In February, Ms O Connor travelled to Tallinn, Estonia as part of the European Union Modern Foreign Languages Erasmus Programme. The purpose of my trip was to focus on language learning skills for pupils of primary school age.
Ochto, our school mascot, joined us on the trip!!
We visited Rocca el Mare Kooli, which is just outside Tallinn. We were given an extensive tour of the campus which incorporates both primary and secondary school. We observed language lessons in English, German and French and spoke to the language teacher after each lesson. Our host discussed how modern foreign languages are taught. The language lessons I observed were active, creative and fun. The children were engaged in 4 or 5 different activities during each lesson ie. vocabulary games, project work, group work, viewing media online (reading subtitles to aid language learning) and poetry recital. I noted digital skills were a key component of the lessons.
The children are introduced to a modern foreign language at age 7, and another modern foreign language at age 10 or 11. The children become very proficient in one language before another language is introduced.
I also observed a cookery lesson, art and ceramic lesson and PE- skiing lesson! On our final day the school community celebrated National Independence Day through drama, music and language. The children performed a show for the whole school. It was very impressive! We gained a deep understanding of the culture and civic life of the country.
The consortium will equip us with a better understanding and appreciation of teaching modern European languages as part of the new curriculum.