| Level 1 | Level 1.5 | Level 2 |
| Beginner Level | Intermediate Level | Ready to prepare for the Examinations/Assessments |
LEVEL 1:
Are you coming to the SCG or the OCG without having studied Irish-Gaeilge before?
In these circumstances it is recommended that you begin at level 1: Beginner Level.
Level 1 materials Beatha Teanga are available to access and download at: (https://ilrweb.ie/beatha-teanga-l-1 )
- REGISTER WITH THE TEACHING COUNCIL
The first step is to register with the Teaching Council. The Teaching Council will assess your teaching qualifications. In normal circumstances, the Teaching Council will identify a Gaeilge (Irish) shortfall and will apply a Gaeilge (Irish) condition to your registration. The Teaching Council will normally allow a period of three years from date of registration for you to satisfy the Gaeilge condition attached to your registration (to contact the Teaching Council please go to: www.teachingcouncil.ie).
- LEARNING THE LANGUAGE
As a complete beginner at Level 1, the best approach is to seek to learn the language first and then when you feel competent to make a good attempt at some or all of the modules to apply to the Irish Language Requirement Office to register to undertake the SCG or OCG. You do not need to register with the Irish Language Requirement Office until you feel ready to undertake the modules of the examination/assessment.
- HOW TO LEARN THE LANGUAGE
There are a number of options for learning the language. Usually a combination of these is the best approach:
- SELF-DIRECTED STUDY (Level 1)
In this option you may use the Level 1 materials (Beatha Teanga) which are available at www.ilrweb.ie. Both text and audio materials can be accessed on the website and you can use these to set a schedule of self-directed study.
- APPLY TO AN ONLINE BEGINNER COURSE (Level 1)
A list of current courses is available at www.ilrweb.ie You can enrol for these courses which usually begin in September/October. The courses are all available online and further details may be attained by making direct contact with the Beginner Course provider. Please note that there will be a fee payable directly to the provider for the course.
- ENGAGE WITH A PRIVATE TUTOR TO TAKE A BEGINNER COURSE (Level 1)
The list of current private tutors is available at www.ilrweb.ie You can make direct contact with any of the tutors on the list with a view to undertaking a beginner course with a tutor. The ideal time to begin is usually in September / October but starting at other times may be possible so check directly with the tutor. The courses are all available online and further details will be available by making direct contact with the tutor. Please note that there will be a fee payable directly to the tutor for the course.
- TWO ROUTES: SCG and OCG
There are two routes to obtain the Irish Language Requirement.
- SCG: Please read the SCG guide (this route will suit all primary teachers but particularly those who may not be in a mainstream classroom teacher position or who may not be in a school). SCG GUIDE DETAILS: https://ilrweb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/SCG-GUIDE-compressed-converted.pdf
- Please read the OCG guide (there is an adaptation period requirement of 120 days spent as a mainstream class teacher, so this route will suit if you are working in a mainstream class teacher capacity). SEE OCG GUIDE DETAILS: https://ilrweb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/OCG-GUIDE-compressed-converted.pdf
- THE GAELTACHT REQUIREMENT
GAELTACHT:
One of the requirements of the Irish Language Requirement for all applicants is that you complete three weeks of residential courses in the Gaeltacht.
This can be undertaken in blocks of 1 week, 2 week or 3 week courses to make up the total required three weeks. It can work well if you undertake the Gaeltacht weeks over the three year period and use the Gaeltacht week(s) to help improve your Irish. The Gaeltacht course provider(s) will focus particularly on learning the language and particularly Oral Language. Gaeltacht course weeks are normally provided during: Autumn mid-term, February mid-term, Spring/Easter holidays and Summer holidays.
The current list of recognised Gaeltacht Course Providers is available at: https://ilrweb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/C%C3%BArsa%C3%AD-Gaeltachta-SCG-OCG-13-01-20-compressed-converted.pdf
Please note that fees for the Gaeltacht course(s) are payable directly to the Gaeltacht Course provider.