Beaufort students Brussels bound

Transition year students from Beaufort College, Navan, were crowned Think Languages Champion Team of the Year at the Department of Education recently.

Their achievement earns them the prestigious prize of a trip to Brussels, where they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the multilingual environment of the European Institutions and experience languages in action at the heart of Europe.

The Think Languages competition highlights the vital role foreign language skills play in both personal and professional development and this was very much a focus of Think Languages Week which took place in November.

The four finalist teams included students from Beaufort College Navan, Meath; Ennistymon Community School, Clare; Nenagh College, Tipperary; Presentation Secondary School Thurles, Tipperary.

Karen Ruddock, Director of Post Primary Languages Ireland, organisers of Think Languages Week, praised the importance of languages.

“I am delighted to present this award today which recognises the immense value of foreign language learning. The students serve as incredible ambassadors for language learning, demonstrating how subjects extend beyond textbooks and taking them into real life."

Think Languages Week, which this year involved over 17,500 transition year students from over 200 schools across Ireland during the week of 22-27 November, is a student-led celebration and aims to showcase the benefits of foreign language learning through diverse activities such as language workshops, talks, music, dance, film, and more.

Ms Ruddock added: “The benefits of language learning go far beyond the classroom, and grades, as we saw and heard today.

“The immense transversal skills they provide for, such as communication, critical thinking and teamwork will stand to each student in their futures. I hope today’s participants will remain champions for language learning, inspiring all students, regardless of their proficiency level, to embrace the world of languages.”

To enter the competition, participating teams provided an overview of their planned activities for Think Languages Week, with ten schools selected for a judge’s visit. The judges faced a challenging decision due to the high standard of events across the country in November.

This year’s competition themes centred on how language learning enhances life skills, creates global opportunities, and fosters broader personal connections. The finalists excelled in demonstrating these themes within their events and final presentations.