A-Level Irish

April 18, 2018 by iebsoftware

The A Level Irish specification aims to encourage students to:

develop an enthusiasm for and an understanding of the Irish language and culture in a variety of contexts and genres.
communicate confidently, clearly and effectively in the Irish language for a range of purposes.
develop knowledge and understanding of societal, political and cultural issues in Irish-speaking countries or communities.
draw together different areas of linguistic competence, skills and understanding.
develop higher order thinking skills, for example independent learning and analytical and evaluative thinking.
carry out research and present their findings through multimedia presentations.
develop advanced study skills that help them prepare for third level education.
provide extended responses and evidence of quality of written communication.
engage critically with intellectually stimulating films, texts and other materials and demonstrate that they understand and can use Irish at a high level to discuss and reflect on aspects of society, politics and culture.

Key features

The following are important features of this specification.

There are six assessment units in this specification, three at AS level and three at A2.
This specification allows students to develop their language skills, knowledge and understanding of societal, political and cultural issues in Irish-speaking countries or communities.
It provides opportunities for students to engage in independent research into aspects of Irish society and culture that are of personal interest and to use multimedia to present their findings.
Assessment at A2 includes more varied question types, more demanding evaluative tasks, extended writing, and synoptic assessment that encourages students to develop their understanding of the subject as a whole.
There is a varied choice of texts.
It gives students a sound basis for progression to higher education through skills development.
A range of support is available, including specimen assessment materials and exemplars along with teacher guidance and support

AS: 40% of A level

AS 1: Speaking – Presentation [3 minutes] and a conversation

[8 minutes]

AS 2:

[Section A] Listening – Two questions based on two passages [40 minutes]

Sections B and C last 1 hour 20 minutes

[Section B] Reading – One set of questions in Irish based on one

passage and a translation from Irish into English

[Section C] Use of Language – A series of short grammatical and lexical exercises and the translation of short sentences from English into Irish

AS 3: Extended Writing – One essay response based on one set text [1 hour]

Film:

O’Hara: Yu Ming Is

Ainm Dom

Mercier:

Lipservice

O’Reilly: Clare Sa

Spéir

Literary text:

Peigí Rose: Anne

(An Chéad

Chnuasach)

A2: 60% of A level

A2 1: Speaking – Introduction [1 minute] and discussion [5 minutes] based on an individual research project, conversation [9 minutes] based on A level themes

A2 2: Total 2 hours

[Section A] Listening – Two sets of questions based on two passages [45 minutes]

[Section B] Reading – Two sets of questions based on two passages, a summary exercise and a translation [2 hours]

A2 3: Extended Writing – One essay response based on one set text [1 hour]

Literary texts:

either

Mac Labhraí

(editor):

Anam na Teanga

Ó Tuairisc:

Lá Fhéile Míchíl

A selection of

poems by:

Ó Ríordáin,

Ó Searcaigh,

Ó Direáin and

Mhac an tSaoi

GCE Irish Subject Content:

Students explore the areas of interest by studying four themes:

Relationships (AS);
Culture and Lifestyle (AS);
Young People in Society (A2); and
Our Place in a Changing World (A2).

AS level

Relationships

Students have the opportunity to understand and explore these topics/issues in

Irish:

different family structures;
roles, responsibilities and relationships within families;
challenges for families;
intergenerational issues; and
influences on young people, for example peers, family and friends.

Culture and Lifestyle

Students have the opportunity to understand and explore these topics/issues in

Irish:

physical well-being, for example diet or exercise;
risk-taking behaviour, for example smoking, alcohol and drugs or extreme sports;
dealing with stress and challenges, for example school or examinations;
hobbies and interests, for example sport or music;
the arts, film, fashion and design;
social media and new technology; and
holidays, festivals and tourism.

Young People and Society

Students have the opportunity to understand and explore these topics/issues in

Irish:

part-time jobs;
education and employment;
career planning – aspirations and/or intentions;
young people and democracy;
European citizenship – advantages, disadvantages and opportunities; and
societal attitudes and young people.

Our Place in a Changing World

Students have the opportunity to understand and explore these topics/issues in

Irish:

equality/inequality and discrimination/prejudice;
poverty at home and abroad – causes, consequences and measures to combat it;
immigration and emigration – causes, benefits and related issues;
multicultural society and cultural identity – benefits and challenges;
causes, consequences and resolution of conflict; and
sustainable living and environmental issues.

Students studying A Level Irish are strongly recommended to attend courses in the Gaeltacht to improve proficiency in spoken Irish. Independent study is also an important aspect of the course and students are encouraged to grasp every opportunity both inside and outside of school to use their Irish. A Level Students have 4 1/2 hours of Irish per week.

Career Opportunities in the Irish Language Sector

Advertising

Bilingual secretary

Banking

Classroom Assistant in Gaelscoileanna

Customs Officer

Diplomatic Service Officer

European Union Administrator

Garda Síochana,

Interpreter

International Business Administration

Immigration Officer

Irish Army

Irish language promoter working for the GAA/Foras na Gaeilge/ComhaltasUladh etc

Journalist

Lecturer

Librarian

Local Council sector

Media –Irish language Radio/TV Presenter/Web designer

Producer of Irish language resources

Solicitor

Teacher

Tourist Information Centre Assistant,

Translator

Work in Gaeltacht areas