrementally building on children’s existing knowledge and awareness of language and progressing from a language awareness model to a competency model in Stage 4.
Taken together, the Primary Language Curriculum and the Primary Curriculum Framework seek to support children on their language-learning journeys, in English, Irish, and a modern foreign language (
MFL
Modern Foreign Languages
) (for Stages 3 and 4), while also encouraging the use of other languages spoken in the home and in primary schools. They aim to develop children’s appreciation of their own linguistic repertoire and cultural identity while building a broader awareness of languages and cultures. They aim to nurture a curiosity and interest in language learning which can support them in cultivating a lifelong interest in and love of language learning for personal enjoyment and enrichment. This plurilingual approach to language learning builds a solid foundation for students’ learning of additional languages in junior cycle and beyond.
Senior cycle
As students progress from junior cycle to senior cycle, they are afforded many opportunities to build on their language proficiency. For many, these opportunities begin in Transition Year, where students may further explore the language and associated cultures which they have studied in junior cycle and/or experience learning a new language.
Learning modern foreign languages in senior cycle will allow students to build on previous language learning experiences, supporting them to further develop as autonomous language learners so they can continue their lifelong journey as plurilinguals, empowering them to engage with the wider world, to integrate socially, and to be active global citizens.