Learn Irish this New Year in Carlow
Eanáir 15, 2014
Following the unprecedented success of Gaelchultúr adult Irish evening classes in Carlow over the last five years, Glór Cheatharlach is delighted to announce that a new series of classes for Spring 2014 will commence in Carlow this February.
The courses were first launched in September 2008 and have been hugely successful with many participants returning again and again to take part in the courses. A special reduced fee of €180 is also on offer for Carlow learners who sign up now. Courses will commence the week of February 3rd, 2014 with all classes being held in Carlow County Council offices on the Athy Road. All levels will be on offer this term- beginners, elementary and intermediate. The emphasis is on getting participants speaking the language and there is a level to suit everybody, whatever their current ability from those who have never spoken a word of Irish to those wishing to improve on their ‘Cúpla Focal’ to those who want to improve their fluency.
Beginners will be held on Monday evenings. Elementary and Intermediate levels will be on Tuesday evenings. All classes run from 7-9pm over 10 weeks. While the beginners level (Bunrang 1) is suitable for those who have never before learned the language, the elementary level is the starting point for those who may not have used Irish for some years but who would have some basic knowledge of the language from their schooldays. Emma Whitmore, Oifigeach Gaeilge with Glór Cheatharlach said: “We are delighted that Gaelchultúr classes are returning to Carlow once again this year. Last year’s participants really enjoyed the learning experience and we hope to see lots of new faces as well as some familiar ones from last year returning. It shows once again what a strong connection people in Carlow with the Irish language with so many people wanting to learn or improve their skills in the language. The Gaelchultúr courses are the ideal opportunity for those interested in learning Irish and the course itself is fantastic.
Participants really enjoy the classes and feel so much more confident in their abilities once they get into the course”.
Those unsure which course to choose can do a quick self assessment on the Gaelchultúr website www.gaelchultur.com which will recommend which level suits them best. The cost of the 10 week course is €180 and registration is now open online on www.gaelchultur.com or by calling 1890 252 900. Further information available from Emma in Glór Cheatharlach on (059) 9158105, (085) 1340047 or by emailing emma@glorcheatharlach.ie
www.carlow-nationalist.ie
How to pick the right subjects for your career path
Eanáir 15, 2014
Now is the time when third year and Transition Year students are taking important decisions about what subjects to study at senior cycle.
Students need to consider their aptitudes and abilities and use that as a basis for selecting the subjects to which they are best suited. It is also vital that they take into account future college and career paths and ensure that when it comes to applying for higher education they are not caught out because they did not study a particular subject at Leaving Certificate level. Here, Aoife Walsh, guidance counsellor at Malahide Community School, Co Dublin, offers some key pointers on how to make the best choices.
Q My school offers LCA, LCVP and traditional Leaving Certificate. What are the differences between these three programmes?
A LCA stands for Leaving Certificate Applied. It provides students with a very different way of studying. It contains a large amount of continuous assessment and work experience. Students study traditional subjects such as maths, English and a language but also take a variety of modules which varies depending on the school. LCA classes are generally smaller than traditional Leaving Certificate classes. This option tends to suit students who do not enjoy a very academic environment and enjoy a more practical learning style. LCVP stands for Leaving Cert Vocational Programme. It offers students who are studying certain combinations of subjects in the traditional Leaving Cert the opportunity to take extra ‘Link Modules’ in the area of Business and Enterprise. Students can earn up to 70 CAO points for LCVP and the programme is mostly project work with an exam in May. Nearly all colleges recognise LCVP points for entry but students may count only their best six subjects for points.
Q How many subjects do I need to choose?
A The rules in schools vary, but most require students to take seven subjects for the Leaving Certificate. Some students may take fewer, for example, those who are not taking Irish. Other students may choose to take more. There is no specific rule about how many subjects one should take, however students must pass six subjects in the Leaving Certificate in order to be eligible for Level 8 (honours) degrees and the CAO uses a student’s best six subjects to determine CAO points.
Q Are there any subjects I must choose?
