Gaeilge
" Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí "





Subject Overview
Irish is a core subject in St.Louis Secondary school that focuses on developing all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing within meaningful contexts. Learning is enriched through debate, creative writing and engagement with Irish stories, film and music.
The study of Gaeilge also promotes cultural awareness, identity and bilingual competence.
Skills Developed Through Gaeilge
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Communicative competence (speaking + interaction)
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Language awareness (grammar, mechanics, vocabulary)
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Reading for understanding across genres
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Expressive writing and creative expression
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Oral fluency and listening comprehension
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Cultural literacy through literature, history and societal topics
Irish is a vibrant language in our school, where students are encouraged to use it with enthusiasm both inside and outside the classroom.
We have proudly earned the Gaelbhratach flag and our Gaelbhratach Committee plays a vital role in promoting Irish in the school through events such as Seachtain na Gaeilge and themed activities. Our department combines a love of learning with academic excellence, empowering students to carry the Irish language proudly into the future.

Junior Certificate
Junior Cycle Irish builds on primary Irish and develops the full range of language skills. Click here for Irish specification.
Assessment:
Gaeilge at Junior Cycle is assessed through a combination of:
Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) — two tasks across second and third year:
• CBA 1 – Language Portfolio (a collection of student work; includes audio/video).
• CBA 2 – Interacting through Irish (spoken task focusing on interaction and communication).
These promote learner reflection, communicative competence and ownership of learning.
Final Written Examination — externally set by SEC at Higher or Ordinary level at the end of third year.
Junior Cycle Exam Focus
Listening (aural)
Reading comprehension
Written expression
Language awareness and literature response (level dependent)


Leaving Certificate
Leaving Certificate Irish builds on Junior Certificate Irish as students continue to develop fluency across all four skills, emphasising communication, language use and literature study.
Click here for Leaving Certificate Subject Specification.
Assessment:
Oral Examination (≈40%) — takes place around Easter of final year, assessing interactive spoken Irish.
Paper 1 (≈27%) — Listening comprehension and composition and written expression.
Paper 2 (≈33%) — reading comprehension and literature questions.
An Roinn Gaeilge
The Irish Department
