FAQs

No. You don’t need to be fluent in Irish, or even to speak Irish at all, for your child/ren to attend the Naíscoil or the Bunscoil. Many parents who have children learning through Irish have very little or no Irish themselves (about 95%). For parents who are interested in learning Irish, having a child learning through Irish is a good way to pick up a little bit of the language. Whatever your own experience of Irish, we will provide the resources to help you support your child's language journey.

Immersion education is where the curriculum is taught through another language, in this case Irish, giving your child the gift of two languages. Research shows that having two languages from an early age can help cognitive and academic development, as well as empathy, creativity and flexible thinking.

The earlier a child learns a new language the better. Three years old is an ideal time to start, as that is when the foundations for attitudes, thinking, and learning are laid down. Read more about the best age for kids to learn a second language.

Homework is best done by children as it reinforces the work carried out throughout the school day, this way teachers can better comprehend the child’s level of understanding if it’s their own work. Parents can help their children by encouraging them to carry out their homework and having a routine in place for this to happen.

Yes! Your Primary 1 child will pick up Irish very quickly in our immersive setting. Previous Naíscoil attendance is helpful, but not necessary.

Most Irish-medium schools are non-denominational and they accept children of all faiths and none. Scoil na Seolta is different because we have chosen to be part of the Integrated Sector. Scoil na Seolta actively works to ensure a balance of children from Catholic, Protestant and other backgrounds. Our aim is to bring children and families of different cultural traditions together and to promote inclusion and diversity.

44a Montgomery Road, Belfast, BT6 9HL

Adult Irish classes are available across Belfast, including at Turas on the Newtownards Road and various other locations, including online. All levels of Irish classes are available, from total beginners up to GCSE and beyond. And all levels of classes are free of charge for Naíscoil and Scoil na Seolta parents in Turas. You are warmly invited to come and join us for events or even to pop in to Turas anytime to say hello and find out more.

Research shows that bilingual children perform better in English and Maths at the end of primary education.