Policy for exempting Pupils from the Study of Irish

Rationale and Relationship to School Ethos

The policy seeks to clarify for parents and teachers our criteria and considerations for granting pupils exemptions from the learning of Irish in our school.

Circular 52/2019 outlines the DES policy on exemption from the study of Irish. It states:

The Language component of the Primary Curriculum is for all pupils and comprises both Irish and English. In exceptional circumstances, some pupils may be granted an exemption from the study of Irish. In order for pupils who are exempt from the study of Irish to be recognised when the Department validates school enrolment returns for grant payment and teacher allocation purposes, schools will continue to be required to record data on pupils who are exempt from the study of Irish and the reason for that exemption on the Primary Online Database (POD).

We respect this, and, in so far as it is reasonable, we seek to give all pupils the opportunity to study Irish.

However, we accept that there are pressing reasons why some parents may seek an exemption from the study of Irish for their children. This policy seeks to clarify

1. When it is appropriate to seek to exempt a pupil from Irish

2. What criteria will be used to grant an exemption

3. What procedures will be followed with regard to exemptions

We believe that it is a serious decision to exempt a pupil from the study of Irish, one which could impact upon career choice later on. Therefore, it is a decision that we do not take lightly.

1. When is it appropriate to seek to exempt a pupil from Irish?

Circular 52/2019 sets 12 years of age or the final year in primary education as the most appropriate time to consider an application for an exemption from the study of Irish where pupils

i. may have received their primary education outside the state or

ii. are re-enrolling following a period abroad.

In the case of pupils with significant and sustained learning difficulties, an exemption may be considered where they have at least reached Second Class in primary school

In Scoil Phádraig Naofa, we believe that all children in mainstream classes should have the opportunity to take part in Irish lessons. In compliance with DES directives, no applications for exemptions will be considered up to the end of second class. From second class, formal reading and writing in Irish is practised. As with every subject, class teachers will seek to differentiate when it comes to teaching and setting work in Irish, in order to meet the needs of the children in their class.

If parents of children (who meet the criteria set out below) still request an exemption from Irish, we will consider each request on its merit.

We will make our decision based on

● Input from the teacher as to the needs of the pupil and the degree to which the continued study of Irish is impacting on his/her success other areas of the curriculum

● Input from the parent as to the needs of the pupil and the degree to which the continued study of Irish is impacting on his/her success other areas of the curriculum

● Evidence based on testing

● Recommendations from outside professionals e.g. in psychological reports

2. Criteria under which an exemption from the study of Irish may be granted

Exempting a pupil from the study of Irish will only be considered only in exceptional circumstances. The decision to exempt a pupil from the study of Irish is an important decision that has implications for his/her access to the curriculum and his/her future learning. The decision to grant an exemption from the study of Irish is made by the principal teacher, following detailed discussion and consultation with the pupil’s parent(s)/guardian(s), the class teacher, special education teachers, and the pupil. A decision to grant an exemption should only be considered in the circumstances set out below.

What criteria will be used to grant an exemption?

a. pupils whose education up to 12 years of age (or up to and including the final year of their primary education) was received outside the State and where they did not have opportunity to engage in the study of Irish

Or

b. pupils who were previously enrolled as recognised pupils in primary schools who are being re-enrolled after a period spent abroad, provided that at least three consecutive years have elapsed since the previous enrolment in the state and are at least 12 years of age on re-enrolment

Or

c. pupils who:

i. have at least reached second class

and

ii. present with significant learning difficulties that are persistent despite having had access to a differentiated approach to language and literacy learning in both Irish and English over time.

Documentary evidence to this effect, held by the school, should include Student Support Plans detailing regular reviews of learning needs as part of an ongoing cycle of assessment target-setting evidence-informed intervention and review, including test scores (word reading, reading comprehension, spelling, other scores of language/literacy) at key points of review.

and

Or

d. children of foreigners who are diplomatic or consular representatives in Ireland (In the case of children of foreign nationals who are resident in the country, where the children are enrolled from Junior/Senior Infants, we do not generally grant exemptions.)

An exemption from the study of Irish may also be granted to a pupil:

(i) who has at least reached second class

AND

(ii) who experiences a high level of multiple and persistent needs that are a very significant and continuing barrier to his/her participation and engagement in his/her learning and school life

AND

(iii) whose school has substantial written evidence that these needs persist despite targeted and individualised Student Support Plans to address those needs

AND

(iv) whose school has substantial written evidence that these individualised Student Support Plans have been implemented over not less than two school years, and have been monitored and reviewed by the school in collaboration with the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the pupil

AND

(v) who has been given every reasonable opportunity to participate in the learning of Irish in mainstream classes for as long as possible in keeping with the integrated approach in the Primary Language Curriculum and acknowledging that pupils at a young age adapt and improve over time

AND

(vi) the principal is satisfied that the granting of an exemption is in the overall best interests of the pupil concerned.

Normally, this will mean that the pupil will be expected to engage with the study of Irish at least to the end of fifth class. However, in very exceptional circumstances, where the principal is satisfied that an exemption is warranted to address the high level of multiple and persistent needs of the pupil, and certifies that all of the conditions in (i) to (vi) above have been met, it may be granted at an earlier stage, but in no case may this be earlier than second class.

