Gaeilge

All children enjoy learning another language besides their own language. They have no difficulty in picking it up because it fascinates them as another code of communication.

In St. Brendan’s we aim to give pupils the opportunity to engage in fun activities through the medium of Irish.

The new Primary Language Curriculum was introduced to primary schools in 2016 and is now a fully operational curriculum from infants up to sixth class. The curriculum is designed to integrate language learning in Irish and English under three headings:

• oral language
• reading
• writing

We have been working together as a staff to find new and innovative ways to enhance the writing genres in Gaeilge.

We have introduced the Bua na Cainte programme to all classes in the school.

Bua na Cainte is a new and fully interactive Irish Language Programme. Using innovative resources, it delivers an exciting and original approach to teaching Irish in Primary schools.

We encourage the use of TnaG and multimedia materials in Irish on the Interactive Whiteboards

We also have included an element of Irish in our school assemblies with each class being asked to perform a poem or song as Gaeilge. When you visit the school you will notice the many signs that we have put up to encourage the use of the Irish language whatever the time or activity.

The school participates in quizzes and fun activities during Seachtain na Gaeilge each year.

Here are some phrases that you might remember from your own schooldays. You could gradually introduce cúpla focail at home before your child starts school:

• Dia duit                          Hello
• Ar fheabhas                    Very good
• Conas atá tú                   How are you?
• Go maith                        Good
• Go dona                         Not good
• Fáilte Romhat                 You are welcome
• Go raibh maith agat        Thank you
• Slán leat                        Good bye  
• Slán go fóill                    Bye for now
• Cad is ainm duit              What is your name
• Oscail/Dún an doras        Open/Close the door
• Aon, dó, trí                     One, two, three
• Dé Luan, Dé Máirt           Monday, Tuesday
• Más é do thoil é              If you please    
• Oíche Mhaith                  Good night

The NCCA has produced a tips sheet, with audio links, for parents who would like to encourage Irish speaking in the home and local environment. Click on the document below: