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 teaching is provided by a peripatetic team comprising the Manx Language Officer and four school teachers.
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, read 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.
Manx Medium - Bunscoill Ghaelgagh
Since September 2001 a Gaelic medium school has been in operation, and 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.
For more information go to http://www.bunscoill.iofm.net
Higher Level Tuition - Teisht Chadjin Ghaelgagh
The General Certificate in Manx (TCG) is a GCSE equivalent course run by the Department of Education, which first became available in September 1997. This modular course is available to all pupils taking their GCSE's as well as adult learners.
Advanced Certificate in Manx - Ard-Teisht Ghaelgagh
This is a new qualification in Manx (ATG), which is equivalent to an A-Level. Pupils can also gain credits for a smaller number of modules in order to attain a qualification in Manx equivalent to AS Level.
These modular courses are available to adult learners and to schools
For further information regarding Manx language learning in schools contact the Manx Language Officer, Manx Language Centre, St John's Old School, St John's. (Tel: (01624) 803313; e-mail: r.derbyshire@doe.sch.im