A Every student must take English, maths and Irish, unless they have an exemption from Irish. Students will normally choose another four subjects. The subjects offered by schools and the freedom of choice students have can vary depending on resources and timetabling constraints. Some schools offer students a completely free choice while others might ask students to choose between certain groupings. Most Leaving Certificate subjects can be taken up by students at senior cycle even if they have not studied them before, but there are some that students will find very difficult to take up if they have not studied them previously. If students are considering taking a new subject it is advisable to speak to the subject teacher or a guidance counsellor before making this decision
Q I would like to take more than seven subjects, is this possible?
A In theory, students may take as many subjects as they wish, but most school timetables can only accommodate seven. However, every year a number of students choose to take eight subjects or, in a very small number of cases, nine. These extra subjects are usually taken outside school. Students may choose to take a subject that is similar to subjects they are already studying. For example many students who are studying physics and higher level maths may choose also to take applied maths. Students who speak a language other than English in the home may have the option of taking this language as subject for Leaving Certificate even if it is not taught in their school. Among the languages in which students can sit a Leaving Cert exam are Russian, Romanian and Polish, to name a few.
Q Should I take an extra subject?
A There is certainly no need to take on extra subjects for the Leaving Certificate. There is already a lot of work involved in taking seven subjects and only six are required for the CAO so students are already doing an ‘extra’ one. Before deciding to take on an extra subject it is important to consider how much extra work this will involve and if it is really needed. Taking extra subjects for CAO points can be a false economy; if students spread themselves too thinly they could fall by five points in each of their other subjects and negate any gain being made by taking the extra. Remember, no matter how many subjects a student takes, the CAO will only count the best six.
Q How should I choose my subjects?
A There are number of things students should consider when choosing Leaving Certificate subjects. Firstly, they should think about the subjects they enjoy and why they enjoy them. If students enjoy their subjects they are more likely to study them and get better grades. Also, if a student enjoys a subject in school it is likely that they will enjoy a college course in a similar area and eventually a job in that field. If there are subject requirements for a course they will be in an area related to that field of study. Students should also consider what they enjoy doing outside school. Hobbies and interests might give some clues as to what subjects they enjoy. Secondly, students should consider the subjects where they shine. It may be helpful to discuss this with friends and relatives. Consider Junior Certificate results as well as any aptitude testing done in school. Students currently in Transition Year, should consider what modules you have enjoyed so far. Finally, consider possible entry requirements for third level. For example, science courses will require students to have taken science at Leaving Certificate, but students who are interested in careers in science are likely to enjoy science and will probably opt for at least one science subject anyway.
Q Do I have to take a language if I want to go to college?
A Some schools require all their Leaving Certificate students to take a language. If students have the option to choose whether or not to take a language, they should consider it seriously as it may determine the choices available to them when it comes to applying for college. For example, a third European language is a requirement for of a number of departments in the NUI colleges — University College Cork (UCC), University College Dublin (UCD), NUI Galway and NUI Maynooth. The phrase, third European language, refers to a language other than English and Irish, which, it is presumed, most students already study. Departments in HUI colleges that require students to have a language include arts/humanities, business and health course such as medicine and dentistry. A third language is not required for engineering or agriculture in these colleges. Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the University of Limerick require students to have one language — either Irish or a modern language, while Dublin City University (DCU) and the institutes of technology require students to pass maths and English or Irish.
Q I do not study Irish. Am I excluded from applying to certain colleges?
A Students who have an exemption from studying Irish in school will be also exempt from this requirement at university. Students may receive an exemption for Irish if they joined the Irish education system after 5th class in primary school or if they have a certain type of learning difficulty. Information regarding exemptions will have to be sent to colleges of choice but this will be done in 6th year.
Q If I don’t know what I have to study at third-level, what subject should I choose?
A If a student is not sure what to study at third level, they should choose subjects that they are good at and that they like. It is likely that if students like something in second-level school they will like it at third level as well. Students are also likely to do better in the Leaving Certificate in subjects they enjoy , leading to higher points, which will mean more CAO options. If a student has any ideas about what they might like to study at college, they should look up the requirements for these courses on Qualifax.ie. If students think they would like to study science then it is a good idea to take a science subject at Leaving cert. Students should also consider keeping on a language to ensure they have the widest possible choice when it comes to filling out the CAO form.
