About kOUIvna

kOUIvna was developed from extensive experience teaching languages in primary schools, with a focus on making language learning more accessible, structured and workable for schools.

It has been shaped by classroom practice, curriculum development and ongoing engagement with teachers, with a consistent emphasis on clarity, progression and practical use.

What is kOUIvna?

kOUIvna is a Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) programme designed specifically for Irish primary schools. It provides a structured pathway for introducing and developing MFL in a way that fits within everyday classroom practice.

The programme brings together ready-to-use classroom materials, clear progression, regular revisiting and practical support for teachers, helping schools integrate language learning in a sustainable and meaningful way.

Why it was created

kOUIvna was developed in response to a clear challenge. While schools are increasingly encouraged to introduce modern foreign languages, many teachers do not have the time, resources or confidence to build a coherent programme from scratch.

Language teaching at primary level often relies on disconnected activities or the presence of a specialist teacher. kOUIvna offers a structured alternative, supporting continuity, progression and regular exposure over time.

About the creators

kOUIvna was created by Rachel Frawley, a language teacher with over 15 years’ experience teaching French at primary level, including through the Modern Primary Languages Support Initiative (MPLSI) and Say Yes to Languages (SYTL), alongside experience in secondary teaching and software development.

Her experience teaching during the implementation of the new Junior Cycle informed a strong understanding of curriculum-based progression and learning outcomes.

Before moving into education, Rachel worked in IT and software development, a background that continues to inform the design and technical development of kOUIvna.

kOUIvna is developed in collaboration with Adrian Frawley, a primary school teacher who brings invaluable classroom insight and practical perspective.

We also acknowledge the many principals and teachers who have contributed through feedback, pilot experiences and professional discussion. Their insights have played an important role in shaping the programme.

Supported by practice and feedback

The programme has been developed and refined through classroom use in Irish primary schools, supported by feedback from teachers and ongoing engagement with educators.

What makes it different

kOUIvna is designed as a coherent programme, where classroom teaching, progression and revisiting work together.

• Built for the Irish primary school context
• Clear progression across lessons, terms and years
• Support for non-specialist teachers
• A connected system rather than isolated resources
• Designed to be realistic and sustainable in schools

Learning journals are produced in Ireland as part of a commitment to quality, sustainability and supporting local enterprise.

What we believe

We believe all children can learn a language, and that modern foreign languages can provide meaningful opportunities for success from the outset.

Language learning at primary level can support confidence, ease transition to second level and provide strong foundations for future learning.

kOUIvna is built on the principle that children learn through regular exposure, meaningful use and revisiting over time.

We also believe teachers need clarity, structure and practical support, not additional workload. Language learning should be accessible and manageable for both pupils and teachers.

Looking ahead

kOUIvna currently supports Irish primary schools in French, Spanish and German in development, with further development guided by classroom use and teacher feedback.

The long-term aim is to expand the programme to additional languages while maintaining linguistic accuracy, cultural relevance and strong educational design.

The goal remains clear: to make modern foreign languages workable, sustainable and accessible in Irish primary classrooms.