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Blended Learning Project Wins European Language Label

European Language Label

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB), Post-Primary Languages Ireland (PPLI), and H2 Learning were recently awarded the European Language Label (ELL) in acknowledgment of their innovative and inspirational work in language teaching, learning and promotion.  

The winning project, Polish for Leaving Certificate Blended Learning Project, offers Polish as a Leaving Certificate subject to senior cycle students in CMETB schools. This is achieved through a blended learning model that combines online classes, face-to-face classes, and self-directed lessons.

The blended model has been in operation since 2021, with over 47 students having taken part in the project so far, the first of whom sat the first ever Polish Leaving Certificate exam in 2023. The project is being co-ordinated by CMETB and PPLI, with support and advice from H2 Learning who have pioneered blended learning in the context of Physics in Gaeltacht schools.

Paddy Flood, Director of Schools at CMETB said, “I‘m delighted to be working with an ETB where Polish language has been introduced as a Leaving Certificate subject: online, face to face and self-directed classes.”  

Co-ordinated by the European Commission, and managed by Léargas in Ireland since 1999, the European Language Label highlights and rewards innovative initiatives in language teaching, learning and promotion, and brings these initiatives to the attention of the public, as well as professionals in the languages field. The winning project was recognised at the annual Léargas conference, The Gathering, which recently took place online on Europe Day. Previous winners have included Technological University Dublin with the project Languages Pathways and Trinity College Dublin with the project ABAIR – An Scéalaí 

PPLI Teaching and Learning Manager Dr Kenia Puig I Planella commented, “For us, this is about equity of provision, giving access to a subject to students who would not otherwise have it.

The approach of the Polish for Leaving Certificate Blended Learning Project ensures equitable provision, granting students access to a language they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to study. The project also focuses on creating effective, inclusive, and engaging classes for the blended learning courses, with the goal of motivating young people to enhance their language competencies. The team hopes to pave the way for the introduction of blended learning courses in other languages and subjects, further expanding educational opportunities for students across Ireland.  

Students have been reaping the rewards of the project and enjoying the experience, noting, “The benefits of learning Polish in CMETB are such that you don’t have to do it outside of school, you can do it in school and achieve additional points in the Leaving Certificate. The online classes are very helpful.” 

Find out more about the project here