Important Dates: Today Cork IT – CAO Information Session for mature students, Dublin Business School – Open Day DCU – CAO, Mature student and parents eveing IADT Dun Laoghaire – Open Evening Limerick IT Clonmel – CAO Information Evening NUI Maynooth – CAO Information Evening Shannon College of Hotel Management – Open Evening UCAS – Application deadline UCD Engineering – Open Evening January 16 Limerick IT – CAO Information Evening Limerick IT/LSAD – Portfolio Open Day NUI Galway Information Evening (Letterkenny) NUI Maynooth – Information Evening (Athlone) UCC – Information Meeting for Parents January 18 Dundalk IT – Information meeting Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences – Open Day Mary Immaculate College – Open Day UCD – Architecture Open Day University of Limerick –Open Day January 19 HPAT Ulster – Late registration closes January 20 CAO – Deadline for reduced fee applications HPAT Ireland – Registration closes.
Points? You do the maths.
A minimum C3 in higher level maths is a basic requirement for many Level 8 (honours) degree programmes. In some cases, the minimum requirement is higher than C3. In general, higher level maths is a requirement for Level 8 courses in engineering, computer science, actuarial science, financial maths, mathematical science and some science courses. Currently, students who achieve at least a grade D in higher level maths will have 25 points added to their CAO score, if maths counts as one of their best subjects. Courses where foundation level maths is acceptable or with no maths requirement include some social studies, humanities, art, film, planning, journalism, media, law and the Garda College .
Measure your aptitude
Many schools use the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) with students who are choosing subjects for the Leaving Certificate. The DAT tests measure students’ abilities in a number of different areas and the scores can be used to produce a profile showing a pupil’s strengths and weaknesses. In contrast, exams measure students’ performance. DAT scores can be useful in helping a student to decide what subjects to pursue. High scores may indicate that a student would enjoy certain subjects for example:
Verbal reasoning: English, Business, History
Numerical Reasoning: Math, Accountancy, Physics
Abstract Reasoning: Physics, Engineering, Math, Chemistry
Perpetual Speed and Accuracy: all subjects.
Space Relations: Art, Design and Communication Graphics, Biology and Geography.
Mechanical Reasoning: Engineering, Technology, Construction
This list is not exhaustive.
www.independent.ie
Cearta agus Comhionannas á éileamh do phobal na Gaeilge
Eanáir 15, 2014
“Tá na hinstitiúidí atá ag tacú le cúis na Gaeilge faoi ionsaí leanúnach.” Seo a dúirt Julian de Spáinn le linn an chruinnithe faoi chearta agus comhionannas don Ghaeilge i Hall na Saoirse, Baile Átha Cliath.
Os cionn 250 duine a d’fhreastail ar an ócáid Dé Sathairn a reachtalaíodh sna sála ar fhógairt éirí as an Choimisinéara Teanga, Seán Ó Cuirreáin.
Rinne an pobal sraith moltaí le linn an chruinniithe agus i measc na bpríomhthorthaí ón lá bhí an cinneadh le léirsiú mór ar son cearta teanga a eagrú Dé Sathairn 15 Feabhra.
Tugadh le fios le linn an chruinnithe gur tairiscíodh post an Choimisinéara do dhuine ar na maillibh ach gur dhiúltaigh an té sin glacadh leis.
Seo chugaibh achoimre ar chruinniú an tSathairn chomh maith le tuairimíocht an phobail ar chás na teanga.
Féach an físeán ar www.meoneile.ie.
