Why

Not at all!  The majority of parents choosing Irish Medium education speak little or no Irish.

This is a common concern for parents before their children enrol in IME.  It’s important to remember that the purpose of homework in both Irish and English medium sectors is to reinforce the work the children have carried out in the classroom.  It’s crucially important in all sectors that parents support their child to do their work, but that the child is allowed to complete this independently, so the teacher can properly consider the child’s knowledge and understanding and adjust their teaching accordingly.  Your child’s teacher will also consider your level of Irish at home and may send bilingual instructions or videos to explain the tasks.

Yes! IME teachers receive the same qualifications as teachers in English medium schools but are fluent Irish speakers and have experience in immersion education.

The very same processes occur in Irish medium as they do in English medium. Your child’s teacher will monitor and evaluate your child’s progress throughout each year, in line with developmental milestones and the curriculum. IME staff are aware that the majority of parents will not have Irish at home. They also understand this can add to anxiety against the backdrop perhaps of worries concerning your child’s learning/development.  If your child’s teacher feels there are concerns and additional support may be required, they will speak to you, regularly updating you, signpost resources/support and request further intervention through the existing pathways, which are the very same as in English medium.

No, children attending IME also study English at school.  In fact studies suggest it will actually have a positive impact on your child’s English.

No!  Irish Medium Education, at all stages, covers the same curriculum and areas of learning as an English medium facility….just with the added benefit of an additional language and all the benefits and opportunities that this provides.  This means that transitioning to English medium at either primary or post-primary is straightforward.