Foreign Language Upskilling Programme for Primary School Teachers
German & Spanish
The German and Spanish courses run from 10th May to 21st June. They are delivered in a blended format, combining face to face and online classes.
The opening and closing sessions will take place in person on the DCU St. Patrick's Campus, Drumcondra. Lunch will be provided both days.
The online classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.
Check our timetable for full details of the dates and times of the sessions.
Registration for the German & Spanish Summer Programme (2025) is now open. Closing date: Monday, the 5th of May. To register, please write to salis.office@dcu.ie putting ‘Primary Language Summer School’ in the subject line and specifying which of the three languages you are interested in. Please also provide the name of your school and its' roll number & Teaching Council Registration number.
French
The French course runs from June 30th to July 4th on the DCU St. Patrick’s Campus, Drumcondra. Lunch will be provided each day.
Registration for the French Intensive Summer Programme (2025) is now open. Closing date: Monday, the 31st of May. To register, please write to salis.office@dcu.ie putting ‘Primary Language Summer School’ in the subject line and specifying which of the three languages you are interested in. Please also provide the name of your school and its' roll number & Teaching Council Registration number.
📌 Language Levels
The courses are offered at level A2.1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. To check that you have an appropriate level to benefit from these courses, please take an online self-assessment test which you can find at the following link:
| French | Strommen | https://strommeninc.com/language-tests/french-level-test/ |
| ESL Languages | https://www.esl-languages.com/en/online-language-tests/french-test | |
| German | Test Your Languag | https://testyourlanguage.com/ |
| ESL Languages | https://www.esl-languages.com/en/online-language-tests/german-test | |
| Spanish | Test Your Language | https://testyourlanguage.com/ |
| ESL Languages | https://www.esl-languages.com/en/online-language-tests/spanish-test |
📌 Materials
Materials will be provided by DCU with the exception of a text book that could later be used in the classroom. Participants should purchase the text book in the language they are studying in advance and the cost will be refunded by the PPLI. The details of the textbooks are as follows:
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French for Beginners by Angela Wilkes. Publisher Usbourne.
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German for Beginners by Angela Wilkes. Publisher Usbourne.
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Spanish for Beginners by Angela Wilkes. Publisher Usbourne.
Don't miss this opportunity to improve your language skills in a fun and interactive environment!
À bientôt / Bis bald / Nos vemos pronto!
| CEFR level | Comments | Languages offered at this level | |
| A1.1 | Absolute beginner. No prior knowledge of the language. | ||
| A1.2 | Beginner. Very basic knowledge of the language. | ||
| A2.1 | Post-beginner. Basic communication skills | Spanish /French/German 2025 | |
| A2.2 | Elementary & Low intermediate | ||
| B1.1 | Leaving certificate exit level | ||
| B1.2 | Leaving certificate H3 or Higher. Independent user |
| Days | Days | Times | |
| Week 1 | Saturday 10th of May. In person, San Patrick 's Campus | 10.00am-15.00pm | |
| Week 2 | Tuesday 13th of May (online) | Thursday 15th of May (online) | 06.00pm-7.30pm |
| Week 3 | Tuesday 20th of May (online) | Thursday 22nd of May (online) | 06.00pm-7.30pm |
| Week 4 | Tuesday 27th of May (online) | Thursday 29th of May (online) | 06.00pm-7.30pm |
| Week 5 | Thursday 03th of June (online) | Thursday 05th of June (online) | 06.00pm-7.30pm |
| Week 6 | Thursday 10th of June (online) | Thursday 12th of June (online) | 06.00pm-7.30pm |
| Week 7 | Saturday 21st of June. In person, San Patrick 's Campus | 10.00am-15.00pm | |
| 30th of June | San Patrick's Campus | Monday | 10.00am-15.00pm |
| 1st of July | San Patrick's Campus | Tuesday | 10.00am-15.00pm |
| 2nd of July | San Patrick's Campus | Wednesday | 10.00am-15.00pm |
| 3rd of July | San Patrick's Campus | Thursday | 10.00am-15.00pm |
| 4th of July | San Patrick's Campus | Friday | 10.00am-15.00pm |
Spanish Language & Culture (Level A2.1)
This module is designed for students with basic knowledge of the language (A2 CEFR), such as the ability to introduce themselves or others in Spanish and discuss likes, dislikes, and travel preferences. Over the course, students will engage in individual and collaborative work on small projects to develop their language competence in personally relevant topics, such as shopping, daily habits, food, and everyday transactions (e.g., ordering in a restaurant or making a purchase in a shop). Additionally, students will enhance their ability to talk about present, future, and some past experiences. Through these activities, they will develop intercultural awareness and acquire transferable skills for lifelong learning.
French Language & Culture (Level A2.1)
This is an elementary module of French. Throughout the module, you will revise the basics of French language. Using games and fun activities you will develop your confidence in using the language in real communicative situations.There will be a focus on speaking skills while introducing you about the culture of the French speaking world. Adapted or authentic texts will be employed .
The A2.1 module is an elementary-level course designed to reinforce the basics of the German language. Through interactive games and activities, students will build confidence in real-life communication while gaining insights into German-speaking cultures. The focus will be on speaking skills, using both adapted and authentic texts.
How can I register in the programme?
You can register for the programme by emailing salis.office@dcu.ie.
In the subject line, include the programme name, Foreign Language Upskilling Programme for Primary School Teachers, along with the language of your choice (French, German & Spanish).
Once the registration period closes, you will receive a confirmation email verifying your successful enrollment in the course.
I am interested in taking a language but I am unsure if I have the right level to register for.
You can use the information provided in the self-assessment section to test your knowledge of the language of your choice: the CEFR self-assessment grid & the online tests provided.
Do I have to pay for these language classes?
No, you don’t have to pay! These classes are fully funded by the Department of Education and are completely free of charge.
Will I receive a certificate of attendance?
Yes, if you attend a minimum of 80% of the course
Do I need to buy any materials?
Yes, the details are on the website and the cost will be refunded by the PPLI.
