Eolas do thuismitheoirí nua

Bus Route for Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí:

School Run:

Antrim - Toome - Bellaghy - Castledawson - Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí.

Home Run: R1/2 leaves at 1:50. R3-7 leaves at 2:50. (R1/2 have an option of a daily club iarscoile 2-3 and can then get the bus at 2:50).

Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí - Castledawson - Bellaghy - Toome - Antrim.

Naíscoil hours: (Drop off from 8:50) 9:00 - 1:30 with option of hot EA school meal available. (Pre-pre pupils 9:00 -11:00am).

Gaelscoil hours: (Drop off form 8:30) R1/2 pupils: 9:00 - 1:50. R3-7 pupils 9:00 - 2:50.

At Gaelscoil & Naíscoil an tSeanchaí we aim to provide high-quality immersion education for all our pupils through the three pillars of our school vision, “Cothú, Cultúr, Caighdeáin” (Nurture, culture, standards). We believe that by creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, happy and confident, by instilling in them a strong sense of identity through cultural expression and offering a broad range of opportunities, where the school community support and challenge each pupil, the children are better placed to achieve their full potential academically and have a better attitude for life-long learning.

Gaelscoil & Naíscoil an tSeanchaí caters for children from Naíscoil (nursery) and from R1 (P1) to R7 (P7). We deliver the same curriculum as all other schools, not simply with teaching an extra language, but through a specific pedagogical approach to bilingual curriculum delivery. This means that our pupils can access the many advantages that immersive bilingual education is proven to offer (amongst others):

Better self-confidence
Increased Cultural awareness
Enhanced Problem-Solving
Improved levels of abstract thought
Greater levels of empathy
Reduced risk of dementia later in life.

As well as high-quality delivery of the curriculum Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí offers a range of extra-curricular activities to our pupils; music, sports, art, Lego club and we are in the process of adding more. Support workshops are available to parents and carers, Irish language classes are provided by Glór Mhachaire Fíolta locally, who also run Irish language youth clubs and events for young Gaeilgeoirí (Irish speakers) and adults alike. We work closely with Glór and the families of the school to build a strong network of support, a Pobal (community) with the pastoral, social and academic development of our children at the centre.

For children with SEN, we have access to the exact same services available to all schools; Educational Psychology, EA Local Impact Teams; including specialists in areas such as Cognition and Learning, Language and Communication and Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Well Being Needs. Our school also currently provides a specialised music therapist to work with those children who are identified as needing extra support with anxiety or other social emotional issues. While some external personnel have previously offered flawed advice, in relation to children with SEN, on Irish-Medium Education to parents/families (more often than not, due to a lack of any experience/understanding of bilingual education), if mainstream education is suitable for a child, then Irish-Medium education is suitable for the child. If you are concerned about your child’s SEN and are considering IME, we recommend contacting the school for further advice. There is a wealth of research available to read on the Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta website as well.

Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí welcomes all children, regardless of race, religion or creed from Magherafelt and the surrounding areas. We offer an inclusive and welcoming setting to our pupils who can reap the many rewards of IME and then have more options when it comes to selecting secondary schools, further educational courses and pathways to careers. Being bilingual can open many more options later in life, whether working in the growing Irish language sector or using the broad range of skills that bilingualism brings, and which are appealing to employers. When it comes to selecting secondary level education, more languages equal more choices: Our past pupils move on to a range of secondary level schools including:

Gaelcholáiste Dhoire

St. Pius X

St. Mary’s Grammar School

Sperrin Integrated

Rainey Endowed

If you want a nurturing environment for your child to develop holistically and pastorally, where your child has a strong sense of identity and awareness of different cultures and backgrounds, where your child is equipped with the skill set and outlook to thrive academically and achieve their full potential, then contact Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí and open the door to a world of opportunities that being bilingual can offer.

Is mise Sienna Rahman agus tá mé i mbliain a naoi ag Coláiste Naomh Pius, Machaire Fíolta. Bhí mo thaithí i nGaelscoil an tSeanchaí iontach ar fad. D'fhoghlaim mé go leor faoi chultúr na hÉireann agus bhí na múinteoirí an-chairdiúil agus cuidiúil i gcónaí. Thaitin an Ghaeilge liom ó rang a haon agus is breá liom é go fóill! Cé acu ag canadh nó ag imirt cluichí le mo rang, bhí atmaisféar teaghlaigh ann i gcónaí, mhothaigh mé go raibh mé mar chuid de rud speisialta. Ní dhéanfaidh mé dearmad ar na cuimhní speisialta sin choíche.

My name is Sienna Rahman and I am in Year 9 at St. Pius X College, Magherafelt. My time at Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí was absolutely brilliant. I learned a lot about Irish culture and the teachers were always very friendly and helpful. I have loved Irish since primary one and I still love it to this day! Whether we were singing or playing games with my class, there was always a real family atmosphere, I always felt like I was part of something special. I will never forget those special memories.

My name is Caitlin McVey and I’m in fifth year at the Rainey. I love speaking Irish and I’ve been to the Gaeltacht every year since I left Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí and I love going to it, it’s the highlight of my summer. I’ve recently become a well- being and language ambassador. I’m currently studying for GCSEs in Maths, English, Further Maths, English Literature, French, Business Studies and Triple Award Science. I’m hoping to study Biology, Chemistry and Irish at A-level.

I was able to complete my GCSE in Irish in my first year in secondary school, achieving an A*. I love being bilingual because it means I can see the world in two different ways, and it has opened many doors for me. Going to a Gaelscoil for primary school really made me who I am today, as I don’t know who I’d be without the experience.