LC Parents Info Primary to Secondary - Flipbook - Page 1
languagesconnect.ie
Why it is essential to speak to your
6th Class child about the importance
of learning foreign languages
•
As your child progresses from primary to secondary, a whole variety of new subject options are
opened up to them. It’s vital for you as a parent to think about what options your child is taking and
how these subjects may enrich your child’s life in the short, medium and long-term.
•
Some information about subject choices may have been given to your child. It is a good idea to ask
what information has been shared about language subjects and discuss it together with your child.
That way if you need more information, you can check with the school or find out more online.
•
Friends and siblings may offer advice to your child about what subjects they recommend. While this is
important information to consider, you need to make sure the subject choice is the right one for your
child and their individual interests now and into the future.
•
Foreign languages are a life skill that can broaden your child’s horizons and add new dimensions to
their life from a cultural and social perspective.
•
It may seem like a long time away at this stage, but your child may need a foreign language subject at
Leaving Cert to be able to apply to certain Third Level courses. By starting them off in first year with a
foreign language, you remove any risk of limiting their future options.
•
While it is possible to start a new language after the Junior Cert, those who start in first year will hold a
distinct advantage and get a head start on those who do not.
•
Even further into the future, your son or daughter may wish to become an astronaut, a diplomat, an
international businessperson, an opera singer or a rugby player. Believe it or not, language skills will be
an advantage, if not an essential skill for any of these roles!
•
With the way the world of work is going right now, it will be more important than ever for Irish people
to have a range of skills to stay competitive in a new globalised jobs market.
•
Whether you enjoyed learning languages at school or not, teaching methods have come a long way in
the past few years. New and more interactive ways of learning are being used and for some students
the whole experience can an enjoyable break from more ‘serious’ subjects.
•
If your family speaks a language other than English, it is important to encourage your child to nurture
and develop their skills in that language, as it could open all sorts of opportunities for them in the
future.
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