Huge Setback for The Teaching & Learning of Irish
July 13, 2009
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. regrets the announcement made last Thursday by the Department of Education and Science that the national support initiative for Irish will not go ahead due to the moratorium on recruitment in the public service.
The planned initiative, under the auspices of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG), represents a vital support for the development of necessary teaching and learning resources, in particular in post-primary resources and support for Gaeltacht schools. The outcome of the decision announced by Minister Batt O’Keeffe is that COGG can no longer continue the recruitment process in order to fill the four vacant positions in the national centre in Ballyvourney.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO.’s Chief Executive expressed her disappointment with this decision, stating "there was great hope for the development of the Irish-medium education sector when this national initiative was first announced in terms of the provision of necessary services, comprehensive research prgrammes and the provision of resources. However, due to the inexcusable delay in implementing this decision, we are now faced with the situation that the Minister may not be in a position to commence the full development of this initiative in the centre in Baile Bhúirne. I urge that the Minister nonetheless reviews this decision with a view to allowing the recruitment of the four new staff in order that the excellent work carried out by COGG will continue in the new education centre in Baile Bhúirne."
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is the national co-ordinating body for schools teaching through the medium of Irish. It helps parents and local groups to set up new schools and supports the established all-Irish schools. There are 170 primary schools and 42 secondary schools currently providing education through the medium of Irish.
END
Further Information:
Bláthnaid Ní Ghréacháin Mícheál Ó Broin
Ardfheidhmeannach Uachtarán
01-8535195 087-9467700
Internal Management Course in Irish Medium Schools
June 18, 2009
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is organising a summer course on Internal Management in Irish Medium Schools in the Dublin West Education Centre between 17 and 21 August 2009. This course is recognised by the Department of Education & Science under the terms of Rule 58.
This course will focus on Principals, Assistant Principals and anyone with posts of responsibility in a Gaelscoil. Issues discussed will include school planning, Irish ethos & immersion education, school administration and effective communication methods.
For more information and to view the programme, please click here.
Gaelscoil Eoghan Uí Thuairisc win Féile Peile Gael Linn
May 12, 2009
Students from GAELSCOIL EOGHAN UÍ THUAIRISC, CARLOW celebrating their win at Féile Peile Gael Linn held recently in the Co. Meath Gaeltacht area of Rath Cairn. In a super final in which both teams were very evenly matched, the Carlow team edged ahead of opponents, Scoil Santain from Tallaght, Dublin in the final moments to win the cup to the delight of their teachers and supporters !
Féile Peile Gael Linn, now a well established event on the school calendar, is organised annually to give students from Gaelscoileanna and Gaeltacht national schools an opportunity to meet and have fun ‘as Gaeilge’ on and off the football pitch ! An interesting aspect of the tournament is that all teams are mixed, with a rule that at least 4 of the 9 players must be girls !
Eight schools from Leinster took part in this year’s festival –
Gaelscoil Cheatharlach, Carlow; Scoil Santain, Tallaght, Dublin; Scoil Éanna, Navan, Co. Meath; Scoil Oilibhéar, Clonsilla, Dublin; Gaelscoil Chill Dara, The Curragh, Kildare; Scoil Uí Riada, Kilcock, Co. Kildare, Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, and Scoil Náisiúnta Uí Ghramhnaigh, Rath Cairn, Co. Meath. Each of the participating teams played at least three matches, with winners qualifying for a place in the semi-finals and then the final.
Of course, not all the fun is centred around the playing fields ! The students stay with local families and have the opportunity to make new friends with boys and girls from other schools. They can also show off their general knowledge, musical talents and dancing skills during the evening social events that include a tablequiz, concert and céilí.
The story was also covered recently in the Carlow People
Hundreds of Parents Denied Irish-Medium Education
May 1, 2009
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. has criticised the Department of Education and Science’s decision to withhold temporary recognition from seven new gaelscoileanna due to open September 2009.
In September 2008 the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe, announced the implementation of a two-year review process for recognising new primary schools. For the duration of this process, it is not intended to open any new schools, except those in rapidly developing areas that show a clear need for a new school, as dictated by demographic projections. Recent negotiations between GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. and representatives from the Department have revealed that all seven applicant Gaelscoileanna do indeed fall in the designated rapidly expanding areas, however Department resources are unable to cater for the demand. The significant growth in enrolment figures as far as 2013 for the proposed new schools categorically prove the demand for Irish-medium education in the designated areas.
The Department’s stance on this issue impedes upon parents’ constitutional right to choose the appropriate education for their children. It denies the rights of all parents currently on the founding committees who are diligently working towards ensuring that their children receive Irish-medium education, as an excellent system of education. A further disappointment for parents came with the refusal by the Department to grant temporary recognition to Gaelcholáiste Sligo – North Leitrim, despite demonstrated demand. Currently no Irish-medium post-primary provision exists in this area and the Department’s refusal demonstrates a lack of recognition of parental rights to Irish-medium education.
