Members of the Department
Mrs R Morgan (HOD)
Miss L O Hare
D. Bean Mhic Mhathuna

Aims

OLS Irish Department is a vibrant, innovative department. Motivated by a grá for the language, our teachers aim to:

• Foster an enthusiasm for the Irish language, culture and heritage amongst all our pupils;
• Develop fluency, self-confidence and communication skills through oral work;
• Create a positive learning environment through good teacher-pupil relationships;
• Encourage students to learn through a variety of activities such as group work, pair work and use of communication and digital technologies
• Enrich learning through participation in a variety of extra-curricular activities.

Students often refer to a feeling of belonging and a coming home when they begin to learn the Irish language in Our Lady s.

Key Stage 3

J1 students learn vocabulary and grammar related to School life, Self & Family, The Weather, Days, Months and Seasons, Food and Meals, Numbers and Time. They are able to speak, read and write about these topics and also to have a conversation in Irish with peers.

J2 students learn vocabulary and grammar related to Pastimes, Daily Routine and Weekend Activities, Health & Lifestyle, Shopping and Public Services. As well has being able to talk about these topics with their peers, they will learn Irish through language games and practical exercises like roleplays and drama. They will be able to wear the cúpla focal badge in recognition of your ability.

J3 students learn vocabulary and grammar related to The Present and Future Tenses, House and Area, School and Future Plans and Holidays. You will also take part in the Gael-Linn inter-school quiz.

Irish-medium pupils

We value students who have come from an Irish-medium primary school or who have been raised through Irish. Through a combination of one-to-one teaching, independent study and work with the Irish Language Assistant, students develop and enrich their Irish through literature, on-line learning resources and extra-curricular activities.

Students who have an Irish-medium background normally sit their GCSE Irish in Year 10.

Key Stage 4 (GCSE)

Year 11 & 12 pupils have the opportunity to study Irish to GCSE level, completing exams in the four attainment targets areas of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. While the main focus at this level is on developing oral fluency, creativity and confidence are also fostered through grammar and reading exercises. For the Irish Department, enjoyment is key to success, and good teacher-pupil and pupil-pupil relationships play a vital role in the overall success of our students.

We value students who have an Irish-medium background and offer them the opportunity to study the more advanced GCSE Gaeilge in Years 11 & 12. This course is studied in small class numbers.

Key Stage 5 (GCE)

A Level Irish is a very popular choice at Our Lady s and there is great enthusiasm for the language at both AS and A2 Level. Students follow the CCEA AS & A2 Irish course and are taught through the target language. There is a strong emphasis on independent study. In smaller, tutorial-style classes with the Irish Language Assistant, students develop their oral Irish by engaging in conversations about contemporary issues.

Many of our students go on to study Irish at third level institutions and pursue careers both in the Irish language sector and wider afield.

Extra-curricular

We have a rich programme of extra-curricular activities on offer in the Irish Department. Our students take part in Irish Language Drama at an Fhéile Scoildrámaíochta. We also take our students to Gael-Linn events: quizzes, céilithe and public speaking competitions. We enjoy using ICT as much as possible to improve learning and enhance enjoyment of language learning. Each year, a large number of Our Lady s girls (from a variety of year groups) attend courses in the Donegal Gaeltacht. We are lucky to have excellent links with local and national Irish language groups and enthusiasts.

Career Opportunities

Translator, interpreter, teacher, broadcaster, editor, linguistics expert, education inspector, civil service, marketing, presenter, sports commentator, researcher, radio presenter, writer.

Languages are one of the most highly valued subjects by the Russell Group of Universities. Studying Irish will equip you with many transferable skills.