"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world." It was the great German philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein who said this, and he wasn’t wrong, especially now in our global digital world where the ability to communicate effectively in the environments of information technology, business, finance, or politics is of paramount importance along with many other caring professions such as medicine or NGO work.
Merlin College recognises the need, more than ever in the 21st century, to educate in the area of languages so as to give every advantage to its students as they move into a world of golden opportunities, made even more possible if they can communicate in two or more languages and have a strong linguistic competence.
Students at Merlin College can now, from September 2021, study Polish and German for their Junior and Leaving Certificate. There will also be a taster in TY for students if they wish to try Polish for the first time this year. Both these languages will also complement the well-established Spanish and French departments already in the school.
Along with this language endeavour Merlin College is also introducing PE as a Leaving Certificate exam subject in September for fifth years. This builds on the introduction last year of politics and society for the Leaving Cert, ensuring that the school has one of the broadest range of subjects available at both junior and senior level to meet the varied interests and abilities of all who attend.
