BunGhaeilge ar fáil mar aip d’fhóin chliste
Bealtaine 14, 2013
Seolfaidh Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta aip nua bunaithe ar leabhar frásaí, ‘BunGhaeilge’ ar an gCéadaoin seo, 15 Bealtaine 2013.
Tá an aip seo á forbairt ag FNT le bliain anuas agus is éard atá i gceist ag an eagraíocht a thacaíonn leis an oideachas trí Ghaeilge ná acmhainn iontaofa a chur ar fáil do theaghlaigh ar bheagán Gaeilge nó ar mhian leo cúpla focal a úsáid go rialta ina gcuid gníomhaíochtaí laethúla.
Tá na frásaí roinnte i rannóga éagsúla m.sh. ‘Ar Maidin’, ‘An Naíonra’, ‘Sa Siopa’, ‘Sa Ghairdín’, mar atá leagtha amach sa leabhar frásaí ar a bhfuil sé bunaithe, ‘BunGhaeilge do Thuismitheoirí agus Feighlithe Leanaí’.
Cuireann an aip ar chumas an fhoghlaimeora éisteacht le foghraíocht na bhfrásaí agus athrá a dhéanamh orthu os ard. Mar sin, ní do theaghlaigh amháin an áis seo ach d’fhoghlaimeoirí na Gaeilge chomh maith. Is é an leagan caighdeánach den aip a sheolfar ar dtús ach eiseofar leaganacha le mór chanúintí na Gaeilge amach anseo, gné a chuideoidh go mór le foghraíocht an fhoghlaimeora.
Seasann forbairt na haipe seo mar chéim mhór i dtaobh úsáid na teicneolaíochta i gcur chun cinn na Gaeilge agus táthar ag súil go gcuideoidh an áis le teaghlaigh ar fud an domhain agus iad ag múineadh na teanga don chead ghlúin eile.
Beidh BunGhaeilge ar fáil le híoslódáil saor in aisce ar gach fón cliste, ón siopa Android ón 15 Bealtaine, agus ó shiopa Apple faoi thús na míosa seo chugainn.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Iarbhunscoileanna nua le bunú i 2015-2016
Bealtaine 14, 2013
Tá sé fógartha ag an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna go mbeidh 8 iarbhunscoil nua le bunú sa tréimhse 2015-2016. Scoileanna a mhúineann trí mheán an Bhéarla a bheidh sna scoileanna nua seo, de réir litir atá faighte ag GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. ón Roinn, agus luaitear sa chomhfhreagras céanna gur “socraíodh agus gur freastalaíodh ar sholáthar trí mheán na Gaeilge sa chéad ghrúpa scoileanna a fógraíodh” (na scoileanna atá le hoscailt i 2013 agus 2014; trí iarbhunscoil lán-Ghaeilge ina measc). Tá GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. ag lorg soiléirithe ar bhonn práinne maidir leis an ráiteas seo sa mhéid is go bhfuil sé in aghaidh an phróisis daonlathach atá mar bhunús den chur chuige nua trína roghnófar an cineál scoile bunaithe ar shainrogha tuismitheoirí.
Iarrfaidh an Roinn Oideachais ar phátrúin ionchasacha ar na scoileanna nua (sna ceantair liostáilte thíos) deimhniú go mbeidh siad toilteanach Aonaid lán-Ghaeilge a bhunú má tá éileamh orthu, agus tá soiléiriú lorgtha ag GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. ón Roinn maidir leis na próisis atá ann leis an éileamh seo a mheas, na dualgais atá ar phátrúin ionchasacha tairiscint ghníomhach a dhéanamh ar sholáthar lán-Ghaeilge agus na tacaíochtaí atá ar fáil ón Roinn do phátrúin ar mian leo Aonaid a bhunú. Tá go dtí an 28 Meitheamh ag pátrúin le hiarratas a dhéanamh ar phátrúnacht na n-iarbhunscoileanna nua seo. Leanfaidh GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. ag plé leis an Roinn agus leis na pátrúin le cinntiú go bhfuil cearta agus éileamh ar oideachas lán-Ghaeilge tugtha san áireamh sa phróiseas le scoileanna nua a bhunú.
