Advantages

According to national and international research, advantages of immersion education include:

Cognitive advantages and greater academic success: The child/pupil will have greater mental ability and will achieve better results
Easier to learn additional languages: The child/pupil will develop both languages and neither will be negatively affected, nor will their progress in any other subject, e.g. French, Spanish, History, Art, etc.
The ability to speak two languages fluently and to read and write in two languages: International experts point to the fact that literacy skills transfer with greater ease from a minority language to a majority language
Better communication skills, more creativity and sensitivity to communication
Children/pupils gain a deeper appreciation of their culture, which leads to increased self-esteem and sense of identity
Economic and employment benefits: Ability to work in more than one language is a valued skill
Broader exposure to and appreciation of the value of various cultures: Deeper multi-culturalism, greater tolerance and less racism
A candidate who answers in Irish in the written examination in certain Leaving Certificate subjects may be given bonus marks