APPLICATIONS are open for the British Council’s Irish Language Assistant programme.
The scheme gives Irish speakers the chance to work in schools across Northern Ireland, giving support to the teaching and learning of Irish and aims to revolutionise how students relate to languages by not just teaching basic phrases and words, but teaching Irish folklore, songs, local place names and history.
Successful applicants will be matched to placements offered by schools for one academic year, after which they may re-apply to the programme for a further year, with hours of work ranging from anything between two and 12 hours a week, depending on availability and school requests.
Cliodhna Nic Bhranair, a 21-year-old student at Queen’s University Belfast, is currently taking part in this year’s scheme, working at Sacred Heart Grammar in Newry.
She said: “I’ve really enjoyed the programme so far — it’s been challenging but also very rewarding. It’s difficult to get students interested in languages these days, but I love when you can spark a real interest.”
No previous teaching experience or particular qualifications are needed to apply for the programme but a passion for languages is a must.
Cliodha for example, is currently studying for a Masters in History, and graduated with Irish at undergradate level. She said: “I think being an Irish language assistant helps keep my Irish skills alive, but also gives me the confidence to try new things and push boundaries and really discover what I’m capable of.”
There are currently over 60 language assistants in Northern Ireland through the British Council’s assistant programme, hailing from all corners of the globe including China, Chile, Mexico and Switzerland.
Emphasising the importance of learning a different language, British Council NI deputy director Jonathan Stewart said: “Learning a language gives us the ability to better understand and connect to our own and different cultures.
“The British Council is committed to teaching languages in the classroom through the Language Assistant programme and other opportunities such as through Erasmus+, the EU’s flagship programme for education, training, youth and sport.”