Introducing a Modern Foreign Language in your classroom
Classroom-ready approaches for primary teachers, with Jenna Fitzgerald
Confidently introduce Modern Foreign Languages in English-medium primary schools, in line with the Primary Curriculum Framework and Primary Language Curriculum. Hands-on, inclusive and developmentally appropriate, so MFL enhances your classroom rather than adding pressure.
Summer 2026 course. These details relate to the course as approved for summer 2026. Summer 2026 bookings are now closed. Summer 2027 details are not yet confirmed.
Course overview
Explore the rationale for MFL in the Irish context, with a clear understanding of national policy, curriculum expectations and the phased approach to implementation. The course emphasises language awareness, playful learning and meaningful communication, and highlights the value of linguistic and cultural diversity, supporting you to draw on pupils' home languages as a rich resource. Through hands-on strategies, reflection and planning you'll develop the confidence to create inclusive, engaging language learning for all pupils. A key feature is its strong link to School Self-Evaluation, helping you evaluate current practice, identify priorities and build a realistic, sustainable plan for introducing or progressing MFL in your school.
Course details
Course structure
20 hours total: 10 hours online learning plus 10 self-verified hours (module exercises, resources, discussion forum and a reflective learning log). Compulsory elements are two discussion forum posts per module, a reflective learning assignment and a personal learning record. Technical support is provided throughout.
Certification & EPV days
Approved by the Department of Education & Skills for EPV certification, with your start and completion dates printed on the cert. One course earns 3 EPV days, two courses 4 days, three courses 5 days. If you buy more than one, you complete them one at a time.
Duration
Courses ran from Wednesday 1st July and were completed by 5pm on Wednesday 22nd July, worked through at each teacher's own pace within that window. As per DES criteria, completion hours are recorded and dates appear on the cert for EPV days.
Course modules
Understanding MFL in the primary context
Explore the role of Modern Foreign Languages in Irish primary education. Examine key policies including the Primary Curriculum Framework and Languages Connect, and how MFL supports broader competencies such as communication, wellbeing and learner engagement.
Language awareness & multilingual classrooms
Examine how linguistic and cultural diversity can be used as a resource for learning. Explore inclusive approaches that value pupils' home languages and promote a positive, plurilingual classroom. Use SSE to reflect on your school's readiness for MFL.
Practical, playful teaching approaches
Build language awareness through playful, engaging strategies such as songs, games, storytelling and cross-curricular links. Create print-rich, language-aware environments that foster curiosity and confidence in early language learning.
Planning for communication and progression
Develop hands-on approaches to teaching basic communication skills in a chosen language. Explore progression from awareness to communication, including the use of téamaí, and assessment approaches that support pupil learning and confidence.
Whole-school planning, SSE and sustainable practice
Embed MFL within whole-school planning. Use SSE to identify priorities, develop an action plan and ensure sustainable implementation. Consider the role of digital tools, parental involvement and community links in long-term success.
About Jenna Fitzgerald
Jenna is a primary school teacher with over 20 years of experience in a DEIS 1 school in Wexford. She has taught in mainstream classrooms and special classes, and has also served as a Home School Community Liaison teacher.
She holds a primary degree in International Commerce and French from UCD and spent a year studying at a business school in France, where she also explored Russian, Italian and Spanish.
With a lifelong passion for languages, Jenna has always embraced opportunities to bring her love of language learning into the primary classroom.
What the Summer 2026 course included
- Completed 1st to 22nd July
- Video format, just press play
- Discussion moderated by expert etutors
- Resources in a downloadable eBook
- Access via mobile, PC or tablet
- EPV certificate
- Technical support provided
Over 10,000 Irish primary teachers have taken an Anokha course
Summer 2027 Course Updates
We're planning our Summer 2027 courses. The course lineup, Department of Education approval and booking dates are not yet confirmed. Join our email list for useful teaching ideas, free resources and updates about our summer courses.
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