Scoil Uí Mhuirí

What is the European Award for Languages? Click on the image above to see our 2005 award details.

The European Award for Languages – the Language Label (EAL) is coordinated by the European Commission and managed on a decentralised basis by each member state.

The Award is designed to recognise creative ways to improve the quality of language teaching, motivate students, and make the best of available resources.Award-winning initiatives serve as a potential source of inspiration for projects in other contexts, languages and even other countries.

The first time Scoil Uí Mhuirí was awarded the European Label was 1998.

Creation and Marketing of a School Language Magazine in French and German
using Information Technology, Scoil Uí Mhuirí, Dunleer, Co. Louth. Contact:
Paula Carolan/Jacqueline Duffin, tel: + 353 41 6851344.

A French and German language school magazine was compiled using various
facilities, including libraries, encyclopaedias, visits to travel shops, and writing to
institutions requesting information. Extensive use was made of information
technology. The students are also involved in the marketing of the magazine.

Historical Background

The European Label (Séala na hEorpa) was undertaken in Ireland on a pilot basis in autumn 1998. Projects in all EU languages were considered, entries dealing with the lesser taught languages being especially welcomed. Advertisements were placed in the national press and applications were invited from all parts and levels of the educational and training system. Schools and other institutions received informational materials and a national web page was created.

Successful projects were formally awarded the Label at a ceremony in European
Union House, Dublin, on 4 March 1999. There were 38 applications. Of these, 15
dealt with French, 14 with Irish, 10 with German and 4 with Spanish. A number of
projects focused on the lesser taught languages such as Italian, Welsh, Norwegian and Swedish. Some applications covered more than one language.
The vast majority of applications were from the primary and secondary sectors. There were two entries from third level institutions and several commercial entries. The jury included representatives from the Department of Education and Science, the state employment and training agency, linguists and members of the teaching profession. At its first day-long session, the jury shortlisted 11 applications. These were visited and further evaluated by members of the jury. The visits, which proved indispensable, gave the judges the opportunity to see the particular project in action and speak in detail with applicants and participants in the project/course. The jury members met and reviewed their visits. Six projects were judged to satisfy the criteria for award of the Label. Several others received a Scroll of Commendation.