Given its place in the new Primary Curriculum Framework, an increasing number of primary schools across the country have begun introducing a modern foreign language. This can be a wonderful, engaging and thoroughly beneficial experience for pupils and teachers alike. Communication skills are fundamental to the success of any language-learning experience and how we develop these skills in the classroom is very important.

Facilitator Dr. Brendan Duignan has over 20 years’ experience working in primary education. He has taught at primary level in England, France, Dublin and Mayo, and was Regional Advisor with the Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative. Additionally, Brendan has presented at a variety of national and international conferences, has been guest lecturer in St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, has had an Associate Fellowship with the University of Lincoln. He is currently Special Education Teacher in Co. Mayo, co-designer of and guest lecturer on the new Primary Modern Languages elective module in Maynooth University and provides training courses to a broad variety of teachers across the country.