Irish

IRISH GCSE - CCEA

The aim of the Irish department in Years 11 and 12 is to develop the ability to use Irish effectively and with confidence for purposes of practical communication and also to give pupils access to those aspects of Irish culture in which the language plays a significant role. The emphasis throughout the two years is to create an environment for authentic use of language. Music, song and dance are considered part of the learning programme and any opportunity to participate in feiseanna, quizzes, debates and drama is welcomed. Pupils will also have access to a native speaker.

The scheme of work for Years 11 and 12 is based on the CCEA syllabus for GCSE. It is a topic-based development of the four skills introduced in the junior school. These are:-

Listening Speaking Reading Comprehension Writing

During the two-year course the following topics will be covered:

            Myself and my family                 School
            Gaeltacht                                   Daily routine
            Health                                       Environment
            Public Services                          Shopping
            Holidays                                    Pastimes

In the final examination there are Foundation and Higher Tiers in each skill. In common with all modern languages to achieve Grades A*, A or B pupils must sit Higher Tier papers in all skills and it is anticipated that the majority of pupils will be aiming for these grades. However, pupils may opt for either Higher or Foundation level in each skill area depending on their ability/progress at KS4. The class teacher conducts the speaking test which is externally marked.

There is no coursework in Irish but it is essential that pupils spend 20 minutes per night learning vocabulary and there will be at least one written homework per week. Assessment is continuous throughout each topic - much is of an oral or aural nature. At the end of each topic the pupil is formally assessed on a range of skills and a record of this is kept to provide evidence to illustrate the progress being made by individual pupils and to inform parents. Internal school examinations in December and June provide an overview of progress being made.

It is recommended that all pupils who study GCSE Irish attend an Irish College during the summer of their fourth year.