In the North, the time to select a school is here again
February 3, 2011
Spring (particularly January) is an important time of the year for Irish-medium Education (IME) in the North, for it is now that parents decide on a school for their children. Of course, each IM school from preschool to secondary level in the North will be ensuring that sufficient information has been provided to parents, enough publicity materials have been made available and information sessions have been arranged for all parents who have children of school age. Each IM school will examine the many values that they have which separate them from schools outside of the IM sector.
Now that parents are thinking about which school they should send their children to , they may want to know what an IM school has to offer that other schools cannot. Teachers might like to remind them of the following:
Both national and international research shows that children who attend Irish-medium schools attain a very high level of competency in speech, writing, understanding and reading in both Irish and English. It’s also proven that IM pupils are just as competent or more competent in English as children who attend English-medium schools. This can be assured as the education system used in IM schools enhances English language development.
The bilingualism achieved by Irish-medium pupils helps them in the following ways:
- Better employment opportunities;
- Better understanding of and more respect for other cultures, traditions and languages;
- A more creative and imaginative thinking process;
- Better problem-solving skills;
- Better communication skills;
- Increased self-esteem;
- A wider vocabulary leading to expanded vision and more comprehensive understanding.
It’s worthwhile informing parents that they do not have to understand Irish to choose an IM school for their children, nor will their lack of Irish be a disadvantage for the child.
It is also worth stating that IM schools are closer to home now than ever before. Information on all IM schools is available at www.comhairle.org. There are throughout the North of Ireland 45 IM preschools, 34 IM primary school and 3 secondary schools.
Not only are IM schools a lot closer to parents in the aforementioned counties, but for those who live on the border there is also the option of attending IM schools in counties Louth, Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal. There is of course the option for parents who live on the south side of the border to choose an IM school in the North.
The constant strengthening of the IME sector shows demand for Irish-medium and in itself is clear evidence of the high standard of education which IM schools provide.
Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta agnd GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. welcome enquiries from teachers and parents.