A pupil in a recognised[1] special school or class or who was previously enrolled in a recognised special school or class or who has a recommendation[2] and has been deemed eligible[3] for a place in a recognised special school and/or in a special class in a mainstream school

(i) Where a pupil is currently enrolled in a recognised special school or special class in a mainstream school or who has previously been enrolled in a recognised special school or special class in a mainstream school and who is transitioning to mainstream provision, that pupil is automatically entitled to an exemption from the study of Irish without an application.

OR

(ii) Where a pupil has a recommendation and has been deemed eligible for a place in a recognised special school and/or in a special class in a mainstream school an application for an exemption from the study of Irish will be required.

Normally, pupils availing of an exemption under (i) OR (ii) of this category should be encouraged to engage with the study of oral Irish language for as long as possible in keeping with the integrated approach in the Primary Language Curriculum and acknowledging that pupils at a young age adapt and improve over time.

[1] A recognised special school/class is a primary or post-primary level class sanctioned and resourced by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). See https://ncse.ie/ for a list of such schools/classes

[2] The recommendation for the pupil to be placed in a special school or special class meets the specifications for such placement as determined by the NCSE and the pupil has been deemed eligible and/or is awaiting the recommended placement.

[3] See Exemptions from the Study of Irish: Guidelines for Primary Schools (English-medium), DE (2022).

3.Procedures for granting an exemption from the study of Irish

A parent/guardian must make an application in writing to the principal of the school for a Certificate of Exemption from the study of Irish on behalf of a pupil.

a) Considering an application for exemption

The principal will:

1. Ensure that the date of receipt of the application by the school is recorded on the form.

2. Acknowledge receipt of the application for exemption from the study of Irish in writing.

3. Discuss the written application with the parent(s)/guardian(s) and confirm the sub-paragraph on which the application is based (2.2a, 2.2b, 2.2c or 2.2d) as soon as practicable following receipt of a written application.

4. Advise the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the next steps in processing the application.

5. Inform the parent(s)/guardian(s)/pupil regarding any implication of an exemption from the study of Irish for the student while in post-primary education and into the future.

6. Inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) that the application will be processed and the outcome confirmed in writing within 21 school days of receipt of the application.

7. Explain to the parent(s)/guardian(s) that a signed Certificate of Exemption will issue where a decision is reached that an exemption from the study of Irish may be granted.

8. Inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) that, where an application is refused, the school’s decision may be appealed to the Irish Exemptions Appeal Committee within 30 calendar days from the date the decision of the school was notified to the parent(s)/guardian(s).

9. Explain to the parent(s)/guardian(s) the arrangements for the pupil’s learning in the case of an exemption being granted.

b) Recording the decision

The outcome of the application process will be conveyed by the school principal in writing to the parent(s)/guardian(s).

Where an exemption is granted, a Certificate of Exemption, signed and dated by the school principal will be issued.

The Certificate of Exemption will also state the name and address of the school, the school roll number, the pupil’s name, date of birth and the sub-paragraph under which the exemption is being granted.

Parents/guardians and pupils should be informed of the option not to exercise the exemption granted, without any loss of the right to exercise it at a future time.

4. Appeal

Where the application for exemption from the study of Irish is refused, a parent/guardian can appeal the school’s decision to the Irish Exemptions Appeal Committee (IEAC). The deliberations of the IEAC will focus solely on the process the school engaged in reaching its decision. The IEAC will consider how the school followed the process as prescribed in this Circular and the accompanying Guidelines for Primary Schools. An appeal must be lodged within 30 calendar days from the date the decision of the school not to grant an exemption was notified in writing to the parent(s)/guardian(s). The Irish Exemptions Appeal Form and Guidelines for Primary Schools can be accessed at www.education.ie/en/Parents/Information/Irish-Exemption/.

5. Arrangements for pupils who are exempt from the study of Irish

Scoil Phádraig Naofa will take account of the literacy learning needs of pupils who are exempt from the study of Irish when deploying available special educational needs resources. To support inclusive practices, a pupil who is exempt from the study of Irish may still be included in a meaningful way in aspects of Irish language and cultural activities in line with his/her ability and interests.

6. Supports for pupils who have no understanding of English when enrolled

A pupil who has no understanding of English when enrolled and whose education up to 12 years of age or up to the final year of his/her primary education was received outside the state, should be provided with intensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) in preparation for his/her full engagement with the Primary Language Curriculum at a level commensurate with his/her ability.

An exemption granted to a pupil may be operative throughout his/her enrolment in primary and post-primary school.

7. Pupils transitioning to other schools

It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) to ensure that a copy of the pupil’s Certificate of Exemption is made available to the receiving school.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Class teachers, Parents, Principal and BoM will contribute to the implementation of school procedures as outlined in the policy.

Implementation, Communication and review

This policy will be in operation from May 2023, having been ratified by Staff and BoM. It will be available in the Plean Scoile and on the school website. It will be reviewed in June 2026.

Ratified by the Board of Management: May 2023 To be reviewed: June 2026