(Gaeilge) Folúntas: Gaelscoil Chnoc Liamhna, Baile Átha Cliath
September 14, 2015
Love of Irish language set to grow from ground up
September 14, 2015
The attitude and outlook of the principal teachers of Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir and Gaelscoil na Daroige are very similar in their shared passion for the language, education and the sense that they both have of adding real value to the communities they serve. Both schools have also grown from one room with a few children, to thriving centres of education where pupils can progress easily from nursery throught to primary 7 and are as confident and able in their use of English as they are in the Irish language.
Both also see the future of the Irish language growing through their students wth the schools’ primary 7 pupils sitting their GSCE this summer with fantastic results.
The principals see the language taking a real and living root within Derry and far from worrying about the schools being small, they see the class sizes and community feel as a big bonus.
“The reason that the children here are so comfortable with the Irish language from the beginning is because it’s no big deal for them when they are surrounded by Irish all day, they just soak it in and it comes naturally to them,” said school principal of Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir; Mary nic Ailin.
“We were delighted when the school started back again this year and former pupil Chloe Dunne came back as a teaching assistant. She has just finished her degree in Irish and wants to get some experience before applying for teacher training at St Mary’s in Belfast.
“We saw the first batch of graduates from university this year and they succeeded in a range of subjects, from business to law and of course languages.
“The school is now at capacity and we had to turn children away from the nursery this year so we are growing all the time. I think that’s because parents are starting to realise the benefits of bilingualism and that in a very competitive world, having fluency in another language is another string to your bow.
“The size of the school means that all of the parents know each other and all the children from nursery to primary seven know each other too. The big ones help the little ones and they love that.
We feel that the school and the success we have had is certainly helping to keep the Irish language alive and we hope that is set to continue.”
Oisin Kehoe who has been principal at Gaelscoil na Daroige since it opened 10 years ago has the same vision for the community in Ballymagroarty.
“We have had the street names changed to Irish on the estate wherever there is an Irish speaker so that we can make the language real,” said Oisin.
“Some would say that smacks of a little bit of tokenism but we feel that it gives pupils pride in the fact that they can speak the language.
“It’s about 400 years since Irish was spoken as the native language in this area and now because of the roots that have grown out from the school, we have whole families who can speak Irish.
“We started with a few pupils in the nursery and now we have 90 this year and it has been agreed in principle that we can have a replacement school which will probably be built on the green site next door.
“We also have a two year old programme which we have inherited from the great work done by Sure Start but this programme is specifically for those who have an interest in learning through the Irish medium.
“The parents and children love the community feel that we have here and tell me that their kids are happy, confident and more able with English than their kids who didn’t go to the school.
“We certainly see our school as a success and hope that it continues to grow.
“It’s hard to believe that we are 10 years old this year and that the school has grown in the way that it has.
“Credit for the success that we have had has to go to the parents and pupils who have worked with us so well.”
http://www.derryjournal.com/news/love-of-irish-language-set-to-grow-from-ground-up-1-6952463
(Gaeilge) Folúntas: Scoil Speicialta Tigh Nan Dooley, Gaillimh
September 11, 2015
(Gaeilge) Folúntas: Gaelscoil an Ghoirt Álainn, Corcaigh
September 11, 2015
(Gaeilge) Folúntas: Coláiste Ghobnatan, Corcaigh
September 11, 2015
Investment in new school for Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré a necessity says John Perry TD
September 11, 2015
Fine Gael TD for Sligo Leitrim, John Perry says investment in a new permanent building for Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré is a necessity and confirmation that preferred sites have now been identified is good news for parents and children in Sligo.
“Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré, which is currently located within the grounds of St. Mary’s G.A.A. club in Ballydoogan, has 240 pupils enrolled. The school will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year and as it continues to grow it is vital that this school community is given the same rights as every other. It is clear to everyone that a new permanent building is needed.
“I have visited this school in the past with former Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn and I have seen at first hand on many occasions the conditions that children endure every day. Having school children in a converted GAA clubhouse with a bar over head is just unacceptable.
“The Minister for Education, Jan O’Sullivan has now confirmed that her Department has sought the assistance of Sligo County Council to identify and acquire a site for the Gaelscoil. Potential site options have been assessed and preferred sites have now been identified.
“This is good news for those that have been campaigning for a permanent building for the school. I also welcome the Minister’s assurance that her Department is working closely with the County Council to advance the site acquisition process.
“The funding application for the construction of the new permanent building for the pupils and teachers of Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré will now be considered within the context of the Department of Education’s overall budget for major capital projects. I am in weekly contact with many parents and I will continue to lobby for investment in a new school for Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Ré.
(Gaeilge) Rás na gCurach agus 1,200 imeacht eile á eagrú mar chuid den Oíche Chultúir
September 11, 2015
(Gaeilge) Folúntas: Scoil Mobhí, Baile Átha Cliath
September 11, 2015
Education through Irish
September 10, 2015
I think it’s fair to say that deciding where to send your child to be educated will probably be one of the most important decisions of your life.
When I was growing up, there was one and only one primary school in my hometown and unless you availed of transport to take you elsewhere, that’s where you went. Now there are no less than four to choose from.
During a recent visit to our local park this very subject came up. The usual concerns and factors were discussed; the location of your chosen school, class size, teachers, the facilities available, religious affiliation and for some, whether or not their child’s friends were going.
One of the researching parents was a mother whose child had just recently started walking.
