Gaelscoil & Naíscoil Ghleann Darach

What the school says...

An Irish Medium Education -Why not? - Let us answer your questions!

ABOUT OUR SCOIL...
Nascoil Ghleann Darach was founded by parents in 2001 to provide Irish-medium pre-school education in the Crumlin area with Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach opening in 2006.

This is an exciting time for Nascoil & Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach! We have 5 acres of land and over 1 million of investment to develop resources, including a new Irish language Family Centre which will also house the Nascoil for children who wish to be educated through Irish.

Nascoil (and Gaelscoil) Ghleann Darach is a cross community unit, open to children from any cultural or religious background. All staff are qualified to a high standard, including a Diploma in Irish, NVQ III in childcare, and have completed courses in Elklan Speech & language, Autism, and Paediatric First Aid.

Like all Irish Medium Schools we deliver the full Northern Ireland Curriculum and receive government funding. Children are taught through a language immersion system and acquire Irish naturally through daily experience of an Irish Language environment. Research suggests Irish medium schools employing the total early immersion education model, attained greater levels in reading and writing in both English and Irish than the national average (Dnal hAinifin, 2007); that immersion experience actually enhances the English language development (Cloud, Genesee & Haymayan 2000); encourages greater tolerance of other cultures and suggests children who are bi-lingual learn to read more rapidly than their mono-lingual peers (Bialystok et al. 2005)

Here's what our parents say:
At first I was apprehensive about sending my children to an Irish Medium School, but after researching the advantages of Irish Medium Education and seeing how they are now flourishing in Gleann Darach, I know I have made the right choice. As with a lot of parents, my first concern was that I dont speak Irish myself, so how can I help my child with homework for example? I neednt have worried, the school is aware that most parents dont speak Irish yet and have supports in place to deal with these issues. I feel much more involved in my childs learning and education. I dont think this kind of atmosphere exists in other schools.
The welcoming environment and calm but stimulating atmosphere has helped her settle quickly. Thank you for helping her have happy fun experiences. She looks forward to Nascoil every day. ...Read more

This is not currently a GSG-reviewed school.

Do you know this school?

The schools we choose, and what we say about them, are founded on parents’ views. If you know this school, please share your views with us.

Please login to post a comment.