Tá preasráiteas na Roinne (i mBéarla amháin) le léamh anseo: http://education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2013-Press-Releases/PR13-05-10B.html
| Contae | Ceantar | Bliain tosaithe | Líon daltaí |
| Cábhán | Dún an Rí | 2016 | 400 |
| Corcaigh | Carraig Uí Leighin | 2016 | 500 |
| Corcaigh | Mainistir na Corann/Carraig Thuathail | 2016 | 1,000 |
| Áth Cliath | Baile Brigín | 2016 | 700 |
| Áth Cliath | Baile an tSaoir | 2016 | 1,000 |
| Áth Cliath | Coill an Rí, Tamhlacht | 2016 | 1,000 |
| Cill Dara | Cill Droichid | 2015 | 1,000 |
| Cill Mhantáin | Tuaisceart Chill Mhantáin | 2016 | 1,000 |
An Brat Buí i nGaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa
Bealtaine 13, 2013
Ba mhór linn comhghairdeas a dhéanamh le Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa a bhain Brat Buí amach don scoil le déanaí! Seo thíos roinnt grianghraf a ghlacadh ar Lá na Máthartheanga a bhí ag an scoil. “Bhain na tuismitheoirí nach Éireannaigh iad an-leas as agus thug sé deis dóibh a bheith páirteach sa scoil” a dúirt príomhoide na scoile, Siobhán Ní Dhúill. “Thángadar isteach chuig na ranganna agus rinneadar cur i lathair ina dteangacha féin don chuid is mó. Nuair a bhí cruinnithe againn le daoine nach raibh Gaeilge acu d’oibrigh na páistí mar aistritheoirí go Gaeilge. Mar sin, is i nGaeilge a bhí na cruinnithe!” Bhí lá il-chultúrtha ag an scoil chomh maith i mbliana agus deir siad go mbeidh siad ag leanúint leis an dea-obair chun an brat a choinneáil. Guimís gach rath orthu agus tá súil againn go spreagfaidh siad scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge eile le tabhairt faoin scéim. Tá tuilleadh eolais maidir leis ar fáil anseo: An Brat Buí. Tá an spriocdháta do scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge sínte go dtí an 30 Bealtaine 2013, mar sin, tapaigí an deis!
Leagan Gaeilge de láithreán gréasán Ionadaíocht an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh in Éirinn le seoladh
Bealtaine 13, 2013
Dé Luain an 27 Bealtaine, seolfaidh an Coimisinéir Eorpach, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, leagan Gaeilge de láithreán gréasán Ionadaíocht an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh in Éirinn – http://www.euireland.ie/failte
Tugann an láithreán gréasáin léargas cuimsitheach ar institiúidí agus ar bheartais an Aontais Eorpaigh. Is acmhainn luachmhar é do scoileanna a thugann eolas ar an réimse acmhainní atá ar fáil saor in aisce ón Ionadaíocht. Tá eolas úsáideach ar chearta shaoránaigh an Aontais Eorpaigh ann freisin, rud atá ábharach go háirithe i mbliana – Bliain Eorpach na Saoránach 2013. Tá eolas stairiúil ann freisin faoin am a chuaigh Éire isteach sa CEE in 1973 agus faoi thionchar bhallraíocht an AE ar Éirinn, rud eile atá tábhachtach in 2013 ó tharla go bhfuil Éire ag comóradh cothrom 40 bliain de bhallraíocht an AE. Is féidir le cuairteoirí ar an láithreán teacht ar eolas freisin faoi dheiseanna fostaíochta san AE mar aon le cur síos ar dhaoine as Éirinn atá ag obair don Aontas Eorpach.
D’aistrigh foireann aonad Gaeilge an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh in Ard-Stiúrthóireacht an Aistriúcháin téacs an láithreáin ghréasáin.
Gníomhaíochtaí Gasta: leabhar nua do mhúinteoirí bunscoile ó Ghaelchultúr
Bealtaine 13, 2013
Bíonn go leor múinteoirí bunscoile ag iarraidh a theacht ar bhealaí níos éifeachtaí chun an Ghaeilge a mhúineadh, agus tá leabhar úrnua, Gníomhaíochtaí Gasta, foilsithe ag Gaelchultúr a thabharfaidh neart smaointe don seomra ranga do na múinteoirí sin. Tá 60 gníomhaíocht spraíúil chumarsáide le fáil sa leabhar, mar aon le pleananna ceachta, rud a chuirfidh ar chumas múinteoirí cumarsáid nádúrtha agus foghlaim éifeachtach a chothú sa rang Gaeilge.
