Department of Education Review: Irish language in Gaeltacht schools
June 4, 2013
In the coming months, the Department of Education and Skills will be undertaking a review of the provision of Irish medium education in Gaeltacht schools.
Speaking at a conference held by Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG), The Secretary General of the Department of Education, Seán Ó Foghlú addressed the fact that research indicates a significant decrease in a young native speaker’s fluency when he/she enters primary school.
He also mentioned that some of the key difficulties in teaching the language in Gaeltacht schools have to do with a wide range of levels in spoken Irish and also in parents’ attitude towards Irish-education.
This review is a huge step forward in terms of addressing problems in the current system. A major challenge for the authorities at Gaeltacht schools is the provision of a high standard of education through Irish at a time where the smallest schools face a significant risk of closure due to Government cuts. According to the Secretary General, the aim of this review is to recognise different choices in the provision of Irish medium education which suit the needs of the Gaeltacht community as well as the needs of Gaeltacht area planning according to Acht na Gaeltachta 2012.
It has been said that the review’s terms of reference have been set and that there will be an intended consultation process in which relevant parties in the sector will be involved. The process is set to begin soon and it is hoped that the research will be finalised by mid-2014.
Overall plan
This review is an integral part of the Department’s overall plan regarding Irish-medium education in the country and the language in general. According to the Secretary General, a new integrated language curriculum on foundation level is set to come into play at the end of 2014 and emphasis will be placed on the spoken elements in the syllabus as there is in ordinary level.
Reviews are also set to take place in several other areas of the current Irish-medium education system including the Leaving Certificate oral exam which will be conducted by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), and the current exemption from Irish process which is increasing in primary and secondary schools all over the country.
Dedication to the Irish language
Speaking at the conference which was celebrating COGG’s achievements over the past ten years, Seán Ó Foghlú emphasised the importance of the provision of Irish language services by the education sector including matters of law, throughout the media, in translation and of course, in education.
Ó Foghlú maintained that much progress has been made within the curriculum, the assessment process and teacher training in line with the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.
The conference was told that a report regarding the Department’s policies and its implementation of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language is currently under review by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and will be published in the coming months.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Time for action regarding Gaeltacht schools
June 4, 2013
The threat to Gaeltacht schools was discussed by the Dáil Committee on Education and Social Protection last Wednesday.
During the meeting, the Joint Committee heard from Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta (ESG) about the challenges currently facing Gaeltacht schools and the knock-on effects of Government Budget cuts.
While schools all around the country are operating in extremely challenging times, the committee was made aware of the exceptional case of Gaeltacht schools and the added pressure of being a small school while also trying to promote the language, improve the standard of teaching through Irish, provide support services, lack of resources and more.
4% of Ireland’s schools are situated in Gaeltacht regions and 78% of those schools operate with a team of four people or less. Gaeltacht schools had previously benefitted from a favourable quota due to the challenges involved with teaching in Gaeltacht areas, with 76 pupils required for a four-teacher school. This number however, is due to rise to 86 by 2014, a hike that will require 10 extra pupils for each Gaeltacht school to preserve their four-teacher status.
The Committee was reminded of the Government’s legislative responsibility regarding the preservation and promotion of Irish and Irish-medium education in the Gaeltacht under the Education Act 1998 and the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language. ESG recommended that the following three proposals be implemented in order for the Government to fulfil its obligations:
- The withdrawal of the budgetary policy regarding the pupil teacher ratio
- The immediate implementation of a policy on Gaeltacht education
- The establishment of new authority on Gaeltacht education (recommended that this role be filled by Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG)).
Representatives from the Department of Education who were in attendance at the Committee meeting maintained that schools all over Ireland are suffering due to cuts and that Gaeltacht schools can no longer be exempt from Government policy. A review is of Irish-medium education within the Gaeltacht is due to begin shortly and it is expected that the results of that review will be made available as soon as possible.
While ESG welcomed the Department’s review, the organisation regretted that no review took place before the implementation of cuts. Committee members agreed that Gaeltacht schools should be treated as an exceptional case and argued that a ‘one cap fits all’ approach should not be taken by the Department. It is expected that the Committee will write to Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn, in support of the recommendations made by ESG during the meeting.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Conference on youth culture and literature
June 4, 2013
‘Mionteanga, Mórscéalta’ is the title and theme of the third conference on youth literature and culture, taking place next September.