Oíche Burns i gCultúrlann Uí Chanáin
Eanáir 14, 2014
6:00PM An Chéad Léiriú / Film Premiere : Robert Burns 50′ (2013)
Stiúrthóir / Director: Keith O’Grady
Robert Burns 50′ (2013)
Tá clú tuillte go maith ag Robert Burns mar bhard náisiúnta na hAlban ach tá gné dá shaol nach bhfuil mórán eolais faoi. Chuir Burns síos air féin mar chumadóir agus bhailitheoir amhráin traidisiúnta i dtús báire, agus mar fhile ina dhiaidh sin. Tá sé chinn de na hamhráin is suntasaí de chuid Burns ann, seinnte ag scoth na gceoltóirí Éireann is Alban. Láithríonn an scannán saol suntasach Burns, a áiríonn tionchar a thuistí maidir lena oideachas agus a pholaitíocht. Bhí a chlann an-bhocht, agus ní raibh Burns in ann ealú go hiomlán ós na himpleachtaí seo níos déanaí ina shaol. Bhí saol pearsanta casta aige, agus sraith caidrimh sheachphósta aige. Pléann an scannán a scríbhneoireacht pholaitiúil fosta, a mhórthionchar ar Éireann agus a bhás luath ag aois 37 in 1796. Léiriúchán de chuid Dearcán Media ar son TG4 le maoiniú ón CCG.
Saor in Aisce
Robert Burns has a well deserved reputation as the national bard of Scotland, but there is an aspect of his life that remains relatively unknown. Burns described himself as a composer and collector of traditional song first of all, and a poet thereafter. Six of Burns’ most memorable songs feature, performed by Irish and Scottish artists of the highest quality. The film presents Burns’ remarkable life, including the influence of his parents in terms of education and politics. His family was very poor, and Burns was unable to fully escape the implications of this later in life. He had a complicated personal life, with a history of affairs outside of his marriage. The film also discusses his political writing, his considerable influence on Ireland, and his early death at the age of 37 in 1796. This is a Dearcán Media production for TG4 with ILBF funding
Free Admission
7:30PM Oíche Burns Supper & Céilí Mhór
Oíche chun saothar agus beatha íocán cultúrtha na hAlban, Robert Burns, a cheiliúradh le ceoil, filíocht agus amhránaíocht traidisiúnta, maille leis an ‘Burns supper’ agus Céilí Mhór!
An evening celebrating the life and works of Scotland’s cultural icon Robert Burns. Enjoy a traditional Burns Night Supper featuring the music and poetry most associated with Burns, then get your dancing shoes on for our Céilí Mhór. Don’t forget a wee twist of tartan!
£10, Ticéid ar díol anois
Roghnaigh an Ghaeilge mar dhea-rún na hAthbhliana
Eanáir 14, 2014
Mura bhfuil dea-rún na hathbhliana roghnaithe go fóill agat tuige nach gcuireann tú béim ar úsáid níos mó a bhaint as do chuid Gaeilge i mbliana.
Idir ranganna Gaeilge, ciorcail chomhrá agus maidineacha caife trí Ghaeilge, tá rogha leathan d’imeachtaí ar fáil ar fud na tíre agus thar lear do dhaoine idir óg agus aosta ar mhian leo níos mó úsáid a bhaint as a gcuid Gaeilge.
Le blianta beaga anuas tá an-deis ag daoine bualadh le chéile agus a gcuid Gaeilge a labhairt ag ionaid éagsúla i Manchain, Glaschú, sna Stáit Aontaithe, i gCeanada, san Astráil agus ar fud na hEorpa chomh maith.
Tá an-tóir ar an nGaeilge i Londain áit a mbíonn The London Irish Centre i gCearnóg Camden ag reáchtáil ranganna Gaeilge i rith na bliana agus cuirfear tús lena chúrsa Gaeilge deich seachtaine ar an14 Eanáir 2014, www.londonirishcentre.org.
I gCúige Mumhan beidh Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne ag reáchtáil réimse iontach de chúrsaí Gaeilge i nGaeltacht Chorca Dhuibhne i rith na bliana ina measc tá cúrsaí cruinnis, ghearrchúrsaí sa Ghaeilge labhartha, stair áitiúil agus béaloideas Chorca Dhuibhne, siúlóidí Oidhreachta agus nasctar an Ghaeilge le filíocht agus ealaín. Cuirfear tús leis na cúrsaí i mí Feabhra 2014. Tá gach eolas ar fáil ar www.oidhreacht.ie.
