Thank you for showing an interest in our playgroup. We hope that this page will help provide you with some basic information in relation to Irish-medium nursery education in Strabane. If you are a parent, do feel free to talk to the playgroup staff about any further information you may require.

 

Naíscoil an tSratha Báin, the first Irish-Medium Nursery in Tyrone, opened in September 1994, under the auspices of the Gerard McCrossan Branch of Conradh na Gaeilge. The Naíscoil was situated in Barrack Street until the year 2000, when Gaelphobal provided a new modern purpose-built building for the Naíscoil on land obtained from Strabane District Council in Ballycolman Estate in Strabane. The Naíscoil provides young children from all backgrounds and traditions the opportunity to aquire the Irish language in a natural way. Research on bilingual education has revealed the following advantages which are associated with bilingualism:

 

- Linguistic and communication skills in both langauges

- Greater undertanding and appreciation of languages in general

- Greater ability in acquiring another language (compulsory in Secondary School)

- The attainment of a higher level of fluency than would be possible in later life

 

Objectives The educational objectives of Naíscoil an tSratha Báin can be summarised as follows:

 

- to promote the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of each child through play in a safe and caring environment

- to introduce the child to the Irish language and to provide him/her with a basic vocabulary

- to promote and improve on our cross-community activities with other playgroups

- to treat equally all children and adults regardless of disability, gender, race, religious or political beliefs

- Naíscoil an tSratha Báin is a member of Altram, the voice of early years and we agree with their aims and objectives.

- A full copy of our Naiscoil policies is available on request

 

Some of the activities we provide

- Books, stories and rhymes extend language and communication skills

- Sand an water develops physical, social and intellectual skills

- Dough and clay develops physical, social and language skills

- Painting encourages creative, physical and intellectual skills

- The home corner provides practice for social, creative, language and communication skills

- Dressing up/pretend play enables children to cope with fears, anxieties and difficult experiences and builds confidence

- Visits out & Vists in encourages social, intellectual, language and communication skills

 

Naíscoile Staff 2005

Naíscoil an tSratha Báin Ballycolman Estate Strabane Co. Tyrone BT82 9AQ   Phone: (from the 6 counties) 028 71885388   (from the 26 counties) 048 71885388

 

 

Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh is an Irish Medium Primary School where the need of the pupils and staff are met and fully catered for – intellectually, educationally, emotionally, morally and spiritually.

 

In 1997, a public meeting was held to discuss the provision of primary school education through the medium of Irish in Strabane. This meeting was attended representatives from Gaeloiliúint, Naíscoil an tSratha Báin and Conradh na Gaeilge. The outcome of this meeting resulted in Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh opening its doors in St. Anne’s Pastoral Centre to four children in September 1997.

 

In December 2000, the minister of Education, Martin Mc Guinness, announced that Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh would receive recognition. This was an important step for the growth of the Gaelscoil. Not long after receiving recognition, Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh moved from St.Anne’s Pastoral Centre to a bigger site in Ballycolman, where the school is presently situated.

 

Presently, there are 120 children attending the school with 15 members of staff. Naíscoil an tSratha Báin is situated beside the Gaelscoil which ensures the continually growth of Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh as well as the Irish language community in Strabane.

 

Why Irish Medium Education?

 

Presently, there are 32 Irish Medium Primary schools throughout the six counties. As the Irish medium sector continues to evolve and grow, research has shown the advantages which are associated with bilingualism and immersion education:

 

- Access to two cultures.

- Fluency in both Irish and English (speaking, reading and writing).

- Easier to learn further languages.

- Children’s cognitive skills are better developed.

- Raised self-esteem.

- Self identify is confirmed.

- A positive impact for children’s learning.

- More employment opportunities available.

 

 

If you would like more information relating to Irish Immersion Education in Strabane, get in contact with Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh on 028 71 885388.

 

Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh Ballycolman Estate Strabane Co. Tyrone BT82 9AQ   Phone: (from the 6 counties) 028 71885388   (from the 26 counties) 048 71885388