Youth culture and literature have come to the fore over the last few years and the focus of this year’s conference will be the importance of youth literature in a cultural and language based context.
The aim of the conference is to spark both discussion and debate on overcoming the challenges facing the Irish language within literature and youth culture and will be geared towards educators, students, publishers, translators, artists and others interested in youth literature and culture.
The conference organisers are seeking speakers for the event. Those interested are asked to send a title and summary (250 words) of their speech, along with a biography (50 words) to litriochtnanog13@gmail.com before 5pm, 14 June 2013. From poetry to singing, youth organisations for young Irish speakers to college courses, there is a wide range of topics to speak on.
The conference will take place in Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9 on 20-21 September 2013.
More information: http://litriochtnanog.blogspot.com.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Irish language summer camps
June 4, 2013
With the summer almost upon us, it’s that time of year again when summer camps are being organised throughout the country for young people who want to enhance their Irish language skills.
The events being organised as part of these summer camps include music, drama, art and sporting events. During the camps, children will gain the opportunity to speak and learn Irish while having fun.
Loughrea:
The camp is being organised by the local language office Gaeilge Locha Riach. The aim of this summer camp is to offer children an enjoyable and fun atmosphere where they can learn Irish. The camp will take place from 06 – 10 August and from 12 – 17 August with a wide range of activities taking place including games, various art events and a lot more.
The summer camp costs €45 for one week and €90 for two weeks. Discounts are available for families. More information regarding this summer camp as well as an application form is available by phoning 091 870718 or emailing oifig@lochariach.com.
Ógras:
Ógras will host summer camps throughout the country, for example camps will be held in Monkstown, Co. Dublin, in Knocknacarra, Co. Galway and in Tralee, Co. Kerry. The camps are mainly aimed at younger children and again offer a fantastic opportunity to learn Irish in an enjoyable and fun way.
A wide range of activities taking place within these camps include sports, games, music, art and a lot more. More information as well as an application form is available from Ógras or 01 475 1487.
Feachtas:
This summer camp, which is being organised by Feachtas for chidren aged between 10 – 15 years old is taking place in Colaiste Naomh Fhinín, Mullingar.
Running from 08 – 13 July, a broad range of activities are incorporated into the camp, including drama, singing, music agus other sporting events.
More information as well as an application form is available from Feachtas by phoning 01 672 25 940.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Clon Gaelscoil Concert in Kilgarriffe
June 4, 2013
This Friday evening 7th June, a Concert at Kilgarriffe Church (of Ireland), Clonakilty will be held at 8.00p.m. in aid of Gaelscoil Chloch na gCoillte.
The line-up includes Clonakilty Junior Brass Band; Glaslinn Ladies’ Choir, Vocalists; Fiona Kelleher and Paula Kingston O’ Brien; Trad piano player Hannah Collins and past and present students of the Gaelscoil. Táille isteach €10.
Tickets available from the Gaelscoil or at the door on the night.
With the construction of the new Gaelscoil building moving apace at Fernhill Road, all at the school are looking forward to “an bogadh mór” (the big move).
Like all schools, fundraising still continues however!
All support on Friday evening appreciated.
Teagmháil: gschlochnagcoillte@gmail.com
Gaelcholáistí named in Sunday Times’ Parent Power survey
June 4, 2013
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. would like to congratulate the Gaelcholáistí named in the Sunday Times’ Parent Power survey published on June 2nd for their high progression rates to third-level education. 6 Irish-medium schools were named among the top 20 schools in the country, a significant result considering that just 4.9% of post-primary schools in the Republic of Ireland (outside Gaeltacht areas) are Irish-medium schools or have Irish-medium units. This result is testament to the excellent standard of Irish-medium education as well as the commitment and dedication of students, teachers and parents. Long may it continue! This survey shows that the investment made by the Department of Education and Skills in Irish-medium schools is very worthwhile and it supports the continuous applications made by GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. to the Department to increase provision, particularly at post-primary level, so that more students might benefit from an Irish-medium education.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. wishes all students sitting the Junior and Leaving Certificate in the coming weeks the very best of luck.
