More focus on English in all-Irish schools

RESEARCH is urgently needed to find the best way to teach English in all-Irish schools, the Government’s curriculum advisers have found.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has compiled research on international best practice in the area of language immersion in schools, where a language which is not in everyday use is used for teaching most subjects. Particular focus was placed, for example, on the teaching of English in all-French schools in Canada.

The subject remains controversial in many areas and Education Minister Mary Hanafin is seeking legal advice on the stance of a Co Kerry Gaelscoil which does not begin full teaching of English until pupils reach first class. The minister could seek to withdraw funding from the school if the full curriculum is not being provided.