Gaeilge aims to foster proficiency in both spoken and written Irish, while also nurturing an appreciation for Ireland’s rich linguistic and cultural traditions. Our curriculum is designed to make learning Irish engaging and relevant, equipping students with the skills to use the language confidently in various contexts.

In the new Junior Cycle, the focus for Gaeilge is to develop students' language skills through an integrated approach that emphasizes communication, understanding, and cultural appreciation. The primary goals and objectives include:

• Language Proficiency: Enhance students' abilities in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Gaeilge.
• Cultural Awareness: Promote an understanding of Irish culture, history, and traditions through various texts and media.
• Critical Thinking: Encourage analytical and interpretative skills by exploring different genres and styles of Irish literature.
• Personal Expression: Enable students to express themselves creatively and personally in Irish, fostering confidence and fluency.
• Practical Application: Provide opportunities for students to use Gaeilge in real-life contexts and interactive settings, reinforcing its relevance.

Leaving Certificate Syllabus
Irish is assessed at three levels: foundation level, ordinary level or higher level. The Leaving Certificate Gaeilge syllabus is designed to deepen students' language skills and cultural understanding. It encompasses:

• Language Skills: Advanced development in reading, writing, listening, and speaking Irish. This includes engaging with complex texts and expressing nuanced ideas.
• Literature and Culture: Study of a range of Irish literary works, including poetry, prose, and drama, alongside an exploration of Irish history and folklore.
• Communication: Emphasis on effective communication, both formal and informal, in various contexts.
• Examination Components: The assessment includes a combination of written exams, oral exams, and coursework. Students are tested on their comprehension of texts, their ability to discuss and analyse literary themes, and their fluency in conversation.

The learner’s oral competency is assessed around Easter of the final year, in an oral examination worth 40%, at each level, of the overall mark. The other three skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing are assessed in June. Aspects of literary works must be studied at ordinary level, while at higher level these same works and additional material must be studied in greater detail. The NCCA is currently undertaking a review of the Leaving Certificate Syllabus.