Preparing your kids for school can be stressful enough as it is, but adding the Irish language to the mix can be even more daunting, especially for parents without a "cúpla focal" of their own. We spoke to Gaeloideachas about the FAQs from anxious parents.
1. What exactly is an Irish-medium school? How does it work?
An Irish-medium school or 'Gaelscoil' is a school that carries out all affairs of daily life through the medium of Irish; classes are taught as Gaeilge, staff converse as Gaeilge, and the pupils' ability to communicate completely as Gaeilge both inside and outside the school gates is fostered, encouraged and reinforced from the moment they set foot in the school.
Má tá Gaeilge sa bhaile ag an teaghlach, dár ndóigh, déanfaidh sé an t-aistear ó réamhscolaíocht chuig Gaelscolaíocht níos fusa ach is beag duine anois a thagann chuig geataí na Gaelscoile agus iad líofa.
2. Why should I send my child to a Gaelscoil?
Why not? Research has proven immersion education also benefits the development of the English Language. Bilingualism has been proven to help childrens' development in many different ways. Some parents' have concerns about a second language 'confusing' children but there is no evidence to support this. Children in Irish-medium school achieve higher results in English and Maths due to their having higher general language skills. It also fosters a proficiency in the national language of the country, which is a full working language of the European Union.
Mar a deir Gaelscoileanna iad féin, léiríonn taighde go ndéanann an dátheangachas intinn an pháiste níos cruthaithí, freisin:
"Immersion education leads to greater cognitive flexibility and divergent thinking; students become more creative thinkers, with the ability to provide a range of valid solutions to a problem. All Irish and international research shows that the sooner a child becomes bilingual, the greater the cognitive benefits.
Immersion education leads to increased attentional control and enhanced executive control; students are better at paying attention, focusing on and completing tasks, listening and communicating. They have better memory skills, are better at responding to situations and making reasonable decisions and are more secure in their decision-making."
Bhíodh daoine a rá nár cheart go mbeadh an dara teanga ag páiste agus iad an-óg ach léiríonn taighde a bhaineann le dátheangachas go gcabhraíonn an dara nó an tríú teanga leo, seachas a mhalairt. Féach ar pháistí i dtíortha eile timpeall an domhain, mar shampla.
3. How inclusive are Irish-medium schools?
A Gaelscoil is run in the same manner, with the same resources and funding from the Department of Education, as any English-Speaking school is. There are Catholic, interdenominational and multi-faith schools under the patronage of an Foras Patrúnachta, and although priority may be given to students who have come from Naíonraí (Irish-Speaking playschools), students of all cultural and social backgrounds are welcome. Gaelscoileanna also cater for students of special needs, and are therefore equipped with the same resources as English-Speaking schools.
Tá réimse leathan de Ghaelscoileanna ann, macasamhail scoileanna Bhéarla in Éirinn. Braitheann polasaithe iontrála ar an scoil áirithe féin agus an t-éileamh atá ar an scoil sin sa cheantar.
4. How do I enroll my child in a Gaelscoil?
You will need to contact the Naíonra/School directly to enquire about their entrance and enrolment policy. Naíonra/Schools' policies can differ, but the Naíonra/School’s management will be able to provide you with information on enrollment and can guide you through the process. Not to worry if you do not have Irish yourself, over 90% of parents who send their children to Gaelscoileanna have little or no Gaeilge, so this is perfectly normal!
Bíonn daoine buartha nach bhfuil a dhóthain Gaeilge acu le tacú lena gclann agus iad ag freastal ar Ghaelscoil ach tá cuid mhaith daoine sa bhád céanna agus iad ag iarraidh go mbeadh Gaeilge ag an gcéad ghlúin eile, nach raibh acu féin. Tá cúrsaí agus tacaíocht ar fáil dóibh siúd a bhfuil spéis acu cur lena gcuid Gaeilge féin.
5. I would like to learn Irish myself to help support my child's learning, how do I go about that?
There are several resources available for parents who are eager to learn the language, and this benefits the child's learning, and can help foster an Irish-Speaking environment outside of the school gates. Gael Linn, Gaelchultúr, Conradh na Gaeilge, Third-level institutions, Local Education Centres, Oideas Gael, Ranganna.com, and local schools all offer Irish classes and aids for those interested.
Have a look at how Gaeloideachas support those who are considering sending a child to an Irish medium school here
Cabhraíonn atmaisféar dearfach i gcomhthéacs na foghlama agus sin bunchloch an oideachais ach tá cúrsaí go leor ar fáil le barr feabhais a chur ar do chuid Gaeilge tríd Gael Linn, Conradh na Gaeilge, Gaelchultúr agus institiúidí eile.
For more information on how Gaelscoileanna operate, and for more FAQs, please click here, or Gaelscoileanna.ie can be contacted directly on 01 8535195 or eolas@gaeloideachas.ie
