School aims to foster spoken Irish with Irish college link
September 22, 2011
Schools in neighbouring counties have developed a special relationship aimed at fostering spoken Irish.
Coláiste na Rinne in the Waterford Gaeltacht has developed a link with Gorey Community School, and will offer all first year students at the North Wexford school an opportunity to spend a weekend at Coláiste na Rinne, near Dungarvan, next Spring. The initiative was launched last week, when Liam Siupéal, bainisteoir at Coláiste na Rinne visited Gorey Community School. He explained that the aim of the project is to give the students an opportunity to immerse themselves in the language for a few days and live in an environment where only Irish is spoken. During the stay, students will have lessons in spoken Irish, grammar and drama, taught by experienced teachers. Other activities over the weekend include sporting activities, quizzes, dance and nature walks – all in Irish.
‘The new Irish exams at Junior Cert and Leaving Cert have a greater emphasis on conversation and all first year classes in the school are adapting to this requirement. We see a Gaeltacht visit as an important part of this,’ said the Principal Michael Finn at the launch. ‘There are few enough opportunities for people to speak the language and this will go a small way to addressing this. I also see it as an incentive for students to learn, knowing that they will have this opportunity later in the year.’ The school has booked a number of weekends at Coláiste na Rinne and will bring first year students who wish to attend to improve their Irish. Any parents of first year students who wish to find out more about the initiative may contact the school at (053) 9421000.
Enniscorthy Guardian