Is féidir fótachóip a dhéanamh de na gníomhaíochtaí atá le fáil sa leabhar agus tá siad oiriúnach do dhaltaí i ranganna 3–6 i scoileanna T1 agus T2 araon.
Tá fiche gníomhaíocht fíorchumarsáide in Gníomhaíochtaí Gasta ina ndírítear ar na deich dtéama atá sa churaclam Gaeilge: Mé Féin, Sa Bhaile, Bia, Siopadóireacht, An Teilifís, Caitheamh Aimsire, An Aimsir, Éadaí, An Scoil agus Ócáidí Speisialta.
“Cé go bhfuil béim i gcúrsaí múinteoireachta ar an gcur chuige cumarsáideach le blianta, bíonn sé deacair teacht ar mhodhanna éifeachtacha le cumarsáid a spreagadh sa seomra ranga,” a deir Siobhán Patten, údar an leabhair. “Measaim gur acmhainn luachmhar a bheidh in Gníomhaíochtaí Gasta do mhúinteoirí bunscoile agus go gcabhróidh sé go mór leo scileanna teanga na ndaltaí a fhorbairt ar bhealach spraíúil, idirghníomhach.”
Tá treoracha cuimsitheacha le fáil in aonaid an leabhair maidir leis na gníomhaíochtaí fíorchumarsáide, chomh maith le moltaí i dtaca le gníomhaíochtaí réamhchumarsáide agus iarchumarsáide. Cuirfidh sé seo ar chumas an mhúinteora plé le gach aonad mar cheacht iomlán, más mian leis/léi déanamh amhlaidh. Is féidir, dar ndóigh, na gníomhaíochtaí fíorchumarsáide a úsáid ina n-aonar, mar shúil siar ar ábhar a múineadh cheana féin nó go díreach mar chluichí spraíúla ranga.
An cur chuige cumarsáideach atá i gceist tríd síos sa leabhar agus tá go leor de na feidhmeanna teanga atá leagtha síos sa churaclam Gaeilge le fáil ann.
Is as Acaill, Contae Mhaigh Eo, ó dhúchas í Siobhán Patten. Chaith sí roinnt mhaith blianta ag obair mar mhúinteoir bunscoile, agus ina dhiaidh sin mar oiliúnóir agus mar Bhainisteoir Sainchúrsaí le Gaelchultúr. Tá taithí leitheadach aici ar shiollabais, acmhainní teagaisc agus pleananna ceachta a fhorbairt.
Is féidir Gníomhaíochta Gasta a cheannach ar www.siopa.ie ar €34.95.
Le féachaint ar ábhar samplach ón leabhar, cliceáil anseo.
Tá Gaelchultúr buíoch de COGG (An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta) as tacaíocht airgid a chur ar fáil do Gníomhaíochtaí Gasta.
www.gaelchultur.com
Oifigeach Cléireachais Gaeilge – Coláiste Mhuire gan Smál, Ollscoil Luimnigh
Bealtaine 13, 2013
Is mian le Coláiste Mhuire gan Smál, Ollscoil Luimnigh an post mar Oifigeach Cléireachais – Gaeilge, Oifig an Oideachais, a líonadh ar bhonn buan, lánaimseartha, conartha, ag tosú Lúnasa 2013.
Is ról tábhachtach riaracháin é seo in Oifig an Oideachais sa Choláiste. Cuirfidh an t-iarrthóir rathúil tacaíocht riaracháin ghinearálta ar fáil trí mheán na Gaeilge don Cheann Roinne sa Roinn Teanga, Litearthachta agus Matoideachais. Beidh baint lárnach aige/aici le feidhmeanna riaracháin laethúla Oifig an Oideachais.