Mac Gréil’s research, published only this week shows that 93.2% of Irish people are supportive of the Irish-language. The research recommends that strategies are devised and supported to ensure the further promotion of the Irish language throughout the country. The Government’s own Vision Statement on the Irish-Language states, "A high standard of all-Irish education will be provided to school students whose parents/guardians so wish."
According to Bláthnaid ní Ghréacháin, Chief Executive of GAELSCOILEANNA TEO.,
"It is clear that the Department of Education and Science’s stance is runs contrary to government policy on the Irish-language, as well denying parents’ right to Irish-medium education. This is a narrow short-sighted attitude that will cost the Irish language a great deal in the short and long term. Investment in Irish-medium education is a logical and worthwhile initiative, not only in terms of the government’s own stated commitment, but also in ensuring the provision of an excellent standard of education for children in this country.
"Regarding the interim period of the review process for recognition of new schools, we will be seeking clarification from the Department that the unique circumstances of the Irish-medium sector be taken into consideration. We will continue to lobby the government to ensure that Gaelscoileanna are among those that will open their doors in 2010. As an education partner, we would welcome the opportunity to provide guidance and assistance to the Department of Education and Science to ensure that the Department fulfils it’s responsibilities in terms of the Irish-medium sector in this tough economic climate."
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is the national co-ordinating body for schools teaching through the medium of Irish. It helps parents and local groups to set up new schools and supports the established all-Irish schools. There are 170 primary schools and 42 secondary schools currently providing education through the medium of Irish.
Irish-Medium Schools in Northern Ireland excelling in English and Maths
April 29, 2009
With thanks from Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta
International evidence has long indicated that children who are being educated through a second language tend to do as well, if not better, in their first language (in our case English), while also becoming fluent in both languages. Information based on research carried out in countries throughout the world consistently indicates enhanced performance of children who are educated bi-lingually. This advantage is observed across a wide range of subjects.
“Recent figures from the Department of Education, in relation to scores in English and Maths, over that last three years, have demonstrated that this advantage may also be the case in Irish language schools” said Dr Réamaí Mathers from Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta, The Trust Fund For Irish-Medium Education.
“When we looked at data from the years from 2005/6-2007/8 in relation to Key Stage 2 results in English (primary 7), Irish-medium schools have achieved higher score averages every year, both at the level 4 category and the highest level 5 category, than non Irish-medium schools. Indeed in the last two years Irish-medium students’ results, which are heavily biased towards a lower socio-economic group (due to the high number of inner city schools), have produced a higher outcome for level 4 and level 5 when compared to the average across all Northern Ireland primary schools.
“In relation to Maths it also seems that Irish-medium schools are out-performing their English medium counterparts in the same category, according to these Department of Education statistics. These results, when reviewed along with international research from all over the world give us the strongest indication yet of the efficacy of learning through Irish”. said Dr Mathers.
Why are children in immersion schools doing better?
There has been much discussion on the question as to why children in schools such as Irish-medium are doing better. Parental involvement with children in Irish-medium schools may be higher and our teachers are especially motivating, having in effect two vocations. One vocation is firstly providing the highest levels of education and the second vocation is transmitting a love for and fluency in Irish and English. However, once again research may be pointing us to more deep seated and permanent advantages that bilingualism brings. In recent years research on children who are bilingual from an early age is showing advantages both in areas of understanding and mental agility. Indeed evidence is now so strong that Professor Colin Baker, Pro-vice Chancellor of Bangor University, Wales and one of the worlds foremost authors on bilingualism recently stated at an Irish-medium conference " The benefits that Irish-Medium Education must not be underestimated by society at large, be that parents, educators, business and government. The question is not should there be Irish-Medium Education but, because of the proven success, the question now should be – is any child not educated bilingually in Ireland being disadvantaged?
Scléip! 2009 All-Ireland Final Winners
March 24, 2009
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is delighted to announce the winners of the Scléip! 2009 All-Ireland Final.
18 Irish-medium schools took part in this all-Ireland talent show this year and 13 of them went as far as the All-Ireland Final held in the held at the Axis Theatre, Ballymun, Dublin 9 on Saturday, 21st March 2009. GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. wants to congratulate the schools, teachers and pupils who took part. GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. President, Mícheál Ó Broin presented the winners with their prizes. He commented that it was ‘an honour and a pleasure to attend the Scléip! All-Ireland Final. The talent and attitude of the performers and teachers is an inspiration to all working in the Irish-medium sector’.
Grand Prix Winner:- Trí Lasadh: Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara, Carna, Galway (Traditional Music Band: Music Groups Category).
- Aoibheann Ní Mhurchú, Coláiste an Phiarsaigh, Cork (Individual Music Category).
