Ratoath Gaelscoil to proceed without departmental recognition
April 29, 2010
The founding committee of Gaelscoil Ráth Tó have announced that they are to set up the school without departmental recognition in September 2010. Speaking on behalf of the committee chairperson, Anita Sheppard, stated that they were being assisted in this endeavour by the parents and by a number of Irish-language organisations who are also determined to see Gaelscoil Ráth Tó open. The organisations in question are An Foras Pátrúnachta, Glór na nGael, Comhluadar, Conradh na Gaeilge and Gaelscoileanna Teo. The collective campaign has been names Aitheantas (Irish for ‘Recognition’).
“Despite the refusal of the Department of Education to recognise the school, even though new school provision is needed in Ratoath, we have decided to proceed with establishing the school on an un-official basis with the generous support of the Irish-language organisations mentioned. We aim to place heavy pressure on the Department to recognise this school. We are working with individuals in the Irish-language organisations mentioned who have extensive professional experience in running Irish-language schools and we are all confident of achieving the Department’s recognition,” Anita Sheppard stated.
“We have seen huge demand shown for this school in Ratoath, but the Department refuses to differentiate between new schools on the basis of the language of tuition in the school. This means that the Irish-language rights of both parents and children are being disregarded and everyone involved in this campaign believes that this is a situation that cannot continue. Not only do we want to see Gaelscoil Ráth Tó recognised, but we wish to see the Department change their criteria for the recognition of new schools, which is currently stacked again new Irish-language schools. The result of this is that no new Gaelscoil has been approved since 2008 and the Department have not indicated that this situation will change,” he continued.
“This is as much a national issue as a local one for the Gaelscoileanna movement, which is one of the fastest growing education sectors in Ireland. We would simply like to see a fairer approach by the Department regarding the setting up of schools that teach through the medium of the first language of the state, according to Article 8 of Bunreacht na hÉireann.
Gaelscoil Ráth Tó
April 29, 2010
Eagrais Ghaeilge ar lorg aitheantais do Ghaelscoil Ráth Tó
April 28, 2010
New campaign to support Rathoath Gaelscoil
April 26, 2010
Five Irish language organisations have announced that they are cooperating in supporting a newly established Gaelscoil. Conradh na Gaeilge, Glór na nGael, Comhluadar, An Foras Pátrúnachta and Gaelscoileanna Teo. have announced that they are united in their efforts to support the founding committee of Gaelscoil Ráth Tó.
The campaign called Aitheantas (Recognition) has been established to ensure that Gaelscoil Ráth Tó gets Departmental sanction and that the provision of Irish Medium education be part of the criteria the Department uses when selecting areas for new schools.
The Department has refused to sanction Gaelscoil Ráth Tó even though the Department has stated that there is a need for more educational places in Ratoath.
The Dept. is ignoring the wishes of the parents of Ratoath and the demand for Irish Medium Education.
Speaking about the campaign, Lorcan Mac Gabhann, Glór na nGael, said that ” this is both a local and national issue. No Gaelscoil has opened since 2008. It would seem that the Dept. is unwilling to consider Irish Medium Provision when considering educational need”
Welcoming the pledges of support, Seán Ó Buachalla, Chair of the school committee, said “we have a lot of work ahead of us to ensure that Irish Medium Education is available to the Ratoath community and the stance taken by the wider Irish language community gave the parents here a great boost”.
The organisations have vowed to provide support to the Ratoath community as they demand parental rights and the response from the Dept. they deserve.
Gaelscoil Ráth Tó will open on 1st September at Ratoath GAA, Sean Eiffe Park, Brownstown, Ratoath, Co. Meath.
Concern over ‘literature-lite’ Irish syllabus
April 26, 2010
Pat Carey, the gaeltacht minister, has expressed concerns that higher-level Irish will be dumbed down under a new “literature-lite” Leaving Cert syllabus being introduced in September.
The new curriculum, at higher and ordinary level, awards half the marks for oral and aural tests, and reduces the marks for literature from 30% to 16.7%. The amount that pupils have to read on the higher-level course is being cut to 79 pages of prose extracts and poetry.
“I am anxious that the approach being taken could have an impact on our objective in the 20-year strategy for the Irish language to have 250,000 speakers — three times the current level — using Irish daily outside of the education system,” said Carey.
“If we don’t set high aims now, it is going to be difficult to achieve that. If all you have to do is study 70-odd pages of extracts, it would almost be possible to memorise that amount of pages without having any understanding at all of the context in which they were taken.”
Reuben Ó Conluain, an Irish-language teacher at Dublin’s Alexandra College, said that higher-level Irish students currently study 13 poems and at least one book or work of prose. Under the new curriculum, they will only study 10 poems and an extract from a work of prose. “The student with a more advanced level of Irish will go through the system now oblivious to the fact that we have wonderful literary achievements in Irish,” said Ó Conluain.
“I accept the need to reduce the marks allocated to literature in order to award 40% to the new oral exam [plus 10% for aural comprehension], but I am disappointed because there will be a drop in the quality of the material studied by students at higher level.”