Sometimes it can be easier when there is no choice and you simply have to go with what’s on offer but with such a variety of schools available today, deciding where to send your child is not for the faint hearted.
A choice that is currently proving popular are Gaelscoileanna where children are taught entirely through Irish.
Regardless of where you opt to send your child, you will have questions that need answers. You will be asked to attend a meeting at your chosen school and it is here you will be given the opportunity to raise any direct queries you may have.
If you decide to enrol your child in a Gaelscoil, understandably you will have a different set of concerns.
Múinteoir Sinéad Ní Nualláin, príomhoide of Gaelscoil Átha Í addresses the same questions put to her year on year from new parents. These include worries about the parents own level of Irish and believing they are ill equipped to help their child with homework.
She tries to allay parents’ fears by telling them their child attending Gaelscoil has nothing to do with their own ability to speak the language. “The Junior classes are taught bilingually.”
Maths is another worry for parents. “Maths is taught as a concept.” Sinead says. “Once a child grasps that one plus one equals two, it doesn’t matter what language it is taught in. Sometimes parents believe we teach in a completely different way to other schools. We don’t. It’s exactly the same. We just speak Irish.”
Let’s examine in greater depth the top concerns when parents are considering sending their child to a Gaelscoil. The first, perhaps, most obvious question would be;
Why would I send my child to an Irish speaking school?
With Gaelscoileanna whilst the focus is on the Irish language, there is also huge emphasis placed on the Irish culture through drama, sport and music.
Samantha, mum to three boys, two of which are currently attending their local Gaelscoil has this to say, “We chose the Gaelscoil because we liked the ethos. The teachers seemed to be involved with the students which was a bonus. We also read that learning a second language from an early age can help with other languages in secondary school. We liked that.”
Gillian sent her son, now a teenager, “to embrace the Irish language and culture as our heritage.”
Cormac, dad with sons attending, “wanted them to be able to speak their own language. I believe a Gaelscoil education is as good as anywhere else as it’s regulated.”
Dolores, whose twin sons started last September, feels the atmosphere in their school is amazing. “To listen to the paistí chatting amongst themselves just makes you glad yours are part of it and you hope it continues for them.”
However, if you chose a Gaelscoileanna for your child, it should be noted that they practice early immersion which means your Junior Infant will be immersed in Irish from their first day with their teacher.
Reading will typically begin in Irish also. This ensures children learn Irish quickly and efficiently so that they will further be able to follow the curriculum through Irish. The advantages of this are children will develop complete competency in both languages with no negative impact on their English. Being bilingual may also be an advantage with helping your child learn a third and fourth language later on.
How does the early immersion model actually work? Will my child be able to understand his teacher?
Body language, visuals, exaggerated facial expressions and expressive intonations are all used to communicate meaning to the children. Young children learn through play so songs are used, useful phrases, chants and rhymes to draw them into the language and make it fun.
In much the same way young children believe their teacher lives in the school, they also think that they only speak Irish so therefore the need to learn Irish is created through the immersion model.
Grainne has three children in Gaelscoil with her fourth due to start in 2016, agrees with this. “It’s amazing to hear really. As soon as they go through those school gates they make the automatic switch across to speaking ás Gaeilge. My Junior Infant is already correcting my poor Irish and the four year old also has the odd Irish word. They are like sponges at that age; everything goes in.”
If you feel the early immersion might be too much of a shock to the system, there are currently more than 200 Naíonra (Irish language playgroup) in non-Gaeltacht areas around Ireland.
But I don’t speak Irish. How will I understand them/help with homework?
Most Gaelscoileanna hold Irish classes for parents in the evenings. Homework starts out very simply with basic words and after a while parents find they learn with their child. And a lot discover they have more Irish than they initially thought. It can come flooding back from their own school days when Irish was taught academically rather than conversationally. Whilst it is not necessary for a parent to be able to speak Irish it is vital that there is an interest shown in their homework as well as encouraging reading in both English and Irish. A positive mental attitude is fundamental.
Does their English Suffer?
Many parents are initially worried that Irish-medium education may have a negative impact on their child’s English language. However, a recent review of the research on early immersion programs from 1972 to 2001 concludes that “the effect of learning a second language on first-language skills has been positive in all studies done.” (Bournot-Trites & Tellowitz 2002)
During primary school Gillian’s son didn’t encounter any problems with language, English or Irish. “He was a great lover of books and reading which I also believe greatly benefited him and his use of language.”
Any advice for parents considering sending their child to an Irish speaking school?
Samantha again. “You need to give a lot of consideration to the commitment required; if you are not fluent, is there someone around who is and can provide support if needed? Are you willing to go the extra mile to find the resources they may need? I personally think the child needs to understand why you have chosen this for them and the importance of it. They have to commit as well. If they feel there is no reason to, they generally don’t want to and feel resentment.”
Gillian’s son went on to attend a Gael Cholaiste following primary school where he struggled with the workload, having to learn new concepts in English and in Irish. However, she does not think this difficulty was down to the language as a whole but rather, coincided with her son’s work ethic. “I think you need to be dedicated to the work and the language. He now uses the language naturally and has no fear. He feels that in secondary school Irish is his best subject and is very comfortable with it. ”
The last word goes to Príomhoide Sinead. “Try not to differentiate between home and school. Encourage your child to use any Irish words they have learned and do your best to use them yourself. It’s so important to show an interest. The rest will follow”.
For more information check out www.gaelscoileanna.ie
(Gaeilge) Folúntas: Gaelscoil an Ráithín, Co Luimnigh
September 9, 2015
