Troidfidh mé ar son na n-eagraíochtaí atá bunaithe anseo sa Tuaisceart: Ní Chuilín
October 18, 2012
Ceisteanna don Chrann Taca
October 18, 2012
Reáchtálfar Tráth na gCeisteanna Boird i dTigh Chualáin in Indreabhán san oíche amárach, Dé hAoine 19 Deireadh Fómhair, ar mhaithe leis an gCrann Taca, an tIonad Tacaíochta Teaghlaigh.
Cuirfear tús leis an oíche ag 8.30i.n. agus rachaidh an brabach ar fad i dtreo costais riaracháin na háite. Tá an ócáid á reáchtáil ag Coiste Tacaíochta an Ionaid agus tá duaiseanna maithe agus oíche den scoth geallta. Tá an coiste seo gníomhach le tamall anuas agus arís ar maidin Domhnaigh, 21 Deireadh Fómhair, tá maidin caifé agus díolachán cácaí á eagrú acu, ócáid a bheidh ar siúl sa Chrann Taca ó 11.30r.n. ar aghaidh agus tá fáilte roimh chách.
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Baboró shows as Gaeilge
October 18, 2012
VERY YOUNG children will be kept entertained, engaged, amused, and be opened up to both theatre and the Irish language with a variety of shows at the Baboró festival.
Graffiti Theatre Company will stage An Fear Siúil (Walking Man) by Jody O’Neill, for children aged six to nine in the Town Hall Studio today at 10.15am and 12.15pm. Walking Man has spent his whole life in pursuit of success. He has always rushed headlong through life, determined to follow in his father’s footsteps to the best job on the top floor of the tallest building in the whole city. Yet once he achieves all this, he still feels unfulfilled and must go on a new journey. Irish Theatre Magazine has praised the production for its “subtlety and sophistication…a production of magic and wonder”. The Gombeens – actor and comedians duo of Miquel Barcelló and Jonathan Gunning – will present Spraoi in the Druid Lane Theatre on tomorrow at 11am and 3pm.
This show is performed in Catalan and as Gaeilge. It is about two boys who arrive at the same place at the same time and but do not understand what they should do. Neither speaks the same language and one likes to play by the rules while the other does not. They must learn how to communicate with each other so they can play together. Spraoi is directed by Marc MacLochlainn. The is for children aged between three and six. Places are limited. Púca Puppets will stage Tic Teac Tic Teac, written and performed by Niamh Lawlor in the Town Hall Studio tomorrow (10.30am and 3.30pm); Saturday (11.30am and 3.30pm); and Sunday (11.30am and 1pm) in the Town Hall Studio. The show is for three to six year olds. Tic Teac Tic Teac is a celebration of a child’s journey ón ghiniúnt go dtí an chéad lá scoile – from conception to the schoolroom. It uses handmade puppets and a special clock mat the children help assemble. Irish Theatre Magazine said the show keeps children “engaged and entertained for near on 45 minutes. Short but sweet.”
For more information and tickets contact the Town Hall on 091 -569777 or www.tht.ie or see www.baboro.ie
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Minister unveils funding scheme during school visit
October 17, 2012
UPPER Bann MLA and Education Minister John O’Dowd announced a £230,000 funding scheme to encourage people to develop Irish language skills during a visit to St John the Baptist Primary School in Portadown last week.
The Minister was accompanied by Culture Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, whose Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is aligned to language funding scheme via the Liofa initiative and the draft Irish language strategy. The scheme aims to offer additional funding to existing extended school cluster groups to wish to run Irish language programmes. Mr O’Dowd told pupils and teachers, “The Irish language is an integral part of our rich and shared heritage and my department has a statutory duty to encourage and facilitate the development of Irish-medium education. One of the recommendations arising from the review of Irish-medium education was that my Department should encourage and support informal opportunities for learning Irish through the Extended Schools Programme and increase access to those not currently accessing Irish-medium education.
“In the Portadown Extended School cluster, St John the Baptist partners with seven other schools to offer a varied and diverse range of activities. I am particularly pleased to see that they are offering a number of programmes for parents. There is an increasing recognition of the vital role that parents play in helping and encouraging their child in his or her learning. The community at St John’s is an excellent model of how parents can get involved in their child’s education and I am delighted to see evidence of the value this community places on education. “All existing extended school cluster groups will be able to apply for additional funding to provide programmes that will encourage children to develop their skills in the use of Irish and to also provide support for parents who wish to develop their own key Irish literacy and numeracy skills.”