Ag fanacht i gcúige Mumhan cuirfidh Gael Taca atá lonnaithe ar Phort Uí Shúilleabháin i gCathair Chorcaí tús lena chuid ranganna ar 27 Eanáir 2014. Bíonn ciorcal comhrá acu ansin gach maidin Dé Máirt agus tá gach eolas acu i dtaobh ionad eile timpeall na cathrach a mbíonn ciorcal comhrá á reáchtáil acu, déan teagmháil leo ag 021-4310841 nó www.gael-taca.com.
Cuireann Scoil Surfála Freedom atá lonnaithe ar an Trá Mhór i gCo. Phort Láirge neart imeachtaí farraige trí mheáin na Gaeilge ar fáil do dhaoine óga ó cheann ceann na bliana.
Bíonn neart turais acu atá feiliúnach do ghrúpaí bun-scoile agus iar-bhunscoile, www.freedomsurfschool.com.
Arís i mbliana beidh Gaelchultúr ag tairiscint ranganna Gaeilge agus ranganna ar líne atá oiriúnach do gach leibhéal do dhaoine fásta i mBaile Átha Cliath agus beidh sraith an earraigh de chúrsaí Gaeilge á reáchtáil acu i gCeatharlach i gcomhar le Glór Cheatharlach i dtús mhí Feabhra 2014.
Anuas air seo, cuireann Gaelchultúr dianchúrsa ullmhúcháin ar fáil d’agallaimh chúrsa an Dioplóma Iarchéime san Oideachas, dianchúrsa ullmhúcháin i gcruinneas na Gaeilge mar aon le Dioplóma Iarchéime san Aistriúchán. Tá siad ag ofráil Teastas sa Ghaeilge Ghairmiúil do dhaoine freisin, teastas a chabhróidh le fostaithe san earnáil phoiblí cumarsáid níos fearr a dhéanamh trí mheán na Gaeilge agus feabhas a chur ar a gcuid scileanna labhartha, www.gaelchultúr.com.
Cuireann Gael Linn rogha de ranganna ar fáil freisin d’fhoghlaimeoirí fásta, idir bhunranganna i mBaile Átha Cliath, choláistí samhraidh do dhaoine fásta i nGaoth Dobhair agus deireadh seachtainí i nGaeltacht Ráth Chairn.Cuirfear tús le clár 2014 ar 20 Eanáir 2014.
Anuas ar seo cuireann Gael Linn neart cúrsaí éagsúla ar siúl do dhaoine óga idir ranganna ullmhúcháin do Bhéaltriail na hArdteistiméireachta a bheidh ar siúl ar 1, 8, 15 agus 22 Márta 2014 agus beidh siad ag reáchtáil cúrsa cumarsáide do dhaltaí na hidirbhliana mar aon le deireadh seachtaine go dtí an Ghaeltacht, www.gael-linn.ie.
Beidh neart ranganna á reáchtáil i gCeannáras an Chonartha ar Shráid Fhearchair i mBaile Átha Cliath agus cuirfear tús leo idir 28-30 Eanáir 2014 agus tá rogha idir leibhéil éagsúla ar fáil chun freastal ar gach duine. Le cúpla bliain anuas tá togra dar teideal ‘Is Leor Beirt’ á reáchtáil acu agus tugann sé seo deis do dhaoine bualadh le chéile trí Ghaeilge i gcaife nó in ionaid éagsúla timpeall na tíre agus thar lear.
In iarthar na tíre tá rogha úr ranganna Gaeilge do gach leibhéal ar fáil in Áras na nGael ó Chonradh na Gaeilge, Gaillimh agus iad ag tosú ar an 27 Eanáir 2014. Bíonn neart ranganna eile á reáchtáil ag craobhacha Chonradh na Gaeilge ó cheann ceann na tíre, www.cnag.ie.