Beidh an t-iarrthóir rathúil in ann déileáil le freagrachtaí éagsúla i suíomh casta agus beidh sé/sí in ann teagmháil a dhéanamh le baill foirne, le mic léinn agus le cliaint an Choláiste. Tá sé mar riachtanas an phoist go mbeidh sé ar chumas an té a cheaptar déileáil le faisnéis atá thar a bheith rúnda ar bhonn an-discréideach.
Beidh na scileanna seo a leanas ag an iarrthóir a éireoidh leis/léi:
- Cur amach den chéad scoth ar Ríomhairí (Microsoft Office le pacáistí Microsoft Word, Excel & Access san áireamh)
- Ard-chaighdeán sa Ghaeilge labhartha agus scríofa
- Taithí ábhartha riaracháin oifige – tacaíocht rúnaíochta a sholáthar, tuarascálacha a dhréachtadh, miontuairiscí a thógáil, léamh profaí agus mar sin de.
- Taithí roimhe seo ar obair riaracháin a dhéanamh laistigh de shuíomh oideachais.
- A bheith in ann oibriú go héifeachtach laistigh de thimpeallacht foirne bunaithe le fada.
- Scileanna idirphearsanta, eagrúcháin agus cumarsáide den scoth.
Is gá d’iarrthóirí a léiriú go soiléir ina n-iarratais conas a chomhlíonann a gcuid scileanna gach ceann de na critéir thuasluaite.
Spriocdháta: 24 Bealtaine 2013
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Half of Scots back right to send child to Gaelic school
Bealtaine 13, 2013
ALMOST half of Scots believe parents should have the right to send their children to a Gaelic school, research shows.
Analysis of results from the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey found there was widespread support for youngsters being able to attend Gaelic-medium education, where classes are taught in Gaelic with English as a secondary language.
The survey found that 48 per cent of people thought parents should have the choice of Gaelic education across Scotland. This rose to 91 per cent when respondents were asked if parents in Gaelic-speaking areas should have the right.
But access to Gaelic-medium education is currently low, with figures showing just 2,418 children – about 0.6 per cent of Scottish primary school pupils – are being taught in such schools.
The survey also found that more than a third (37 per cent) of people thought that all pupils aged five to 16 should have to study Gaelic for one to two hours a week regardless of what type of school they were in, while 36 per cent disagreed and 26 per cent neither agreed nor disagreed.
The analysis was carried out by Soillsei, an inter-university Gaelic language research project, based on the results of last year’s Scottish Social Attitudes Survey with a sample of 1,229 people.
Despite the millions spent on trying to save Gaelic – and various Scottish Government initiatives from bilingual signs to education – many respondents expressed doubt about the future of the language, which is spoken by fewer than 60,000 Scots.
More than half – 53 per cent – thought that in 50 years the language would be spoken by fewer people than now, with only 14 per cent believing that it would be spoken by more.
Just under a third (32 per cent) of Scots believed that the use of Gaelic should be encouraged throughout Scotland, but 87 per cent believed that it should be encouraged in Gaelic-speaking areas. Only 11 per cent did not want Gaelic to be encouraged at all.
When asked whether learning Gaelic was pointless in the 21st century, 44 per cent disagreed and only 22 per cent agreed.
Despite rows over Gaelic road signs and other public signage – which have been fiercely opposed in places like Caithness – barely half (58 per cent) of respondents had seen any such signs.
But the research found there was a positive impact of public sector interventions to support Gaelic, with 70 per cent having heard the language in their homes on television or radio.
Soillsei project director Professor Lindsay Paterson, from Edinburgh University, said: “These results from the highly-respected Scottish Social Attitudes Survey show widespread support for Gaelic – probably much more extensively than is often supposed.”
John Angus MacKay, chief executive of Gaelic development agency Bòrd na Gàidhlig, added: “The results clearly indicate that a large majority of the Scottish population recognise that the Gaelic language and culture are an integral part of Scotland’s identity.”
www.scotsman.com
An tAos óg agus an Ghaeilge
Bealtaine 13, 2013
Bhog Donncha Ó hÉallaithe ó Bhaile Átha Cliath go Conamara 40 bliain ó shin.