Carey said concern was building among gaeltacht communities that the course will not challenge students from Irish-speaking homes. Representatives of the gaelscoileanna movement have voiced concerns that Irish-speaking pupils from non-gaeltacht backgrounds would not be sufficiently stretched.
Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú, chairman of an Oireachtas sub-committee on the 20-year language strategy, said: “This threatened dumbing-down of the Leaving Cert course is causing a great degree of concern because the Irish language has a strong literary base. If this is implemented, it could be difficult to change.”
Sunday Times – Stephen O’Brien
25 Aibreán 2010
New Look for Gaelscoileanna Website
April 21, 2010
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. has developed a new website. The website gives a fresh insight into every aspect of the organisation’s work. It intends to facilitate users into gaining a better understanding of Irish medium education.
The new website boasts many up-to-date applications including a list and contact information of all Irish medium schools, its e-newsletter as wells as archived newsletters.
Information can also be found on the organisation’s annual conference and provides advice in relation to establishing new Irish medium schools.
The website also contains a lot of material that can be downloaded such as lectures, presentations, training material for boards of management, publications and lots more.
A DVD with valuable information on Irish-medium schooling, issued in conjunction with Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta can be found on the website’s main page.
The website also showcases numerous photographs on different events that have taken place amongst the Irish-medium schooling community.
Gaelscoileanna Teo. intends to further develop the website and welcomes public feedback in relation to the site by sending them an email at oifig@gaelscoileanna.ie
Pupils ‘ignored’ in new Irish syllabus
March 25, 2010
Gaelscoileanna, the national co-ordinating body for schools teaching through the medium of Irish, is concerned that an amended Leaving Certificate syllabus for Irish published last week ignores the needs of pupils with a high standard of Irish. In a statement, the group say that “the substantial reduction in the literature course and the increased marks awarded for the oral exam will have a huge impact on the pupils’ standard of Irish. Ultimately, these changes will mean that pupils from Gaelcholáistí, or indeed capable pupils in English-medium schools will not be suitably challenged by the new Leaving Certificate Irish syllabus. A high standard of Irish in the Gaelcholáistí is necessary in order for students to tackle other subjects studied at Leaving Certificate level through the medium of Irish. Without the correct level of Irish, they would be forced to undertake other subjects through the medium of English”.
The group’s CEO, Bláthnaid ní Ghréacháin, said that they were “very unhappy” that a circular proposing “sweeping changes for Irish as a subject at Leaving Certificate level was published without consultation with partners and schools. We’re also dissatisfied with the lack of notice given to schools, making it more difficult for them to make the necessary preparations. There will be huge implications for schools and there is a danger that pupils will not be able to attain the high standard of Irish which is currently being achieved. This will result in a shortage of people with a high standard of Irish available to work in professions which demand this, for example, teaching. If the teaching of the language is not made sufficiently challenging, it won’t develop, in terms of literature, journalism etc. This would be disastrous for training colleges and for the future of the Irish language.”
The group want the new Minister for Education, Mary Coughlan, to guarantee an extra Irish subject at Honours Leaving Certificate level to tackle the challenges in written Irish. This, they believe, would provide pupils with a high standard of Irish and a chance to develop their language skills and a proper understanding of Irish literature.
The Irish Times has contacted the Department of Education about the statement from Gaelscoileanna. A spokeswoman from the Department said that they would reply as soon as possible. The response will be posted when it comes.
Pól Ó Muirí, Irish Times Blogs
Pupils with high standard of Irish ignored in new Irish syllabus
March 24, 2010
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is gravely concerned about the publication of an amended Leaving Certificate syllabus for Irish last week, a syllabus which ignores the needs of pupils with a high standard of Irish. The substantial reduction in the literature course and the increased marks awarded for the oral exam will have a huge impact on the pupils’ standard of Irish. Ultimately, these changes will mean that pupils from Gaelcholáistí, or indeed capable pupils in English-medium schools will not be suitably challenged by the new Leaving Certificate Irish syllabus. A high standard of Irish in the Gaelcholáistí is necessary in order for students to tackle other subjects studied at Leaving Certificate level through the medium of Irish. Without the correct level of Irish, they would be forced to undertake other subjects through the medium of English.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. demands that Minister Coughlan guarantee the availability of an extra Irish subject at Honours Leaving Certificate level, a subject to tackle the challenges in written Irish existing at this level. This subject would provide pupils with a high standard of Irish with a chance to develop their language skills and cultivate a proper understanding of Irish literary heritage. In the English syllabus, a huge emphasis is placed on literature, something which develops skills in pupils and adds greatly to their cultural understanding. The reduction of the literature course on the Irish syllabus raises questions about the perceived value of the language by comparison with the world language, English.
Coupled with the significant reduction of the literature course, the ‘history of Irish’ course has been completely wiped out. Although extra marks will be awarded for the oral Irish exam, it is not yet clear what extra challenge if any it will pose for pupils who already have a competent level of Irish. The criterion for marking this exam is also unclear.