Tá Coláiste Uisce lonnaithe ar an Eachléim i gCo. Mhaigh Eo ag plé le cúrsaí agus spóirt trí Ghaeilge do dhaoine óga le blianta anuas. Cuireann siad cúrsaí tonnmharcaíocht ar fáil trí Ghaeilge mar le diansraith scrúdaithe Gaeilge agus go leor eile. Tá liosta iomlán dá gcuid seirbhísí ar fáil ar www.uisce.ie.
I gCúige Uladh, cuireadh tús le cúrsa Gaeilge d’fhoghlaimeoirí le Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin i nDoire an tseachtain seo caite agus leanfaidh sé ar aghaidh ar feadh cúpla seachtain, www.culturlann-doire.ie. Tá na Ranganna Gaeilge arna eagrú arís in ionad An Carn, Tír Chiana i Machaire Rátha i gCo. Dhoire agus cuirfear tús leo seo ar 13 Eanáir. Tá gach eolas ar fáil uathu ag 028 7954 9978 nó www.ancarn.org.
I gCultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiach i mBéal Feirste cuirfear tús le ranganna Gaeilge chomhrá agus bunranganna ar an 15 Eanáir, www.culturlann.ie. Ag fanacht i mBéal Feirste tá ranganna á reáchtáil ag an Droichead ar Shráid Cooke i mBéal Feirste arís an Eanáir seo, www.androichead.com.
Beidh ranganna Gaeilge ar siúl i gceantar na hÓmaí mar aon le ranganna amhránaíocht ar an sean-nós agus ranganna damhsa ar an sean-nós. Tá neart eolais maidir leis na himeachtaí seo ar fad ar an Ómaigh ar fáil ó Kevin Goodwin ag 0044 (0)28 8225 6220.
Dóibh siúd ar mhian leo aghaidh a thabhairt ar Thír Chonaill, cuireann Oideas Gael oiliúint ar fáil i nGleann Cholm Cille gach bliain trí réimsí leathan de chúrsaí a bhíonn ceangailte leis an timpeallacht agus le cultúr na háite – siúlóidí sléibhe, ceol agus siamsaíocht agus ealaíon, www.oideas-gael.com.
Tá eolas maidir le ranganna agus ciorcal comhrá agus imeachtaí Gaeilge eile ag grúpaí áitiúil, eagrais agus ag leabharlainne i gceantair éagsúla má tá ort a theacht ar rang i do cheantar.
Tá tuilleadh cúrsaí Gaeilge agus cúrsaí ar ábhar eile ach a mhúintear trí mheán na Gaeilge ar fáil ar http://www.gaelport.com/cursai.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
School policy changes must be applied equally
Eanáir 14, 2014
WITH the level of cuts to the education system in recent years, it was inevitable that some things would give.
There have always been examples of schools that, for one reason or another, did not deliver the stipulated 28 hours a week instruction time to students, but the Department of Education and Skills has now acknowledged that the reduction in resources in recent years has been an added challenge for schools in meeting the standard. Not only have schools lost teachers, but the cuts have come at a time when enrolments are rising, and will continue to do so for about a decade. Meanwhile, schools are under pressure to offer a wide choice of subjects and the upcoming reform of the Junior Certificate will only add to the range of possible study options.
The planned detailed analysis by the department of the practice in relation to the provision of instruction time across schools of different types and sizes is welcome. The findings will be of interest because they will tell us why some schools are not adhering to the rules. We need to know how much of a role the cuts have played and whether there are any other reasons why an individual school is coming up short. Whatever the department’s research turns up, it is essential that any changes in policy or, indeed, enforcement of existing policy, have as their focus the best interests of students – all students. There is nothing wrong with the existing policy requiring all schools to deliver a minimum amount of instruction time to all pupils. It is an equitable starting point, and, if more holes have appeared in the system because resources have been cut, an obvious solution would be to restore the resources.