Kids Summer Camps in Carlow 2013
June 4, 2013
8 July 2013 – 19 July 2013
Glór Cheatharlach is a local organisation aiming to promote the Irish language in Carlow Town.
The principal aim and purpose of Glór Cheatharlach is to bring about Bilingual Town Status for Carlow thus ensuring that Irish is spoken and heard in a natural environment daily.
Glór Cheatharlach will host Irish language summer camps in the area this summer:
Campa na nÓg: aimed at children 4-6 yrs. Two weeks optional this will be held in the Naíonra, Gráigchuilinn. Dates: 8th-12th July & 15th-19th July 2013 – Fee €40.
Campa Samhraidh: (Summer Camps): Summer campls will be aimed at kids from 7-11yrs Location: Gaelscoil Cheatharlach for1 week 15th-19th July – Fee €50.
Events include storytelling, drama, art and music, singing, fun games, conversation, football, plus much more.
More information below or call Emma in Glór Cheatharlach.ar 059 9158105 / (085) 1340047 or send an email to emma@glorcheatharlach.ie
For a full list of events in Carlow visit: www.glorcheatharlach.ie
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Intense Irish Language course
June 4, 2013
Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in An Cheathrú Rua, Co. Galway are hosting Intense Irish Language courses this summer and they have places available on a course which will take place from 10th – 21st June 2013.
There are various courses available from week long to fortnightly courses for adults who studies Irish in school but who didn’t get the opportunity to practice the language for a long time. The course is also suitable for individuals who wish to add to their vocabulary and improve conversational and Irish language grammar skills.
The course will take place in An Cheathrú Rua in the heart of the Conamara Gaeltacht in Co. Galway and those undertaking the course will get a wonderful opportunity to embrace the language on a daily basis within the community.
Further information:
An Rúnaí,
Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge,
An Cheathrú Rua,
Co. na Gaillimhe.
F: 091 595101
Email: cursaigaeilge@oegaillimh.ie
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Intense Irish Language Course
June 4, 2013
Comharchumann Ráth Chairn are organizing an intensive Irish language course this June. The course which will take place in the Ráth Chairn Gaeltacht from 24th -28th June 2013.
The week long course will have a special emphasis on accuracy and will take place from 9.30am-3.30pm each day. Those undertaking the course will get a wonderful opportunity to embrace the language on a daily basis within the community in their own time.
The Ráth Chairn Gaeltacht is situated about 1 hour from Dublin in Co. Meath. Ráth Chairn was founded in 1935 when families from Conamara moved under a land commission scheme to this area of Co. Meath. This living Gaeltacht provides an idyllic environment to learn and practice the Irish language.
Further information: 046-9432381/9432068 / rathcairn@eircom.net
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Celebrating St Colmcille this weekend
May 31, 2013
A festival celebrating the heritage of St Colmcille takes place this weekend in Glencolmcille.
The festival Opening Address will be delivered at 8pm on Friday night by Dr Eithne Ni Ghallchobhair of Royal Irish Academy.
This will be followed, at 8.30pm, by one of the highlights of the weekend, a bi-lingual lecture on the links between Donegal and the Hebrides by Aidan O’Hara. The Donegal broadcaster, who spent many years with both RTÉ and the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) has just written a new book on this rich, fascinating topic.
Dr Dr Seosamh Watson will officially launch the book ‘Altlantic Gaels – Donegal Links with the Hebrides’ on Saturday at 7.30pm.
There are a host of other great events taking place over the weekend, including a beginner’s conversation class in Scots Gaelic taught by Andreas Wollf, a broadcaster with BBC Alba and an instructor in the Ulpan method of language teaching.
There will also be a concert of Gàidhlig and Gaeilge songs performed by Nóilín Ni Cholla; hillwalking along the famous Colmcille Turas, a tour of the Fr. McDyer Folk Village, and traditional music sessions.
Further information from Oideas Gael on oideasgael@eircom.net or 074 973 0248.
www.donegaldemocrat.ie
Foilsithe ar 30 Bealtaine 2013 / Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com 31 Bealtaine 2013