The Education Minister added, “I am making £230,000 available this year, with the intention of continuing the funding for the next two years. This will depend on the interest shown and the progress that is made on the ground. The programme will support my department’s over-arching goal of raising standards for all, closing the performance gap and increasing access and equity. Funding will also be provided to support programmes aimed at communities who wish to develop Irish language skills that can be more widely used at home or in the workplace.”
www.portadowntimes.co.uk
English given precedence in Gaeltacht schools?
October 16, 2012
An article entitled ‘Conair na nDriseacha’ which was published in September’s edition of Comhar magazine has triggered a massive debate regarding native Irish speakers and Gaeltacht schools.
The article, written by Máire Ní Fheinneadha, a school teacher from Conamara, questions the standard and status of native Irish speakers in Gaeltacht schools. The writer is particularly critical of the teaching methods used and the ability of non-native speaking teachers when it comes to meeting the language needs of native speaking children. Ní Fheinneadha argues that the current system is destructive to native speakers from the get go.
According to the article, in Strong Gaeltacht regions where a total of 80% are considered native Irish speakers, only 24% of the younger generation use Irish among their peers. Of the 41% who used Irish among their peers during their infant years, only 24% remain doing so by the time they reach sixth class. The article states that “Gaeltacht teachers spend the majority of their time and energy teaching Irish to English speakers “. And it would appear that Ní Fheinneadha’s theories are supported by other Gaeltacht education bodies.
The topic was discussed on an edition of Iris Aniar last week where Chief Executive of Cogg (an Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta), Muireann Ní Mhóráin argued that the lack of any training programme for Irish speaking and Gaeltacht teachers results in the inability of non-native speakers in meeting the needs of children to which Irish is their first language.
It is generally accepted that the lack of any appropriate training for teachers working in Gaeltacht schools is a major issue and is undoubtedly a huge contributing factor to the demise of native spoken Irish. Native speaking children are also considered to be at a disadvantage in schools where teachers spend any amount of the school day focusing on other students’ lack of Irish.
Several schemes have already been established in order to deal with this controversial topic. In September of this year, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht allocated a grant of €762,378 to Muintearas and Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne for the implementation of the State’s Language Assistant Scheme, an increase of €150,000 on last year’s grant.
The extra funding will allow for the scheme to focus on developing the richness of students’ Irish and it is also expected that three previously chosen schools will take part in a pilot scheme which will encourage children to use Irish among their peers while in the schoolyard. The role of an tumoideachais (immersion learning) in language promotion is considered to be an invaluable tool. Muireann Ní Mhóráin however, doesn’t believe that an tumoideachas is implemented as well in Gaeltacht schools as it is in Gaelscoileanna as Gaeltacht schools also have to cater for English speakers. According to Ní Mhóráin, “The responsibility for the provision of the appropriate education to a child lies with the State, not the school”.
As well as the lack of training for Gaeltacht teachers and the onus on Gaeltacht schools to educate children with little or no Irish, the lack of any State policy regarding the education of the language is deemed to be a huge factor to the current problem. Treasa Ní Mhainín of Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta (ESG) stated during the discussion on Iris Aniar that ESG have been requesting for years that the Government adopt an Tumoideachas as State policy regarding the teaching of the Irish language in primary schools.
ESG have found that the implementation of any school program takes a lot of time and effort and Ní Mhainín argued that the lack of State policy drags the process out even longer. “Schools themselves look for clarification of the Department’s stance on immersion education before implementing any programme”. She also mentioned that a draft template regarding an Tumoideachas had been put together by ESG following a series of workshops and sessions and that schools would be receiving the information in the coming months.
But Máire Ní Fheinneadha believes that the only way forward for the younger generation of native speakers is for all Gaeltacht schools to be Irish speaking only. ‘The Gaeltacht classroom should not be a bilingual classroom. The focus must be on the native speaking students.’
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Official Launch: Céim Chun Tosaigh
October 16, 2012
BBC broadcaster, Lynette Fay, will launch a new DVD from Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge and Comhar na Múinteoirí Gaeilge at Oireachtas na Samhna in Letterkenny.
