From Bi-lingual to Multilingual!
Gaelscoil Bhun Cranncha joins over 500 Primary Schools nationwide saying ‘Yes’ to Languages!
Over 60 third to sixth class of our Gaelscoil pupils have taken part in the new Primary Language Sampler which started in April. The sampler module is a means for raising awareness among pupils of the range of languages used by their peers, in their schools and community. Over 500 schools nationwide are taking part and offering modules in a range of modern foreign languages and Irish Sign Language. The module introduced the pupils to Spanish and were taught over a 6-week period during the normal school timetable.
The importance of languages as a life skill, an opportunity for the pupils to think in a different way and build opportunities for the future. With so many languages being used now in our local community, this module really helps to build awareness and celebrate the diversity within the school and community. Research shows that children who attend bilingual schools have the capacity to learn a third or fourth language more easily. We think Gaelscoileanna are really well-placed to build on our immersion model and to introduce another language to Irish and English.
Teacher, Aisling Walls was delighted to be involved in sharing her language and experience with the pupils, having gained the skills while living in Madrid working as a primary school language teacher from 2005 until 2011. Aisling has taught Spanish and French in Secondary schools around Inishowen since returning to have a family in Ireland herself. She has a love of languages that she’d like to share with the pupils she teaches. Her belief is that by showing children other cultures and the importance of communication we can create more international awareness but also help the children to become aware of their own culture!
Gaelscoil pupils have proven themselves at being capable and open to the concept of trying to decipher a new language as they are already immersed in a bilingual education. We have to strive to open every door available to our pupils.
Spanish was chosen as the language of choice for this Languages Connect initiative as it is taught in most of the secondary schools in the hinterland and it was seen as an opportunity to prepare the children of Gaelscoil Bhun Cranncha for a smoother transition to second level.