Review of Leaving and Junior Cert promised
March 7, 2011
EDUCATION: THE PROGRAMME for government has backed away from controversial Fine Gael policies on the Irish language and third-level fees – but it is promising a review of both the Leaving and Junior Cert exams.
While Fine Gael planned to abolish Irish as a compulsory Leaving Cert subject, the programme says it will only “consider the question of whether Irish should be optional for Leaving Cert’’ after implementing steps to improve the quality and effectiveness of Irish teaching in schools. The Fine Gael plan to introduce a graduate tax for students is also watered down. Instead, the programme promises to introduce a funding system which will provide colleges with reliable funding without impeding access for poorer students. Surprisingly, the programme opts for a full review of the recent Hunt Report on third level (which took two years to prepare) and the earlier 2004 OECD review of higher education in Ireland.
The programme also promises an audit of higher degree (level 8) qualifications and the learning outcomes for graduates of these courses. The programme appears more radical on the issue of information for parents on schools. A system of self-evaluation will be introduced, requiring all schools to evaluate their own performance year-on-year and to publish information across a wide range of criteria. It says parents should have access to more information when choosing a school, although it does not specify whether this should include Leaving Cert results.
The programme acknowledges widespread criticisms that the Leaving and Junior Cert exams – with their focus on rote learning – are no longer fit for purpose. On school patronage, the programme backs a new forum on patronage and pluralism in the primary sector, which will sit for one year. The programme signals that the multi-denominational group Educate Together will be recognised as a second level patron.
The Irish Times – Seán Flynn
Mamó agus an Peileadóir á léamh ar Raidió na Life
March 4, 2011
An Chéad Chéim – Forbairt Naíonraí Teo.
March 4, 2011
Chuirfeadh moladh Enda caidhp báis go deo ar an dteanga labhartha
March 4, 2011
B’fhearr an Ghaeilge a bheith roghnach
March 4, 2011
SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE 2011 5 – 17 MARCH
March 3, 2011
Seachtain na Gaeilge is an annual festival promoting the use of Irish language and culture both at home and abroad and is taking place between the 5th – 17th March 2011. With events ranging from simple conversational evenings to street céilís; blind dating to surfing lessons ‘as Gaeilge’ it gives everyone a chance to experiment with Irish whether fluent from youth or only dipping their toe in for the first time. Seachtain na Gaeilge presents ‘Ceol’ in Vicar Street on the 16th March at 7.30pm, in aid of Barnardos Ireland, as the highlight of the festival.
Seachtain na Gaeilge is a chance for everyone to feel comfortable about using their ‘cúpla focail’ and this year Bernard Dunne and Craig Doyle have come on board as the ambassadors of Seachtain na Gaeilge ’11. Bernard is former professional boxer from Dublin who has expressed a great interest in the language in the last few years, especially since learning Irish again in the west of Dublin: “I’m delighted to be involved with Seachtain na Gaeilge as I have a personal passion for the language. I have both my kids in local naíonra and I am currently learning the language myself”.
Craig Doyle is a television and radio presenter from Dublin, who is best known for currently hosting RTÉ’s ‘The Panel’. He has gained a reputation for being a sports lover from his time working with the BBC, but this year he is showing the public his love for the Irish language. Speaking to Seachtain na Gaeilge, Craig said: “I’m delighted to be involved with Seachtain na Gaeilge this year. I feel the Irish language is a vital part of our culture and heritage. I am at present learning Irish again after many years and I try to use as much as possible with my own children at home. I believe Seachtain na Gaeilge provides the public an opportunity to use their Gaeilge at home and abroad and to get involved in activities and events organised by the public for the public. I look forward to this year’s festival!”
Events will be taking place worldwide between the 5th and 17th of March to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge 2011. Full listings can be found on www.snag.ie. So even if your last attempt at Irish was to ask the teacher, “An bhfuil cead agam dul amach?”, this is a perfect chance to give your native language another try!
For further information, interview contacts or images, please contact:
Órla Nic Shuibhne
Manager of Seachtain na Gaeilge 2011
P: 01 – 4757401, 087-9845760
E: orla@snag.ie
Irish is indeed alive, Mr Myers
March 3, 2011
Kevin Myers (Irish Independent, February 23) thinks the leaders’ debate on TG4 being pre-recorded and subtitled is a joke but he forgets to mention TG4 had their highest ratings ever for it and he fails to realise that any programmes aired in Irish are subtitled for the convenience of non-Irish speakers.
He thinks it’s a myth that Irish is a living language but he fails to recognise the fact that there are about 172 Gaelscoileanna around the country, with around 40,000 children receiving education through the medium of Irish outside of the Gaeltacht areas. There is no doubt a majority would vote to maintain Irish as a compulsory subject because a majority cherish the language, spoken here for over 2,000 years.
Graham Doyle
Artane, Dublin 5
Irish Independent – Litir chuig an Eagarthóir
Leanfaidh an feachtas le Gaeilge a chosaint
March 3, 2011
Gaeilge ar an chlár
March 3, 2011
National School Review by Dept. Education
March 3, 2011
The Department of Education is currently looking for submissions in relation to a review they are undertaking at present relating to small national schools (less than 50 pupils).
Many small Gaeltacht schools will be affected by this review and there may be cases where schools could be asked to amalgamate with other schools where the medium of instruction is not Irish.
Guth na Gaeltachta is asking supporters to demonstrate support for these schools by making a submission to the Department of Education outlining the importance of these schools for language support and the local community in general.
Submissions need to be sent in before 18 March.