It may well be that taking account of the circumstances of individual schools and allowing them a certain flexibility in relation to instruction time, would be a desirable outcome. But if there is to be change, it cannot result in an uneven patchwork based on joining up the holes. The State has a responsibility to deliver equal treatment to all students, in all schools.
www.indepedent.ie
School cuts hit classroom teaching time
Eanáir 14, 2014
CUTS in teacher numbers have left some schools struggling to offer students the minimum 28 hours a week of classroom teaching.
A major review of teaching time in second-level institutions is to be carried out after several schools were found to be falling short of basic requirements. SCHOOLS are struggling to offer pupils the minimum 28 hours a week of classroom teaching due to education cutbacks. A major review of teaching time in second-level institutions is to be carried out after several schools were found to be falling short of basic requirements. The Department of Education has admitted the cutbacks of recent years have been “an added challenge” for schools in meeting the standard. The problem has been identified in a number of recent Whole School Evaluation (WSE) reports published by the department’s inspectors.
In some cases, schools count assembly or study time as part of the 28 hours, but the rules stipulate that it must be spent on direct teaching and learning. In a recent WSE report on the 425-pupil Colaiste Cois Life, Lucan, Co Dublin, the inspectors reported that pupils were being left short one-and-a-half hours a week.
Pressure
At Meanscoil Iognaid Ris, Longmile Road, Dublin, inspectors also noted that instruction time fell short of the minimum 28 hours. And inspectors found the 525-pupil Salesian Secondary School, in Pallaskenry, Limerick, counted a 15-minute weekly session between class tutors and pupils as part of its 28 hours. Michael Moriarty, general secretary of the Education and Training Boards Ireland, said achieving the 28 hours was becoming more difficult. Ferdia Kelly, general secretary of the Joint Managerial Body representing secondary schools, said it would like to maintain the 28 hours but the reduction in teacher numbers had put pressure on schools to maintain it. Most schools do provide the required 28 hours a week, and at least one-third of schools offer even more than that. The department is planning a detailed analysis of practice across schools of different types and sizes, to see where and why there is a deviation. It will consider whether a standard 28 hours is desirable, or whether there should be a relaxation of the rules by giving schools a certain flexibility in how they organise their time.
Challenges
A department spokesperson said that any such relaxation would not involve a reduction in the 22 hours a week for which teachers are contracted to be available. School timetables are worked out based on the number of pupils, the range of subjects on offer – and at different levels – and the number of teachers. The department has acknowledged that the challenges involved in meeting the needs of all pupils can vary, depending on the school size and the range of subjects it provides. A department spokesperson said its research would relate to the decisions schools make when deciding how to use the aggregate teaching hours available from the schools allocation. The educational benefits, advantages or trade-offs that might justify any deviation from a standard number of hours would be considered, the spokesperson said.
www.independent.ie
How Irish language belongs to all of us on this island
Eanáir 14, 2014
I have read many great articles in the Belfast Telegraph over the past several years, but none more interesting than the one of January 9 about the demand for Irish language classes among Protestant loyalists in east Belfast.
In the article, Linda Ervine states: “Irish is such a beautiful language.” I’m thrilled to hear her describe the ancient language of Ireland in such glowing terms and want to tell her “Go raibh mile maith agat” (A thousand thanks to you) for saying so. I know that my fellow Gaeilgeoiri (Irish speakers) on this side of the Atlantic enthusiastically approve of Linda’s efforts and those of her co-religionists to learn teanga na nGael (the language of the Gaels), because it is also part of their heritage.
In the ’80s and early ’90s, Belfast native the Rev Campbell Sheil made his own contribution to the teaching of Irish in the Bronx by making available to the Gaelic League the hall of the Woodlawn Presbyterian Church of which he was then pastor. During the seven years (1984-91) I taught weekly Irish lessons in that hall, I always had easy access to my classroom as the Rev Sheil gave me my own key to the place.
Another Protestant clergyman who also indicated his approval of Irish was Jonathan Swift, Dean of St Patrick’s Anglican Cathedral, Dublin (1713-45), by translating an Irish poem to English. In Swift’s time the Irish language belonged to the people in all parts of the Emerald Isle and it still does.