Céim Chun Tosaigh – Ag Obair le Gaeilge is the second part of a series of DVDs promoting the Irish language in the senior cycle at second level. Cuireadh Chun Cainte, a practical guide to the Leaving Cert Oral exam, was launched this time last year and this new career guidance DVD acts as a follow on for students.
Céim Chun Tosaigh is aimed at secondary school students and teachers in all 32 counties to show them the various careers that are available through the Irish language.
Presented by Sibéal Davitt and Ciarán Ó Conghaíle, the DVD focuses on a wide range of careers, from media, teaching, technology, linguistics, law, teaching of the language abroad, sports, press officer with the army, the arts, business and childcare.
As part of the launch on Friday 2nd November at the Glendowan Suite at The Mount Errigal Hotel, the DVD will be screened in full and drinks and refreshments will be served. Céim Chun Tosaigh will soon be available on Youtube, on DVD and as a full programme screened on TG4.
Déjà vu: Another new funding model for Irish language organisations
October 16, 2012
At a meeting of the board of Foras na Gaeilge on 28th September, a new funding model for the Irish language voluntary sector was approved, and this model will now be presented to the North South Ministerial Council at the beginning of December 2012.
Earlier this year, Foras na Gaeilge had planned to implement a different funding model, but on 29 June the Board decided to abolish this model after the public and a Joint Oireachtas Committee condemned the model.
The rationalisation of the 19 core-funded organisations has been a bone of contention between Foras na Gaeilge and the organisations since 2008.
The organisations still contend that no research has been undertaken on the work of the organisations since the process began four years ago, and that Foras na Gaeilge must gain an understanding of the work of the organisations before drafting a new model. Foras na Gaeilge claim they are following a directive from the North South Ministerial Council, and are therefore working to tight deadlines, and that the new model must be in place before the middle of next year when the axe is to fall and an end to core-funding of the organisations will be declared.
While Foras na Gaeilge refuse to provide any written information on the new model, it is understood that the new model is based around developing partnerships with a number of organisations in specific strategic areas. It seems Foras na Gaeilge selected the strategic areas in the context of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language, the proposed Draft Strategy for Protecting and Enhancing the Development of the Irish language in Northern Ireland, as well as the Gaeltacht Act 2012.
It is understood the below are the strategic work areas chosen by Foras na Gaeilge, but that these are not as yet set in stone.
• Irish medium education
• Education through English and for Adult Learners.
• Community Development
• Development of Network and Usage Opportunities for Young People
• Activities to Support the Usage of Irish
• Language Awareness, Language Protection and Dealing with both States.
The work areas will be core-funded and the lead partner in each area will be allowed to provide service level agreements for a period not longer than 18 months. Foras na Gaeilge don’t expect the service level agreements to be still in place by January 2015, and by this time the lead partners will be expected to have acrued the necessary experience, expertise and resources to carryout the work of the strategic area.
It is understood that none of the organisations who are based solely in Northern Ireland have been approached in relation to becoming a lead partner in any of the six strategic areas.
An Fóram, who represent 15 of the 19 core-funded voluntary sectors wrote recently to Foras na Gaeilge requesting an urgent meeting with Foras na Gaeilge to clarify the new model which has now been approved by the Board.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
A new children’s book to be won!
October 16, 2012
This week one lucky subscriber will win a children’s book titled ‘Sicín’ which is being distributed by Comharchumann Forbartha an Leith-Triúigh.
The author of this beautiful book Máiréad Mag Uidhir was born and raised in Limerick. She has spent her working life teaching in her native city, teaching Children with Special Needs in St Joseph’s Primary School in Lisnagry at first and then for thirty years in Scoil Íde, Corbally. ‘Sicín’ is a lovely little book for children. It contains a wonderful story about nestlings who are about to leave the nest for the first time. There are three nestlings in all: Mattie, Jenny and Tiny. The events in the story happen on a Special Day, the day that the little birds are about to fly for the first time and leave the nest. Tiny is the hero of the story. Everybody thinks that he is not brave enough to fly by himself but he confounds the lot of them!
