Gaelscoil Thomáis Dáibhís and Bilingualism / Immersion Education
It is often said that success occurs when preparation meets opportunity. This is certainly true in the case of Gaelscoil Thomáis Dáibhís which was founded in 1985. Down through the years, the school has always been defined by its quality leadership involv
Gaelscoil Thomáis Dáibhís is an Irish medium school. This form of education has been the preferred choice of may parents for the last few decades in Ireland.
We follow the immersion method of teaching which allows the child to acquire the language natural through exposure to Irish on a daily basis. Irish is the primary language of instruction and communication in the Gaelscoil but the formal teaching of English and other European languages also occurs. All subjects are taught through the medium of Irish.
Teachers adopt a very natural approach to teaching. The language is spoken to the children from their first day and pictures, gestures, rhymes, songs, IT and drama are used to help them understand.
The children are surrounded by the language in their learning environment and they absorb it like sponges! Gaelscoil Thomáis Dáibhís has won a digital school award for its use of technology and FIS awards for its production of films through the medium of Irish.
Research shows that children between 3 and 10 absorb languages quicker than those aged 10 and over. On leaving the Gaelscoil our pupils are bilingual and bi-literate.
They are fluent in English and Irish and have been offered an introduction to French and German from 3rd to 6th class.
Learning through another language creates a greater awareness of language and also develops their thinking skills.
Research also shows that bilingual children find it easier to learn other languages.
Parents do not need to be fluent Irish speakers as children flourish in the immersion environment and current teaching methodologies enhance the child’s understanding of the language both respective and expressive, from the very beginning.
Irish medium schools have increased in popularity since the 1990’s. Gaelscoil Thomáis Dáibhís, which was established in 1985, has provided an excellent education to the people of Mallow since then.
In fact, some of our past pupils are now staff members or proud parents to current pupils!