Sean Mac Curtain
New York
www.belfasttelegrapgh.co.uk
Feighlí linbh le Gaeilge
Eanáir 13, 2014
Feighlí linbh le Gaeilge á lorg agam le haire a thabhairt do chailín beag (bliain d’aois) ó mhí Bealtaine ar aghaidh. Is féidir aire a thabhairt di in ár dteach (in Ard Aidhin/Artane i mBaile Átha Cliath) nó i dteach an fheighlí sa cheantar timpeall. Táimid gar don DART i mBaile Hearmáin (Harmonstown) agus do bhusanna ar bhóthar Bhinn Éadair agus ar bhóthar Mhulach Íde.
Le tuilleadh eolais a fháil cuir glaoch orm le do thoil (Fionnuala): 085 1603798.
Comhairliúchán faoin ar an gcaoi is fearr le teicneolaíocht a úsáid sa seomra ranga
Eanáir 13, 2014
Tá an tAire Oideachais agus Scileanna, Ruairí Quinn, ag iarraidh ar thuismitheoirí, múinteoirí, daltaí, lucht tionscail agus lucht acadúil a gcuid tuairimí a thabhairt ar an gcaoi is fearr le ríomhairí agus teicneolaíocht a úsáid sa seomra ranga. Is é an sprioc lena mbaineann ná forbairt straitéise nua maidir le húsáid TFC i dteagasc agus i bhfoghlaim i mbunscoileanna agus in iarbhunscoileanna. Leanann sé sin as suirbhé cuimsitheach ar-líne ar phríomhoidí agus múinteoirí a rinneadh níos luaithe sa bhliain. Aithnítear go bhfuil neart scoileanna cheana féin ag úsáid na teicneolaíochta i mbealach nuálach sa seomra ranga, agus is deis atá sa straitéis a dheimhniú go bhfuil na deiseanna céanna ag gach leanbh i ngach scoil idirghníomhú le teicneolaíocht ar fud gach gné den churaclam.
Is é an 31 Eanáir 2014 an dáta deiridh le haighneachtaí a dhéanamh. Fáiltíonn Gaelscoileanna Teo. roimh mholtaí ó aon scoil de réir na gceisteanna atá leagtha amach thíos agus déanfar é a chur san áireamh san aighneacht thar ceann na scoileanna nó féadfaidh scoileanna agus a gcuid pobail a n-aighneachtaí féin a scríobh. Is féidir teacht ar an aighneacht trí Straitéis Dhigiteach Do Scoileanna.
Na ceisteanna:
- Cad é an fhís atá agat nó cad a bhfuil tú ag súil leis maidir le húsáid an TFC chun tacú leis an teagasc agus an fhoghlaim i scoileanna do na chéad 5 bliana amach romhainn?
- Cad iad na deiseanna a d’fhéadfadh an TFC a chur ar fáil sa bhunoideachas agus san iar-bhunoideachas, dar leat?
- Cad iad na tosaíochtaí ba chóir a bheith ann do scoileanna maidir leis an TFC, dar leat?
- Cad iad na dúshláin a fheiceann tú atá ann leis an TFC a chur i bhfeidhm i scoileanna?
- Cad iad na straitéisí ba chóir a úsáid chun feabhas a chur ar an éifeacht a bhíonn ag an TFC sa teagasc agus san fhoghlaim?
- Cad iad na tosca ratha criticiúla a fheiceann tú ó thaobh an TFC a chomhtháthú isteach sa teagasc agus san fhoghlaim i.e. na gnéithe riachtanacha ionas go n-éireoidh leis an gcomhtháthú?
- Cad iad na príomhghníomhaíochtaí ba chóir a dhéanamh lena chinntiú go mbaintear amach comhtháthú an TFC i scoileanna?
Tá an preas ráiteas ón Roinn ar fáil ag: http://www.education.ie/ga/Preas-agus-Imeachta%C3%AD/Preasr%C3%A1itis/Preasr%C3%A1itis-2013/PR13-12-02.html
