Report on Gaelscoileanna
February 7, 2012
Children attending Gaelscoileanna are more likely to read for pleasure and participate in cultural activities than children who attend English-medium schools.
That is according to the latest Growing Up in Ireland survey from the Economic and Social Research Institute and Trinity College.
The report’s findings, published by the ESRI on 26th January, are based on a nationwide survey carried out to assess the educational and recreational activities of nine-year-old children.
According to the report, children who attend Gaelscoileanna are the most likely to participate in cultural after-school activities as opposed to focusing on sport alone or watching television. Nine-year-olds who attend Gaelscoileanna, particularly girls, were also found to have a more positive attitude to reading and tend to read for pleasure more frequently than children in English-medium and Gaeltacht schools.
Gaelscoileanna were found to provide a broader curriculum than English-medium and Gaeltacht schools, with more time spent on subjects such as Drama, Music and PE. The report went on to explain that these subjects are used as a method of teaching the language.
Children in Gaelscoileanna were also found to be more positive about the Irish language with 45% of those surveyed saying that they ‘always’ like Irish. The results in Gaeltacht schools were similar with almost 40% of children saying they ‘always’ like Irish. However, only 20% of children attending English-medium schools said they ‘always’ like Irish with 30% saying they ‘never ‘ liked Irish.
GAELPORT
Irish language teaching resources on iTunes
February 7, 2012
Last Wednesday Director of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta launched a new channel of multimedia learning resources on iTunes called iTunes U in Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim in Carna, Co Galway.
This joint venture between an Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta & Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) and Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, which they have being working on in recent years, produced a wonderful resource for teachers and parents alike.
This excellent collection of sound, visual, songs, stories, poems and historic stories was carefully chosen from the archives of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh archives as a research project which is compiled by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in Carna.
This new resource which was funded by COGG is aimed at primary school and post-primary schools teaching through the medium of Irish and schools located in Gaeltacht areas.
With over 300 items to choose from, this is a wonderful new resource for children and teenagers with stories from An Gúm, and a science video presented by teacher Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin which is aimed at students at junior cert level.
The stories and various historic segments can be heard in Ulster, Munster and Connaught dialects.
As well as being an educational resource the main aim of this newly launched resource is to attract youngsters back to how life was over thirty years ago and get a better understanding of their heritage, culture and language. It is available at: itunes.cogg.ie
GAELPORT
Gaeltacht grants for student teachers abolished
February 7, 2012
A Department of Education decision to abolish grants awarded to trainee teachers attending Irish-language courses in the Gaeltacht has been slammed by Conradh na Gaeilge and Guth na Gaeltachta.
At present, the 3-week courses in the Gaeltacht summer colleges are paid for on behalf of the student teachers that attend them to improve their Irish-language skills as an essential part of their education degree, but it was announced at a briefing session in Marlboro Street on 05 December 2011 that the grants towards the cost of these courses would be abolished to save money.
Speaking about the proposed cuts, Julian de Spáinn, General Secretary of Conradh na Gaeilge said that the cuts fly in the face of the Government’s 20 Year strategy for the Irish language which recommended that student teachers should follow a defined programme of language teaching in the Gaeltacht and that tuition time and attendance of student teachers who attend such Gaeltacht courses should be increased.
They also negate recommendations made by the Teaching Council for the teacher training colleges which called for an extended and reconceptualised Gaeltacht residency which would form part of the overall programme and be under the direct jurisdiction of the teacher education providers.
“These two recommendations to foster better language awareness and Irish-language skills in our teachers were a huge step forward, but the Department of Education and Skills will take two steps backwards again if they abolish the grant for students attending Gaeltacht courses,” he added.
GAELPORT
Information Meeting – Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara Thuaidh
February 7, 2012
An Foras Pátrúnachta is holding an Information Meeting this Wednesday, 8th February 2012, to update parents, guardians and the general public regarding An Foras Pátrúnachta’s application for Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara Thuaidh. We would like to inform the community locally and nationally that The Department of Education and Skills is rejecting the area for a potential Gaelcholáiste, where some 1,600 pupils currently receive Irish-medium education, by refusing to recognise our application. We firmly believe this is conveying blatant inequality to parents’ and childrens’ rights. We are proposing to stand against the decision of The Department of Education and Skills on behalf of North Kildare community.
