The language of improvement at Irish camp

Gaeltacht summer courses allow students to gain confidence in their spoken Irish, writes Sylvia Thompson

THE GAELTACHT summer courses run by Coláiste Naomh Eoin in Dublin and Wicklow are probably the most school-like camps you will find – but those who sign up know that already. In fact, the organisers don’t even like the two-week courses – held mainly in secondary schools – to be called summer camps, because they are serious about covering the Irish curriculum in morning classes.

They are also serious about the rule that the eight- to 18-year-old participants speak Irish during sports and art activities, and even at evening céilí.

“Some students prefer the non-residential nature of our Gaeltacht summer courses as it’s less of an emotional upheaval than going to the Gaeltacht,” says Roibeárd O’hAoláin, who runs Coláiste Naomh Eoin.

“Our aim is to complement what the teacher is doing in the classroom and hopefully enhance it to give the students a newfound sense of confidence about speaking Irish.”

The students seem happy and relaxed when we visit the Gaeltacht summer course at Dominican College, Drumcondra. There are star charts outside each classroom which mark out the students who make the most effort to speak Irish during the week.

There are about 20 students per class. The older ones say they are principally doing the course to help improve their Irish for the Leaving Certificate. From September, the oral section of the Leaving Certificate Irish exam will account for 40 per cent (previously it was 25 per cent). “It’s like a concentrated version of school. It’s better than grinds. I’m definitely improving. When I first came, I couldn’t have a conversation,” says Kevin (17).

“I went to the Gaeltacht before, and I was constantly speaking Irish. Here, you can ask questions in English. It’s not as strict as the Gaeltacht but in the long run the Gaeltacht is better,” says Fiona (16). “I’ve just finished transition year, so it’s a wake-up call for me to get back into the Irish frame of mind,” says Miriam (16).

Meanwhile, the younger children are simply enjoying speaking the language. When they come to chat, some even wonder whether it’s okay to speak in English.

“It’s my first time. I came with my friend. The cinnirí [helpers] are really nice. They help you speak Irish and it comes out naturally when you’re here,” says Caroline (13). “The sports are fun. We do crab football, Gaelic, basketball and rounders. After a while, you’re thinking in Irish,” says Clíodhna (13). “I didn’t want to come. I wanted to stay with my friends but I’ve made so many new friends. I’d tell others not to be worried because you will make friends,” says Siobhán (14).

And, then there are the children who are still at primary school – the most enthusiastic of all. “It’s really fun. The sports are the best and the raps we are learning for the talent show are very funny,” says Donnchadh (8). “The best part for me is the sport,” says Lucy (9).

The courses are staffed by primary and secondary school teachers with third-level students of Irish working as cinnirí. “There is huge variation in the level of Irish of those who come,” explains Máire Ní Mhurchú, the principal of the Naomh Eoin summer course in the Dominican College.

“Some of them are very apprehensive when they first come, and have very little Irish, while others come back year after year and love it. In the past, people used to ask what are you learning Irish for but now students are proud that they can converse through Irish.”

Coláiste Naomh Eoin runs courses throughout the school year; see colaistenaomheoin.com, tel: 01-2985287