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Since 1990, the students of Gaelscoil, young and old, have been involved
in European exchanges. As early as 1991, the pupils visited and set up their
first pen-pal exchange with another Gaelic school in Wales. In the 1990's,
the pupils of Gaelscoil have also enjoyed writing to schools in Russia,
Austria, France, UK, Holland Sweden and Germany. In 1997 indeed, Gaelscoil
O Doghair played host to visitors from six European countries. These visitors
brought with them a wealth of information and a new meaning to Gaelscoil's
philosophy of 'Education for A Brighter Future'. |
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In 1995 also, Gaelscoil became one of the first schools in Ireland to be chosen
as Co-ordinator for the New Socrates, COMENIUS Action 1, program launched by
the European Commission.
This program has enabled Gaelscoil, to extend its
interests in Europe, and to seek out new ways of enhancing the European
Dimension in the School.
Parents, pupils and teachers alike have benefited greatly
from the Socrates program, as it has allowed Gaelscoil to develop its Computer
technology and Management structures so as to confidently face the educational
challenges of the 21st. Century.
Language
and Technology
As early as second class in Gaelscoil, the students
are introduced to e-mail and the Internet as a means of
learning and communicating with others. The computer technology available
in Gaelscoil is second to none, and the skills which the students acquire at an early age will,
we believe benefit them greatly in later life.
As well as speaking our own Native Language, Gaeilge, we
in Gaelscoil have a very effective programme for the teaching of both French
and German. Using every audio-visual means available, the children are exposed
to European languages from First Class onwards. By Rang 6, they have a lovely
working fluency of both languages, as well as total fluency in Irish and English.
Gaelscoil believes that our European programs enhance the
pupils willingness and enjoyment of other languages, an in particular allow
them to see the intrinsic value of their own 'Gaeilge'.
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