- Gealt, Gaelcholáiste Reachrann, Dublin (Music Groups Category).
- "Chun na Farraige síos", Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Donegal (Drama / Mime Category).
*The winners of this Category will receive an added prize of a session in a recording studio with thanks to Seachtain na Gaeilge Teo. They will record their winning tracks which will be uploaded onto Seachtain na Gaeilge’s MySpace alongside other famous acts from CEOL ‘09 such as Duke Special and Paddy Casey.
We are very grateful to Foras na Gaeilge, Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta and Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge for their continued support. Photos from the Scléip! 2009 Final are available on http://www.gaelscoileanna.ie/.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is the national co-ordinating body for schools teaching through the medium of Irish. It helps parents and local groups to set up new schools and supports the established all-Irish schools. There are 170 primary schools and 42 secondary schools currently providing education through the medium of Irish.
Further information: Seán Ó hAdhmaill oifig@gaelscoileanna.ie, 01-48535193
Proposed New Schools 2009 and Onwards
January 1, 2009
Unfortunately the Department of Education and Science has indicated in a recent letter to GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. that it does not plan to recognise any new gaelscoil this year.
2010
Primary Level
1. Gaelscoil Ros Mhic Thriún, New Ross, Co. Wexford. Contact Kevin Bates – gaelscoilrosmhicthriuin@gmail.com or 0871358197.
2. Gaelscoil Oiriall, Dunleer/Ardee, Mid-louth, Co. Louth. Contact Deirdre Bonar – eolas@gaelscoiloiriall.com or 0876302269. http://www.gaelscoiloiriall.com/
3. Gaelscoil Lusca, Co. Dublin. Contact Susan Kavanagh – gaelscoillusca@gmail.com or 0872960080.
4. Gaelscoil Oisín, Crumlin/Walkinstown, Dublin 12. Contact Elizabeth Bolger – d12gaelscoil@gmail.com nó 0868304046.
5. Gaelscoil an Chuilinn, Tyrrelstown/Hollystown. Contact Alison Carruth – 0863236187 or Emma Lester 0876841818.
6. Gaelscoil na Feoire, Co. Kilkenny. Contact Gráinne Ní Ailín – 0863628745 or gsnafeoire@gmail.com.
7. Gaelscoil Chill Chéir, East Cavan. Contact Breffní Clarke – gscoil.cc@gmail.com, 0868159078 or www.gaelscoilcc.com
8. Gaelscoil an Chrainn Darach, Rathangan/Monasterevin, Co. Kildare. Contact Julie Harper – 0863160989 or gaelscoilanchrainndarach@gmail.com. www.gaelscoilanchrainndarach.com
9.Gaelscoil Cheatharlach, Co. Carlow. Emma Whitmore – 0851340047.
If you are interested in helping out with the setting up of any of these new gaelscoileanna or if you would like to help set up a gaelscoil in your area, then please contact our Development Officer,
Seán Ó hAdhmaill at sean@gaelscoileanna.ie or +353 853 5193.
Secondary Level
Gaelcholáiste Dheisceart Bhaile Átha Cliath, South Dublin, Co. Dublin. Contact Lughaidh Ó Braonáin – eolas@gaelcholaiste.com. http://www.gaelcholaiste.com/blog
Gaelcoláiste Charraig Uí Leighin, Carrigaline, Co. Cork. Contact Adrian Breathnach – gaelcholaistecarrigaline@live.ie or 086 0817873. http://www.gaelcholaistecarrigaline.net
Gaelcholáiste an Mhuileann gCearr, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Contact Seán Ó hAdhmaill – sean@gaelscoileanna.ie or 01-8535193.
Gaelcholáiste Shligigh, Sligo, Co. Sligo. Contact Seán Ó hAdhmaill – sean@gaelscoileanna.ie or 01-8535193.
Coláiste Ghlór na Mara, North County Dublin.
Founding Committee yet to be established for the following schools:
New Gaelcholáiste (name to be decided), Drogheda, Co. Louth. Contact Seán Ó hAdhmaill – sean@gaelscoileanna.ie or 01-8535193.
Gaelcholáiste an Tulach Mhór, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Contact Seán Ó hAdhmaill – sean@gaelscoileanna.ie or 01-8535193.
New Gaelcholáiste (name to be decided), South Co. Meath. Contact Seán Ó hAdhmaill – sean@gaelscoileanna.ie or 01-8535193.
New Gaelcholáiste (name to be decided), Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Contact Seán Ó hAdhmaill – sean@gaelscoileanna.ie or 01-8535193.
If you are interested in helping out with the setting up of any of these new gaelcholáistí or if you would like to help set up a gaelcholáiste in your area, then please contact our Development Officer,
Seán Ó hAdhmaill at sean@gaelscoileanna.ie or 01-8535193.
