Sixth class pupils at national schools are set to be offered a taste of the Gaeltacht with mini residential courses this May in a first for Donegal.
A new Irish college – Coláiste Altan – launches in Gaoth Dobhair this May aimed at older primary school children who stay for four nights.
Traditional post-primary courses will also run throughout June and July with the opportunity to go kayaking off Gola Island, climb Errigal and take part in a host of sporting activities as well as traditional ceilí dancing.
Coláiste Altan will be based at the modern Ionad Pobail Cnocfola building in Bunaleaca (Brinaleck).
“We are very excited about our first year at Coláiste Altan in Gaoth Dobhair,” said Bainisteoir Evelyn Nic Suibhne
“We have been preparing for our 2020 launch for over a year and we have recruited fully qualified teachers and brilliant local families, all with previous experience in delivering Irish in a fun environment.
“The idea of the courses for May is to introduce the summer college experience for Sixth Class pupils in primary schools. We will be starting our first course on May 4th and continuing throughout the four weeks of May.
“Places are limited and we are already getting a great reaction from schools here in County Donegal.”
Traditional two-week courses begin on June 3 for post-primary students.
Emphasis is on spoken Irish, now such an important part of both Junior Cycle and the Leaving Cert as well as GCSEs and A Levels north of the border.
Places are limited for all courses with the Primary School courses in May filling up fast. Parents should contact colaistealtan@gmail.com or phone 0870954820 to book.
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