‘B’í an Ghaeilge a mheall mé le bogadh amach as Baile Átha Cliath,’ a deir sé san eagrán reatha de beo.ie. Ach téann sé ar aghaidh: ‘Tá creimeadh mór tarlaithe ar an Ghaeilge ó shin… Tá cuid mhaith de na daoine óga ag diúltú an Ghaeilge a labhairt mar gnáth- theanga eatarthu féin…Is meascán aisteach de Bhéarla agus Gaeilge atá acu’.
Agus ag an deireadh cuireann sé ceist: ‘Cad is fiú a bheith ag iarraidh teanga a tharrtháil ón bhás atá chomh truaillithe i mbéal na gcainteoirí dúchais deireanacha?’
Is léir nach bhfuil Gaeilge na gcainteoirí Gaeilge sa lá atá inniu ann chomh saibhir is a bhí Gaeilge na glúine a chuaigh rompu. Ach is féidir sin a rá faoi theanga ar bith.
Fiafraigh de Bhéarlóir óg cad is ‘replenishment’ ann. Fiafraigh de cad is ‘wireless’ ann. Tá stór focal coitianta an Bhéarla an-teoranta anois. Deirtear go bhfuil tú ábalta teacht slán le 600 focal sa Bhéarla. Agus sílim nach bhfuil ach thart fá chéad focal de dhíth má úsáideann tú an focal ‘f-’.
Ach cad chuige a dtréigeann daoine óga an Ghaeilge? Creideann cuid mhaith acu nach fíortheanga í. Níl páipéar laethúil againn i nGaeilge fiú. Thig leat post a fháil sa státseirbhís, nó post mar mhúinteoir nó post mar gharda gan Ghaeilge nó le Gaeilge nach bhfuil thar mholadh beirte. Nach féidir an Ghaeilge a dhéanamh réadúil? Nach féidir leis an rialtas i mBaile Átha Cliath lipéid agus fógraí dátheangacha a dhéanamh riachtanach i siopaí? Déantar seo i dtíortha eile.
Ach os a choinne sin, caithfimid ár ndóchas a choinneáil. Tá a lán páistí ag foghlaim Gaeilge taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht. Úsáideann siad an teanga agus tá siad ag baint suilt aisti. Tá an Ghaelscolaíocht ag dul ó neart go neart ar fud na tíre ach amháin i gCathair an Chultúir agus in Inis Eoghain, de réir cosúlachta. Tá na huimhreacha íseal sna trí bhunscoil i nDoire agus tá an Ghaelscoil i mBun Cranncha i mbaol. Ba chóir do mhuintir na háite ceist a chur orthu féin.
www.derryjournal.com
Minister Quinn invites applications for patronage of new post-primary schools in 2015 & 2016
Bealtaine 13, 2013
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., has today invited patron bodies to apply for the patronage of eight new post-primary schools due to be established from 2015 and 2016.
The eight new schools will be in the following areas:
| County | Area Indicative | Start Year Projected | Long-term School Size (Pupils) |
| Cavan | Kingscourt | 2016 | 400 |
| Cork | Carrigaline | 2016 | 500 |
| Cork | Midleton/Carrigtwohill | 2016 | 1,000 |
| Dublin | Balbriggan | 2016 | 700 |
| Dublin | Ballinteer | 2016 | 1,000 |
| Dublin | Kingswood, Tallaght | 2016 | 1,000 |
| Kildare | Celbridge | 2015 | 1,000 |
| Wicklow | North Wicklow | 2016 | 1,000 |
Today’s announcement is the continuation of a process which began in June 2011 when the Minister announced that 20 primary schools and 20 new post-primary schools were to be established up to 2017 across a number of locations to cater for increasing pupil numbers.
Inviting the applications from interested patron bodies today, Minister Quinn said, “Parental preference is the key issue in deciding who should be awarded patronage of these new post-primary schools.
“I believe strongly that parents should have choices in the education of their children and the process of awarding patronage for new schools is centred on this.
“I am confident that these new schools, alongside the existing schools in each area, will mean that parents and students have real choice when it comes to deciding which school most reflects their own ethos.”
The criteria for recognition of new schools were set out in 2011. Patrons are asked to provide evidence of parental demand when making an application for a new school. In addition, the criteria used in deciding on patronage include how the proposed schools under the respective patrons should provide for extending or strengthening diversity of provision in each area, having regard to the views of parents.
