http://www.gaelport.com/index.php?page=clippings&id=1700&viewby=date

quote:

In a report of its review of language and literacy in Irish-medium primary schools, the council includes a number of total immersion policies for the youngest pupils. They are among four models offering schools different choices on the level and stage at which English should be introduced.

quote:

'Finally, it offers an interim arrangement while much needed Irish-based research on the introduction and development of language and literacy is commissioned and completed,' the report said.

Department of Education inspectors have made a number of visits to Gaelscoil Uí Easmainn in Tralee since parents complained in 2004 about the total immersion policy for junior infants. Up to now, the school has been told it must implement the full curriculum for all classes.

Ní thuigim go beacht ó na gearrtháin thuas céard atá i gceist, a Aonghuis. Cén fáth a raibh na tuismitheoirí ag gearán i dTrá Lí, agus céard go díreach atá le déanamh?

Bhí tuismitheoirí áirithe a roghnaigh a bpaistí a chuir chuig gaelscoil i dTrá Lí ag clamhsán toisc nár mhúin an scoil Béarla ar bith go dtí rang a haon.

Bhí an Roinn Eadóchais[sic] ag iarraidh iallach a chuir ar an scoil Béarla a mhúineadh ón gcéad lá, agus an tumoideachas mar a chleacht siad é a thréigean.

Beidh an cur chuige atá acu ceadaithe de réir na tuarascála thuasluaite.

From what I've heard, some Gaeltacht schools are getting away with not teaching through Irish but this report puts Gaeltacht schools and Gaelscoileanna in the same category. So was I misinformed about some Gaeltacht schools not teaching through Irish?

As to when to introduce the writing of English, kids are clever and so it probably won't matter too much in the end whether they do it in Junior or Senior infants, they'll pick it up fast enough.

Beir bua agus beannacht