Language scholarships launched at Laois school

Portlaoise College has officially launched its 2024/25 language scholarships, continuing its dedication to fostering language learning among its students.

The scholarships, which provide funding for attendance at language summer schools, aim to deepen linguistic skills, and cultural understanding as well as helping students prepare for their chosen language at both Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate levels. 

The launch was attended by several key figures in the school's language education programme, including Ms Mulvihill, Head of German; Ms O'Regan, Head of Irish; and Ms Puslenik, Head of Polish. They were joined by students Isabel Stafford, Aoibhinn Grundy, Caoimhe Murphy, James Buggy-McDonald, and Emilia Siugzdinyte, all recipients of last year's scholarships, as well as Emilia Kuczynska, a current Polish student ahead of the inaugural launch of the Polish summer scholarship.

Speaking at the launch, Portlaoise College Deputy Principal Ms Mary Marum, highlighted the importance of the initiative. 

"Language learning opens doors to new opportunities and enriches students’ outlook. These scholarships represent our commitment to equipping students with skills for an increasingly connected international community and job market," she said. 

The scholarships align with Portlaoise College’s broader promotion of language education, exemplified this year by the introduction of Erasmus exchanges with schools in Colegio Santa Gema Galgani in Madrid, Lycee Notre Dame in Mende (France), and  OSZ Schlanders in South Tyrol. The school currently offers students the opportunity to study Irish, Spanish, Polish, French, and German, with a new scholarship for Polish studies debuting this year and plans to introduce Spanish scholarships next year.

Applications can be made through the student's Google Classroom. Applications are open until next Tuesday, December 17.