The New Schools Establishment Group, an independent advisory group, is then tasked with advising the Minister on the patronage of the new schools following its consideration of a report prepared by Department officials. These new schools are part of a €2 billion five-year capital investment programme, launched by Minister Quinn last year.
The deadline for receipt of applications for patronage of these new schools is close of business on Friday 28th June 2013.
The first tranche of the new post-primary schools had their patronage announced on 25th July, 2012 and the Department is now undertaking the patronage process for the remaining schools due to start between September 2015 – 2016. As Irish medium provision was decided and catered for in the first group of schools announced, the current batch of new schools will be English medium schools. They will also be fully vertical co-educational facilities catering for pupils from 1st year through to Leaving Certificate when fully developed and will have the option to establish an Aonad where there is sufficient parental demand for this.
New Arrangements for patronage of new Second level schools
The following key elements will apply to the establishment of a new second-level school:
- The demographics of the area must support the need for the establishment of a new school– a new school would not impact negatively on the enrolment of schools in the catchment, other than perhaps the establishment of an all-Irish school and the impact of this on an existing Aonad.
- If the demographics require the establishment of a school, then the process for the selection of the type of school should allow for different patrons/bodies to be considered as the patron of a new school.
- Most new schools must have the capacity to operate schools in the size range of 800 to 1,000 pupils. A lower threshold of 400 would apply for Gaelcholáistí having regard to the alternative of establishing an Aonad within a school.
The following requirements will have to be satisfied by prospective school patrons:
- Confirmation that the prospective patron is willing to accept and open special education facilities
- Confirmation that the prospective patron is willing to enter into the standard lease agreement with the Department of Education and Skills or that the prospective patron will provide their own school site.
- Confirmation of willingness to operate by the rules and regulations laid down in various Department of Education and Skills circulars and operating procedures
- Confirmation of willingness to operate the school within the resourcing and policy parameters established by the Department of Education and Skills
- Confirmation of willingness to share school buildings with other schools as may be determined by the Department should the school building not be in full use
- Confirmation of willingness to be part of a campus development with other primary or second-level schools as identified by the Department
- Confirmation of willingness to enrol children in the area for whom the Department has identified the need for a school
- Confirmation of willingness to follow the prescribed curriculum
- Confirmation that the prospective patron is willing to willing to expand/operate in the size range of 800 to 1,000 pupils
- Confirmation of willingness to establish an Aonad where there is a demand for it ( for a school where the primary medium of instruction is to be English)
An initial decision will be made by the Department before seeking applications on whether the school would operate through the medium of Irish or English and that applications would be sought from patrons when this decision is made.
Most new school provision will be co-educational in nature and patronage decisions will be made on that basis. There may be a small number of instances where single-gender provision will need to be made if there is an identified imbalance between the capacities of single-gender schools. Any such identification would be made in advance of seeking applications from patrons.
The main criterion for the decision on patronage in an area where there is already at least one second-level school will be the following:
- Whether the establishment of the proposed school model would result in greater diversity and plurality of second-level school patronage and provision in the area (having regard to neighbouring areas) where there is demand for such diversity and plurality. In this context individual patron bodies from the one faith group will be regarded as representing the same school patronage type for assessing plurality.
As part of the examination of this criterion regard would be had for:
- Whether there is a school of the same or similar patronage in the same catchment area (having regard to neighbouring areas) and whether there is additional demand for such patronage
- The extent to which the establishment of the school would result in greater diversity and plurality of patronage in the area (having regard to neighbouring areas) where there is demand for such plurality and diversity
- Effectiveness of mechanisms planned to ensure that the proposed school will expand to the size range of 800 to 1,000 pupils, including
- Planned possible measures if expansion is not happening as fast as planned
- Planned collaboration with existing second level schools in the catchment area.
- Where an area is to be served by a single new school, the key criteria will be the following:
- Whether the school can cater for the needs and requirements of all of the pupils in the area.
- Having regard to neighbouring areas, whether the establishment of the proposed school model would result in greater diversity and plurality of second-level school patronage and provision where there is demand for such diversity and plurality. In this context individual patron bodies from the one faith group will be regarded as representing the same school patronage type for assessing plurality.
