Irish

What is the subject about?

The Irish language is an important part of Irish culture, heritage and identity. As well as cultural benefits, learning a language also supports students cognitive development and encourages a development of social skills. Leaving Certificate Irish builds upon the language developed during Junior Cycle. All four language skills – listening, speaking, reading & writing are further developed in order to be able to share views on a wide range of topics.

How is the subject assessed?

Irish is assessed at three levels: Foundation Level, Ordinary Level or Higher Level.

Higher and Ordinary level:

I. Oral Examination (40%)

Students spoken Irish is assessed around Easter time of 6th year. The oral examination is a common level exam for students studying the subject at higher and ordinary level. Marks are awarded for fluency and grammatical accuracy. Students will be expected to hold an 8-10 minute conversation based on various topics ranging from their personal interests and hobbies to societal issue and current affairs. These topics will be studied and explored over their two year course. In preparation for their oral examination, students will also study 20 picture stories. This is to facilitate them in building their vocabulary. Students will be presented with one of these picture stories on the day of their exam and be asked to explain what is happening to the examiner. Students are also required to recite a piece of studied poetry.

II. Aural Examination (10%)

The aural examination assesses student’s comprehension of spoken Irish in various different dialects. The students are required to answer questions on the basis of the pieces they have listened to. These pieces include advertisements, notices, bulletins and conversations in Irish.

III. Written Examination (50%)

The written examination takes place in June. Higher and Ordinary level Irish is examined across two papers. Paper 1 is comprised of the aural examination and a composition piece. Paper 2 examines studied literature. Students are required to study

  • –  5 pieces of poetry
  • –  5 pieces of prose
  • –  Higher level students are required to study an extra piece of chosen literature.

    For Higher Level a higher standard of language skills is required and a more in depth knowledge of studied literature than Ordinary level.

Foundation level: 

  1. I. Oral Examination (40%) 

The oral examination for candidates sitting foundation level is based on the following blocks which will be covered over the 2 year course: 

– The family and the home 

– School and school matters 

– Pastimes 

– Holidays, time, weather and work 

  1. II. Aural Examination (20%) 

Like higher and ordinary level, the aural examination assesses student’s comprehension of spoken Irish in various different dialects. The students are required to answer multiple choice questions on the basis of the pieces they have listened to 

  1. III. Written Examination (50%) 

The written examination takes place in June. The examination consists of two parts: written comprehension & composition. The written comprehension involves a matching activity and answering questions about a letter, brochure, news story, extract or poem. The composition piece requires the student to write 2 pieces – one on an announcement, invitation or letter and the other on the basis of a picture or word bank. 

 

Additional Comments 

– Irish is a compulsory subject for Leaving Certificate unless the student has been granted an exemption on the basis of their educational circumstances. 

 

Career Opportunities 

Irish is a requirement for entry into a number of 3rd level courses across the country. Career opportunities with Irish include 

– Teaching 

– Gardaí 

– Translating/ interpretation 

– Journalism 

– Television/ radio 

– Editing 

– Marketing 

– Law 

– Language officer for various organisations nationwide