We have collected more than 350 names on pre-enrolment forms for the proposed Gaelcholáiste in Maynooth. This shows the high demand in the area for Irish-medium education at second level. However, The Department of Education of Skills are still rejecting this demand. This is a significant number of names but, to put more pressure on the Department, we need your help to collect as many names as possible. Here are some ways that you can help:
- Ask a friend to complete a pre-enrolment form online at www.foras.ie
- Write to the local media expressing your views on the current treatment from the Department of this campaign for a Gaelcholáiste
- Write to or call your local politicians to tell them of the current situation
We are asking anyone who wishes to see a new Gaelcholáiste in this area to attend this important meeting. We will have speakers from An Foras Pátrúnachta and An Coiste Bunaithe (founding committee) to inform everyone of our current situation and we will further discuss how you can help with this campaign on behalf of Irish-medium education for the area. The deadline for applications from school patrons for the new secondary school in Maynooth is Friday, February 24th 2012. The Information Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 8th February at 20:00 in the Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth, Co. Kildare. We look forward to welcoming you.
Appropriate accommodation for Coláiste Raithín
February 6, 2012
The parents, students and staff of Coláiste Ráithín are campaigning for appropriate accommodation for the school, and are seeking the support of the wider gaelscoil community. Statement from the campaign:
Since 1994, management, staff and parents in Coláiste Ráithín have been working on the relocation of Coláiste Ráithín to new premises. Seventeen years on, Coláiste Ráithín is still located in the same situation – on 2 separate sites, in prefabricated, unsuitable buildings with no recreational, leisure or sports facilities. Despite this, the school is one of the best schools in the county and the pupils continue to thrive academically.
The pupils, teachers and staff of Coláiste Ráithín deserve a new school building that reflects the commitment, aspirations and achievements of the school community.
Most second level schools in the area have recently received significant investment and have been substantially upgraded. In 2014, the Department of Education (DES) will open a brand new state-of-the-art second level school, on a 12-acre site in Blacklion, 4 miles from Coláiste Ráithín. In order to compete with this new school and the other recently upgraded schools in the area, Coláiste Ráithín must be given similar investment, and a new, state-of-the-art school building be built and open that same year, 2014.
Sign the petition here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/colaisteraithinnewschoolbuilding2014/
New Syllabus for third level Irish students
February 6, 2012
A new syllabus for third level students studying the Irish language hopes to inspire students and develop further self-awareness and awareness of the language in new cultural contexts.
The syllabus will be launched today in St. Patrick’s College in Drumcondra in Dublin and it is the third syllabus to be developed by an advisory group An Mheitheal um Theagasc na Gaeilge ar an Tríú Leibhéal.
Dr Máirín Nic Eoin of St. Patrick’s College, Dublin and Dr John Walsh of NUI Galway are director of the project. The new syllabus is based on level B2 of an international benchmark for language learning known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.It addresses differences in language ability, the needs of students as well the implementation of the syllabus and examinations as well as themes, learning outcomes and language skills to be developed by University students.
It follows the publication of a syllabus for first and second year students of the language at third level. All reference material, resources and the syllabus can be viewed online on www.teagascnagaeilge.ie
GAELPORT
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin – Intensive Irish Courses
February 6, 2012
Would you like to practice your Irish, or maybe start learning it for the first time? Well you will have the perfect opportunity during the Caoimhín Ó Dochartaigh festival in Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin. Coláiste an Phobail are providing Intensive Irish courses at various levels on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th February. The classes will run from 11:00-13:00 and 14:30-16:30 on Saturday and Sunday. There are classes at 3 different levels, a Beginners Class for those who are starting to learn Irish. A Fáinne Airgid class, this is an intermediate class, for those hoping to undertake this test or those who want to add to their Irish. A Fáinne Óir class, this advanced class is suitable for those who want to take this test or for those who wish to practice and improve their fluency. The Fáinne scheme will take place during Seachtain na Gaeilge 2012 but attendants of these intensive course do not have to take part in the scheme. If you would like to register or need any more information, contact Fiachra or Ciara on 02871264132 or at fiachra@culturlann-doire.ie, ciara@culturlann-doire.ie. It is recommended that you reserve a place as soon as possible as spaces are limited. The Course will cost £25 and everyone is welcome.
Spring Newsletter online now
February 6, 2012
Local school pilots Irish language app
February 6, 2012
A local primary school is among the first to pilot a new language application in a bid to get pupils speaking Irish.
St Patrick’s Primary School, Aghagallon, is promoting the learning of Irish through a new mobile phone application, which is proving popular amongst its pupils.
Focusing on non-smart phones, the app helps students learn the basics of the Irish language
With a few minutes each day MobLang teaches the most common phrases.
Special exercises help with pronunciation, while games allow users to practice newly learned words and phrases.
LURGAN MAIL
Curaidh Chomórtas Díospóireachta Uí Chadhain Gael Linn 2012 ag ceiliúradh!
February 6, 2012
