Language Learning 2016/17
The Bridge21 language learning programme completed its activities this May with an exciting visit to Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Transition Year students from St. Josephs Secondary School, in Rush Co. Dublin, teamed up once again with students from Carl-Friedrich-Gauß-Gymnasium based in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Both sets of students are studying English and German, respectively, as a second language.
As in previous years, the students, in both locations, worked together using computer mediated communication tools such as Skype or Google Hangouts. The students were able to communicate and work with native-speaking students and then create and present various multimedia projects based on their collaborations.
German and Irish students enjoying a sign-song
Students in general were very positive about having opportunities to communicate directly with native-speakers their own age and having a more authentic setting for their language learning classroom engagements. As in previous years the German students visited St Joseph’s in Rush and the Bridge21 learning spaces for workshops with the Irish students. This year though brought a happy new addition as the Irish students and teachers made the return journey and visited Carl-Friedrich-Gauß-Gymnasium in Gelsenkirchen for the first time. As the pilot has proven to be very successful with both teachers and students alike, we hope to extend activities in St. Joseph’s on a school-wide basis to include Spanish, French, German and even Japanese for the next school year.
