Gaelcholáiste an Chláir, Ennis, was awarded €5,000 to collaborate with four schools* to build a professional, collaborative Irish-medium education Community of Practice. A range of professional learning activities on the theme of immersion education were organised.
The project aimed to support the professional learning of the school staff involved in implementing inclusive, innovative, high-quality all-Irish education. It developed cross-curricular links between Mary Immaculate College, Líonra na hlnse Language Planning Officer, and Clare Education and Support Centre.
*List of collaborating schools:
- Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg
- Gaelscoil Donncha Rua Sionna
- Gaelscoil Uí Choimin Cill Rois
- SN Iosef Naofa Maigh
School’s reflection
This project demonstrated strategic leadership by creating a wide-ranging professional community between pre-schools, primary schools, the Gaelcholáiste and organisations throughout Clare. To provide a basis for the initiative, we organised a consultation forum with an academic expert to co-design a sustainable pathway for Irish. The benefit involved for all was evident; the teachers developed their practice through collaborative planning, and the students’ confidence grew through leadership roles.
Inclusion was central in the learning, which was demonstrated clearly through examples of successful events such as the Sports Blitz, community coffee morning and activity day. These events meant that each and every learner had space on the Irish-medium education journey. An emotional high point was the presentation of the ‘Blitz Trophy’ — in memory of our first Teacher in Charge — in the presence of her family, leaving a historic mark on the project.
Additionally, we now have a strengthened, ground-breaking connection with community organisations, such as An Clár as Gaeilge, and with the Language Planning Officer. By including parents and the clergy, we fostered respect for the language “from the cradle to the grave.” This collaboration ensured our creation of a permanent, professional structure and energetic network for Irish-medium education in the future.