Think Languages

Gairmscoil Chú Uladh TYs join 15,000 Students Nationwide for Biggest #Thinklanguages yet

180 Schools nationwide take part in fifth national TY celebration of languages and culture

Gairmscoil Chú Uladh, 17th of November. The fifth annual #ThinkLanguages event looks set to be the biggest yet with 15,000 students taking part in the annual celebration of languages and culture on November 17th. Over 180 schools across the country, including Gairmscoil Chú Uladh have signed up to the Languages Connect flagship event which has quickly become a highlight of the TY calendar. The event has grown considerably since its inception five years ago, underlining the growing interest in foreign language learning in Ireland.

This year’s theme once again focuses on “Think Global, Act Local” as students are encouraged to look to the diversity of languages spoken within their school, community and beyond as inspiration for their individual events. TY students, TY Coordinators and Modern Foreign Language teachers across the nation have embraced this with a variety of local speakers lined up to take part, including at Gairmscoil Chú Uladh this year, could participate in Capoeira, Polish workshop, Chinese Art, Irish sign language and Arabic Belly dancing workshop.

Event management packs and supports have been delivered by Languages Connect to all schools for this year's celebration, and an array of pre-recorded and live workshops have also been made available. This year students can enjoy sessions such as Korean and Taekwondo, German and the Viennese Waltz, Portuguese and Capoeira, Spanish and Latin American Percussion and Translation with EC Translators, to name just a few. A 30-minute Opening Ceremony has also been created with inspirational speakers including Olympic Council of Ireland CEO, Peter Sherrard, Comedian Killian Sundermann and Content Creator Mandy Cherie providing an insight into their relationships with modern foreign languages and the immense value their skills have brought to their lives.

Evolving from the inaugural event in 2018, the localised school format ensures #ThinkLangauges is accessible to all schools across the country. Students have been busy preparing for weeks as each event is tailormade by individual schools with the support of Languages Connect, an awareness raising campaign facilitated by Post Primary Languages Ireland.

Speaking about this year’s #ThinkLanguages, Karen Ruddock, Director, Post Primary Languages Ireland, said “It is a delight to see the considerable growth of #ThinkLanguages in just five years. Skills in a foreign language can significantly improve career prospects for Irish students and give a distinct advantage in the evolving local and global economy. This event encourages students to think about languages beyond the classroom and consider keeping on, or picking up, a modern foreign language in Senior Cycle and into Third Level.”

Funded by the Dept of Education, Languages Connect was launched to support a strong, growing economy while also promoting a multicultural and inclusive society, which is a key objective of Irelands Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education.

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Languages Connect promotes the personal, social, professional, and economic benefits of foreign language skills to principals, teachers, guidance counsellors, parents, and students. Funded by the Department of Education and facilitated by Post Primary Languages Ireland, as a key objective of the Languages Connect – Ireland’s Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education 2017 – 2026. For all the latest updates check out or follow us on , and  

Further Queries: 

Gairmscoil Chú Uladh

Béal an Átha Móir

An Clochán

Leifear

Co. Dhún na nGall

F93 DK03

Tel: 074 9546133

Website: www.cuuladh.ie