As part of Government policy, the Manx language was introduced into schools by the Department of Education in September 1992, as an optional subject for pupils aged 8 and over. This scheme has proved to be very successful and is highly popular with the children.
By order of the Education Act of 2001 "the curriculum shall include the provision for the teaching of Manx Gaelic and the culture and history of the Isle of Man".
The aims of the scheme are:
- To provide Manx language teaching in schools for those pupils whose parents wish them to learn.
- To foster a sense of identity and develop self-confidence.
- To promote positive attitudes to Manx culture.
- To promote positive attitudes to language learning.
Its objectives are:
- To enable pupils studying Manx to experience a range of learning situations which will be designed to be both enjoyable and successful.
- To enable pupils to speak, understand and (to a lesser extent) write some Manx in a range of practical situations.
- To enable pupils to follow a continuous and progressive programme which, ultimately, can lead to a General Certificate in Manx.
The teaching is provided by a peripatetic team comprising the Manx Language Officer and four schoolteachers, yn Unnid Gaelgagh.
Over the last two academic years, the Department of Education has supported the training of nine teachers by yn Unnid Gaelgagh. These teachers have become the Manx specialist in their own schools, thereby making the language a much more important feature of school life. It is hoped that this scheme may be extended to other schools in the future.
Manx Medium - Bunscoill Ghaelgagh
A Gaelic medium school has been in operation since September 2001 and it is now based at St John’s Old School. Parents who wish their children to be taught through the medium of Manx may ask to have them educated in the Manx Language Primary School. Bunscoill pupils who transfer to Queen Elizabeth II High School are able to study two subjects through the medium of Manx to maintain their fluency. They mayu also choose to take the Teisht Chadjin Ghaelgagh (GCSE equivalent) in Manx.
For more information go to http://www.bunscoill.iofm.net
Higher Level Tuition - Teisht Chadjin Ghaelgagh
The TCG is a GCSE equivalent course, run by the Department of Education, which first became available in September 1997. Based on current modern foreign language exam specifications, it is available to all pupils who have studied Manx to Key Stage 4. In addition to this there is a modular course available for adult learners.
Advanced Certificate in Manx - Ard-Teisht Ghaelgagh
This is an A level equivalent qualification and this, at present, consists of a modular course. However, a new course is being developed which is in line with other A level modern language exam specifications. The new A/S level course is being taught from September 2009 for examination in summer 2010. The new A2 course will be ready for teaching in September 2010. The modular course will continue to be available for adult learners.
For further information regarding Manx language learning in schools contact the Manx Language Officer, Unnid Gaelgagh, Derby Road, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1HP - e-mail: r.derbyshire@doe.sch.im
