FACE TO FACE: FOREIGN LANGUAGES UPSKILLING FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS - FRENCH

Summer Course Booking Policy

Our summer courses are booked on the condition that the course fee is non-refundable.
Unfortunately, if you wish to cancel your place on one of our courses or are unable to attend the course, we are not in a position to refund fees.

 PRIMARY Teachers who attend the full 20-hour summer course will qualify for 3 extra Personal vacation days. 

In line with DES Circular 0037/1997, participants attending Summer Courses accrue entitlements as follows:

• Full Attendance (20 Hours): 3 EPV Days
• 4 Days Attendance (16 Hours): 2 EPV Days
• No EPV days will be awarded for less than 4 days attendance

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In September 2025, Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) were introduced as part of the updated Primary School Curriculum under the new language specification, alongside English and Irish. To support this development,  Waterford Education Support Centre is offering primary teachers the opportunity to enhance their foreign language skills and earn 3 EPV days on completion of a 20-hour MFL Summer Course.

Participants should have a basic knowledge of French. The course will explore themes such as introducing yourself and others, expressing likes and dislikes, discussing hobbies, and describing daily routines. With an emphasis on spoken communication, the programme offers an engaging and practical learning experience, helping teachers build the confidence and competence needed to use their language skills effectively in the primary classroom.

 Bio:

• Ricky Roche is a post-primary teacher of Irish and French currently teaching in CBS Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. He has extensive experience across the post-primary sector, teaching students from First Year to Leaving Certificate level, and has a strong interest in language pedagogy, inclusive teaching practices, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
  Alongside his classroom teaching, Ricky has held a range of leadership roles and has been actively involved in initiatives that support teaching, learning and school development. He has particular expertise in the use of active learning methodologies, digital learning tools, and the effective and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in education. Ricky regularly facilitates professional learning for teachers through Education Support Centres and national networks, sharing practical strategies that support student engagement, differentiation and assessment.
  
  He is the author of ABCD le Gaeilge, an innovative teaching resource designed to support students in developing Irish sentence structure and grammatical accuracy through a structured and accessible approach. The resource is used by teachers and students in schools across Ireland.
  Ricky is currently completing the Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership (PDEL) and has a strong interest in leadership development, digital innovation in education, and supporting teachers to enhance teaching practice and student learning outcomes.
• Ricky also contributes to education at a national level. He is Vice-Chairperson of the Waterford Education Support Centre and a member of the National Executive of Education Support Centres Ireland (ESCI). He works as an associate with Post-Primary Languages Ireland (PPLI), where he supports national initiatives in language education, mentors foreign language assistants, and facilitates professional learning for teachers.