As part of the examination of these criteria regard would be had for:
- The effectiveness of the manner in which the patron proposes to determine the requirements of all pupils / groups of pupils regarding pupils of a particular faith; pupils of no faith
- The extent to which these requirements are to be met
- Effectiveness of the manner in which a comprehensive and broad curriculum is proposed to be offered during the start up phase
- Effectiveness of the manner in which a comprehensive and broad curriculum is proposed to be offered when the school is past the start-up phase
- Effectiveness of the manner to which a comprehensive and broad curriculum is proposed to be offered to all students, e.g., supporting gender integration into all subjects
- The extent of demand in the area for the applicant patrons
- Having regard to neighbouring areas, whether the establishment of the proposed school model would result in greater diversity and plurality of second-level school patronage and provision where there is demand for such diversity and plurality
The process will involve the following steps at second level:
- Identification of locations of new schools and sizes of new schools by the Department
- Decision by the Department in relation to whether the school would operate through the medium of Irish or English
- written applications from prospective patrons addressing all of the criteria
- consideration of the applications by Department officials and report drafted for consideration by the News Schools Establishment Group
- consideration by Group of report and endorsement by Group or identification of need for further analysis by Department and subsequent consideration by Group
- report from the Group submitted to the Minister for consideration
- decision by the Minister
Parental Preferences
Patron bodies proposing schools will be asked to provide evidence of parental demand. Patrons will be asked to sign up lists of parents who indicate interest in having their children educated in their new school. These lists are to be broken down by the age of the children, including year of proposed entry to school, and by where they are living, having regard for the area to be served by the school. A template for submission of parental demand will be provided for this purpose, and all information must be presented in this format only.
Leaders to give free talk on Gaelic in education
Bealtaine 10, 2013
The heads of two Western Isles education institutions are to give a free talk on Gaelic in education.
Nicolson Institute rector Dr Frances Murray, and Lews Castle College UHI principal Iain Macmillan, will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with Gaelic in education. Topics will include the impact of the curriculum for excellence and community and partnership working.
The talk, which will be delivered at the Nicolson Institute later this month, is part of a series of free Gaelic lectures taking place this year. Organised by the University of the Highlands and Islands, the series marks the 60th anniversary of Lews Castle College UHI, a partner of the university.
Based on the theme of Gaelic in modern life, the lectures recognise Gaelic as an integral part of Scotland’s heritage and national identity. Head of BBC ALBA, Margaret Mary Murray, spoke about Gaelic media in Glasgow earlier this year and a lecture on Gaelic and publishing will take place in Benbecula in June.
The talks also tie in with courses offered by the university, which include degrees in Gaelic language and culture; Gaelic with education; Gaelic and development and a higher education certificate in Gaelic and communication. All of these courses are offered through Lews Castle College UHI.
Highlighting one of the areas he will speak about in the lecture, Iain Macmillan said: “We have been very successful at engaging learners in Gaelic language acquisition, but we are less successful at engaging people who have been brought up in Gaelic households or communities in developing their language skills for everyday use.
“People like myself are all too often intimidated when confronted with Gaelic learners who, as a result of their learning, have developed what appears to be a wider vocabulary and proper grammar. “We need to improve our confidence and willingness to use the language if it is to thrive in our communities.”
Dr Frances Murray added: “To ensure we consolidate the improvements made in Gaelic medium provision and before we can look to further expansion, we must be very clear about where the challenges lie.”
James Fraser, principal and vice-chancellor of the university, welcomed the lecture, saying: “We are delighted that Dr Frances Murray and Iain Macmillan are speaking as part of this lecture series.
“The University of the Highlands and Islands is spread across the Gàidhealtachd and aspires to be central to the maintenance and revival of the Gaelic Language. Lews Castle College UHI is vital to the university’s commitment to and aspirations for Gaelic.”
The Gaelic in education talk will take place from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday May 16th at the Nicolson Institute, Stornoway. Parts of the lecture will be delivered in Gaelic and there will also be simultaneous interpretation into English available through headphones.
To book a FREE place, contact the university’s events team on 01463 279 344 or at events@uhi.ac.uk
And to find out more about the university’s lecture series or Gaelic courses, visit www.uhi.ac.uk
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