A chara, – I wish to say a grma (go raibh maith agat) to your education expert Brian Mooney for simply explaining the the Irish requirement for primary school teaching courses (“My daughter wants to be a primary teacher but is weak at Irish”, Education, December 20th).
He rightly points out that 40 per cent of the marks can be achieved in the oral Leaving examination.
The main guidance given by the State Examinations Commission to Leaving Certificate Irish oral examiners is that the candidate be at ease in the initial welcome. Giving their details, reading the poetry and telling the story of a picture at their leisure. The general conversation component is an opportunity for the candidate to converse with the examiner about their past, present and future life.
The role of the examiner is to facilitate the flow of conversation and to award extra points for fluency and wealth of language.
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It may also be beneficial to relate their experience of a summer Gaeltacht course or the use of Irish in their community and everyday lives.
TG4 is indeed an excellent resource, as is Vifax, a free online learning resource from Maynooth University with exercises based on Nuacht TG4. These resources will also help to secure a high percentage of the 10 per cent awarded for the aural component of the examination.
Should the candidate secure a place in primary school teacher training, the wish is that they in turn will pass on their love and enjoyment of the language to their next generation. – Is mise,
COLM Ó CEARÚIL,
Maigh Nuad,
Co Chill Dara.