Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

507. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department is considering aligning the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages for primary and secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16827/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can advise the Deputy that the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a framework designed for second language adult learners and its use has implications beyond curriculum, including for example, Initial Teacher Education and Continuing Professional Development, external assessments such as state examinations and the development of standardised tests.  

In terms of relevant language curriculum developments at primary and post primary level:

- The Primary Language Curriculum/Curaclam Teanga na Bunscoile is an integrated language curriculum for English and Irish for children of all abilities in all primary and special schools.  

-This curriculum promotes the transfer of skills within and between languages and the CEFR was a reference point during its development.  

-As set out in the newly launched Primary Curriculum Framework (2023), Modern Foreign Languages will be taught to children in 3^rdto 6^thclass as part of the redeveloped primary curriculum. This specification is currently under development and Learning Outcomes will be broadly aligned with the CEFR.

- Recent developments at post-primary include the introduction of new Modern Foreign Language and Irish T1 and T2 specifications at Junior Cycle. These were developed in the context of the Framework for Junior Cycle 2015 and are broadly aligned with the reference levels set out in the CEFR. 

- Reflecting the CEFR framework, the specifications for junior cycle also introduced a fifth language skill – spoken interaction.

- In the case of the developments above at primary and post-primary, broad alignment to the CEFR is not intended to set a standard. Rather, the descriptors in the framework were/are used in setting out the types of learning experiences that would help children/students to make progress in a range of language skills, competences and outcomes.