Speaking about the changes, GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. CEO, Bláthnaid ní Ghréacháin, said “We’re very unhappy that the circular which proposes such sweeping changes for Irish as a subject at Leaving Certificate level was published without consultation with partners and schools. We’re also dissatisfied with the lack of notice given to schools, making it more difficult for them to make the necessary preparations. There will be huge implications for schools and there is a danger that pupils will not be able to attain the high standard of Irish which is currently being achieved. This will result in a shortage of people with a high standard of Irish available to work in professions which demand this, for example, teaching. If the teaching of the language is not made sufficiently challenging, it won’t develop, in terms of literature, journalism etc. This would be disastrous for training colleges and for the future of the Irish language.”
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is the national co-ordinating body for schools teaching through the medium of Irish. It helps parents and local groups to set up new schools and supports the established all-Irish schools. There are 169 primary schools and 38 secondary schools currently providing education through the medium of Irish.
Coláiste Ailigh celebrates a decade on
March 23, 2010
A decade on and Coláiste Ailigh in Letterkenny has been to the forefront in terms of academic achievements. And last Friday night, the town’s first Irish secondary school marked its tenth anniversary and those achievements with a dinner-dance in the Mount Errigal Hotel.
Around 300 patrons attended the function including students, past and present, staff, parents, Board of Management, and Donegal Vocational Educational Committee members.
They were there to herald a school which has gone from strength to strength under Principal Míchéal Ó Giobúin and is now regarded as one of the most outstanding educational establishments of its kind in the country.
The night coincided with the launch of a special booklet written by teacher Proínsaid Mac A’Bhaird and chronicling the school’s history. It’s a history that also came alive through an exhibition of photographs, organised by Bríd Ní Ghallchóir, Bláine Mulligan and Áine Ní Ghiobúin, depicting the faces and events from the past decade
Among the various speakers who addressed the dinner-dance, Principal Ó Giobúin spoke of his “pride and honour” at being involved in Coláiste Ailigh and highlighted the fact that it had thrived in the heart of a ‘Galltacht’ area.
Remarking on the love of the language and culture which attracted pupils to the school, he maintained: “Anyone who thinks the Irish language is dead should be here tonight.”
Over 90 per cent of pupils, past and present, were in attendance at Friday night’s function with the Principal acknowledging each and every year and the respective students and parents. He also thanked the 18 strong staff for their professionalism over the ten years and praised everyone for their input into the school.
Other speakers commented on the “strong community spirit” that existed in Coláiste Ailigh – a comment that was reinforced with the presence of so many who sit, or have sat, in the classrooms of the school.
Among the other speakers were Bishop Philip Boyce; the Chief Executive Officer of the V.E.C., Mary Ann O’Kane; and local T.D. James McDaid who launched the commemorative booklet. Former Chief Executive Officer of the V.E.C., Seán Ó Longáin launched the school’s new website as part of the anniversary celebrations.
A C.D., marking the ten years of the college, will be launched at the school prizegiving ceremony on May 27th.
Donegal Democrat
23 Márta 2010
Winners of SCLÉIP! 2010 TALENT SHOW FOR IRISH-MEDIUM POST-PRIMARY SCHOOLS
March 22, 2010
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is delighted to announce the winners of Scléip 2010. Scléip is the national talent competition catering specifically for Irish-medium and Gaeltacht post-primary schools. The competition is divided into eight different categories, with a prize awarded in each category, three additional prizes awarded for innovation and the Grand Prix for the overall winner. The winners are:
Category Winners:
- Solo Music: Shane Ó hAonghusa, Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach
- Creative Dance (solo): Breandán Ó hIarnáin, Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara
- Creative Dance (group): Domhan Tarraingt, Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach
- Solo Singing: Ami Ní Huigéad, Coláiste Chilliain
- Pop/Rock Music: Peadar Ó Goill, Gairmscoil Éinne
- Music Groups: Reach Linn, Gaelcholáiste Reachrann
- Drama/Mime: Teach na mBocht, Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair
- Variety: Rosie Ní Gairbheith, Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair
Awards for Innovation:
- Solo Music: Clár Ní Mhaoltuile, Coláiste Laurel Hill FCJ
- Music Groups: Trí Lasadh, Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara
- Drama/Mime: An Maidrín Rua, Coláiste Cholmcille
Grand Prix:
- Drama/Mime: Teach na mBocht, Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair
The competition began in 2005 and it has grown steadily since then. The aim of the competition is to encourage pupils attending Irish medium secondary schools to use their Irish through the various performing arts by giving them the opportunity to take part in a innovative and exciting event. We hope that this year’s competition has helped to boost their confidence. Seachtain na Gaeilge are offering a studio recording session with a professional sound technician to the winner of the Pop/Rock category, Peadar Ó Goill, and Peadar and the group Trí Lasadh (winners of one of the innovation awards) were on stage recently as part of Gaelspraoí during the Patrick’s Day Festival. GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. wish them and all who took part in Scléip 2010 every success; there was some wonderful talent on show and they are sure to have a bright future ahead of them.
