Cad é an Gaeilge ar “Good School?”

I don’t know whether it’s because I’m a teacher, but whenever I’m out and about, I often hear adults talking about schools. Usually they are giving out about something or someone, and sometimes I want to pounce when they are discussing, in depth, why the teacher isn’t doing anything about Johnny, (it’s generally not Johnny these days — he seems to have been replaced with other names beginning with J), who seems to be allowed get away with bringing in chocolate biscuits, even though it isn’t “treat day.” However, another thing they seem to be obsessed with is the concept of a “good school.”

I’m amazed how frequently the term “good school” is thrown around, as if it holds some universal standard. Everyone claims that their chosen school is a good one, but what does that even mean? Are all schools not equal in terms of curriculum, funding, and teaching staff? It seems that the only distinguishing factors are the size and patron body. So why do we allow ourselves to be caught up in this notion of a “good school”?

The Illusion of a “Good School”

To me, when we hear the phrase “good school,” it tends to evoke certain classist values. In fairness, I only hear the term being used in that way by those who have the luxury of a “choice” of schools. If you observe any local newspaper in September, you will likely come across a page dedicated to showcasing photos of new Junior Infants in various schools. Take a moment to reflect on your town’s so-called “good school” and consider the schools that are not associated with that label.

To me, the picture is very clear — Middle Ireland believes that a good school is predominantly white, middle-class, and Irish. In case you don’t believe me, take any shared campus setting. Logically speaking, if two schools coexist on one campus, their student populations should be similar. However, this is rarely the case.

Gaelscoileanna: A Unofficial “Good School”?

Now, let’s address the role of Gaelscoileanna in this phenomenon. Am I accusing parents who choose to send their children to Gaelscoileanna of exhibiting middle-class snobbery? Am I suggesting that some parents enroll their children in Gaelscoileanna to avoid mingling with “undesirable” students? Why is it that the Gaelscoil seems to, more often than not, be christened the “good school” in most towns? While I do not claim that all parents exhibit such behaviour, it is not far-fetched to suggest that a significant number of families do. This sentiment is often left unspoken and unchallenged. If it is spoken about, it is robustly defended, citing examples of the few Gaelscoileanna that are under DEIS status. Defenders will also say that they aren’t stopping anyone from coming to a Gaescoil, and they are technically right in that regard. Sometimes, all it takes is observing the populations of shared campuses to realise the glaring disparity between Gaelscoileanna and non-Gaelscoileanna, and it tells you everything you need to know. A picture paints a thousand words, but we can’t blame the Gaelscoileanna themselves for this problem.

The Dilemma of Gaelscoileanna

That’s why it’s essential to clarify that this is not meant to criticise Gaelscoileanna. Their primary objective is to promote the Irish language and increase its usage throughout Ireland. Our friends in Finland have a similar problem with Swedish language schools. They are gamified by many parents to ensure their children mix with the “right” children. While it is unfair on Irish-speaking families, it remains problematic that despite the growing number of Gaelscoileanna, fewer people (by percentage) are speaking Irish on a daily basis in our country, even among the students attending these schools! We need to consider a solution that addresses this issue while also eradicating the concept of a “good school.”

Making All Primary Schools Gaelscoileanna

One possible approach to tackle this dilemma is transforming all primary schools into Gaelscoileanna. By adopting this change, we could ensure that everyone has access to their native language, eliminating the need for parents to bypass multiple schools in search of one Gaelscoil. If the goal is genuinely to revitalise the Irish language and achieve true bilingualism, what better place to start than in schools? Admittedly, the transition may present some challenges initially, but with specialised Irish-speaking teachers and support for regular teachers, we could make this transformation within a generation.

An Alternative Approach: Teaching Gaeilge as a Subject

Alternatively, instead of having dedicated Gaelscoileanna, we could incorporate the teaching of Gaeilge by a native speaker in all schools. This would ensure that every student receives exposure to the language, albeit in a different format. This way, we could potentially avoid perpetuating the unintentional class divisions that arise due to the current system.

Simplifying the Education System

Ultimately, the aim should be to simplify the education system — either by establishing all Gaelscoileanna or by incorporating a native speaker to teach Gaeilge as a subject in all schools. Currently, Gaelscoileanna find themselves being used in unintended ways, as the project has been hijacked by societal factors. While Gaelscoileanna might agree with the proposal to have all schools as Gaelscoileanna, what truly matters is addressing the issue at hand. The consequences of having both options available result in unnecessary class divisions, which is not conducive to fostering equality in education.

Embracing Equality in Education

As a primary school principal, I strive to provide the best education possible for my students and I believe we are a “good school” but not in the way Middle Ireland would define us. I also recognise that every teacher feels the same way about their respective schools. The reality is that all Irish primary schools are good schools, regardless of labels bestowed upon them. It is not within our control to dictate how parents perceive and categorise schools. However, we can work towards creating an educational landscape where all schools are regarded equally, ensuring that every child receives the education they deserve.

What about a Bilingual Future?

To truly embrace the Irish language and achieve bilingualism, we need to take bold steps. Making all primary schools into Gaelscoileanna would be a significant leap forward. Yes, there will be challenges along the way, but with determination and support, we can overcome them. Specialised Irish-speaking teachers can be employed to ensure the highest quality of language instruction, while regular teachers can receive training to improve their own proficiency in Irish. With time and effort, we can create a generation of students who are fluent in both English and Irish.

The Role of Primary School Teachers

As primary school teachers, we play a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape and influencing the minds of young learners. We have the power to instil a love for the Irish language and culture in our students. We know, as educators, that all schools, regardless of their labels, are more than capable of providing a good quality education. Our focus should be on fostering a love for learning, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that every student reaches their full potential. We need to shift our attention away from the notion of a “good school” and instead work towards creating a system where all schools are regarded as good schools.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concept of a “good school” seems, as always, rooted in perception and possibily classist values. Gaelscoileanna, although unintentionally, contribute to this phenomenon, as they become the lightning rod for those yearning these class-divisions. Whether we choose to make all primary schools into Gaelscoileanna or incorporate Gaeilge as a specialised subject taught by a native speaker in every school, the goal should be to create a bilingual Ireland where the Irish language thrives.