This is a lovely little hero story for children in the age group 4 – 8. It’s a simple, humorous, well-written story about overcoming all the odds and there is an important lesson contained therein: everyone can be a hero if he/she is brave enough. The book is beautifully illustrated with some beautiful coloured illustrations by Mary and Emma Gilleece. This book would be very suitable in class for primary schoolchildren in the age group 4 – 8.
This week’s question: Name the author of the book Sicín’ ?
• Éilís Ni Dhuibhne
• Ríona Ní Congáil
• Máiréad Mag Uidhir
• Anna Heussaff
Please forward answers along with yours school’s name and contact details to the following email address: duais@comhdhail.ie and have the words “Comórtas Gaelport” as the subject of your mail. The closing date for receipt of entries is 12 noon 25th October 2012.
We are grateful to Comharchumann Forbartha an Leith Triúigh Teoranta who kindly supplied the prize for this competition Congratulations to Pilib O Duinn who won a copy of the book Cruinnscríobh na Gaeilge in our last edition.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Major reform of the Junior Certificate
October 16, 2012
Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn last week announced the radical overhaul of the current Junior Certificate program.
First year students in 2014 will be the first group to experience the new system in which the current practice of rote learning will be replaced by continuous assessment. Minister Ruairí Quinn announced that up to 40% of marks will go on school work with the remaining marks going on essays given by teachers.
Under the new system, students will take between 8 and 10 subjects from a wide range of traditional exam subjects and ‘short courses’ including subjects such as Chinese, Physical Education and Digital Media Literacy. Individual schools will devise a program of subjects from which students will choose. Schools will be expected to put together a program that will develop the ability and thinking of students with subjects that meet the needs of that particular school body. It is hoped that the new Junior Certificate will see students rather than examinations at the centre of the new approach to assessment.
Irish, English and Mathematics will remain core subjects and 2016 will see Science introduced to this group. Irish, English and Mathematics will be examined at honours and ordinary level while all other subjects will be assessed at common level only. As these subjects play a central role in the development of literacy and numeracy skills, The State Examinations Commission will be part of the assessment process for core subjects during the initial years of the new program. It is hoped that the reformed Junior Certificate will have a significant impact on Ireland’s literacy and numeracy skills.
Minister Ruairí Quinn’s announcement of the planned reform received mixed reactions last week particularly regarding the preparation for the Leaving Certificate that the Junior Certificate provides. However, the most controversial aspect of the new plan was the proposal that teachers be responsible for their own students’ continuous assessment. The major reform of the exam however, never intended to be controversial according to Minister Quinn.
“This is not about our schools, students and teachers doing more work at junior cycle. It is about them doing things differently. Teachers are already doing a great job, but they are often hamstrung by pressure to teach to the test. The new reformed junior cycle will liberate teachers and their students,” he said.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Borradh Buan in the Axis 2012
October 16, 2012
The Irish Language and bilingual festival, Borradh Buan returns to the Axis Theatre, Ballymun for its ninth year, and will commence on the 15-27 October 2012.
This year’s festival has a lot more events added to it such as: live music; dancing; theatre; puppetry; and storytelling for all age groups. Among the highlights of the festival is the music session ‘Briseann an Dúchas’ with Ray Yeates and his son Macdara, which will take place on 16 October. On the 23 October Cathal Ó Searcaigh’s play Salomé will be staged for an audience aged 12+. The festival will also cater for younger age groups with a morning of music and dancing on 15 October, and ‘Spraoi’ a play in Irish and in Catalan will be performed for children between 3-6 years of age on 17 October.
26 October will feature an evening of poetry and short plays by Samuel Beckett ‘Ag Taibhreamh ar an nGrá’ which have been translated to Irish by Gabriel Rosenstock, and will star Geraldine Plunkett, Peadar Lamb and Marcus Lamb. On the 27th October, the festival will host an opera, featuring singers and musicians from across the country, based on the old story of Clann Tuireann written by David Sheehan and Aideen Mc Bride. ‘Every year Axis are dedicated to new development and new work, in Irish and bilingually for its audience of all age groups’ says Niamh Ní Chonchubhair, Manager of the Axis Theatre.
For More information here or contact The Axis Theatre, Ballymun 01 8832100
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/axisballymun
Twitter: @axisBallymun @BurradhBuan
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
