“With the publication of the first ever primary school curriculum framework today, there is both hope for an innovative approach to the delivery of the curriculum and significant concern about a reduction of the status of teaching and learning of Irish in primary schools,” according to Bláthnaid ní Ghréacháin, CEO of Gaeloideachas.
Gaeloideachas welcomes the decision announced today that the proposal to examine Leaving Certificate Irish Paper One at the end of Fifth Year has been shelved. Gaeloideachas, along with other education and Irish-language organisations, was at the forefront of these controversial debates, advocating on behalf of students, their parents, and teachers who were extremely unhappy and concerned about the decision.
At the Gaeloideachas Conference on Special Educational Needs in partnership with COGG today, 24 November 2022, representatives of NEPS, NCSE, the Department of Education and the Inspectorate addressed key concerns raised by teachers in Irish-medium and Gaeltacht schools and heard from teachers and other experts who are working in the sector day-to-day.
Gaeloideachas welcomes the announcement of additional funding for Gaeltacht primary schools to provide additional teaching hours under the Language Assistants Scheme. The Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Sport, Jack Chambers TD, recently announced that additional 3-year funding of up to €72,000 will be provided under the scheme.