While the Irish language is regarded very favourably and enjoys support from many sections of the population (O’Rourke, 2005), for others the learning of Irish is bound up with negative memories of school (Murtagh & Harris, 1999). Furthermore, the high standards needed in Irish for Initial Teacher Education Programmes continues to be a stumbling block for many aspiring primary teachers. The fact that Gaeilscoileanna have experienced unprecedented growth in Ireland in recent years (Ó Grádaigh, 2015), and the increase in pupil population and demand for Irish medium schools demonstrates that Irish continues to be a central tenet of primary school practice.
 

In partnership with Lárionad na Gaeilge at Maynooth University  and Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, the Tar Linn ag Teagasc programme attempts to re-conceptualise the implementation and direction of Irish language policy at initial teacher education level for the first time. In line with the Froebelian philosophy of inclusivity and child-centred learning, this initiative proposes that students enrolled in the Think about Teaching- ITE Access Course will have access to an alternative pathway to gain equivalence of entry standard in Irish before commencing a BEd programme in the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education. The Rising Teachers will also have access to similar supports with 40 weeks of Gaeilge classes over the 2 year programme.
 

During the year long foundation course, students will study Level B1 of Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (T.E.G),  and will be provided with a range of innovative classes, activities and language experiences that will develop their confidence and competency in the Irish language. During the two year risin teacher programme students will also study Level B1 of TEG and will participate in innovative classes, activities and language experiences that will develop their confidence and competency in the Irish language. Students participating in the programmes will be supported to develop academic Irish through their courses, professional Irish through their school placements and social Irish through the interactions with peer mentors.  Students will also be provided with an opportunity for immersion in the language in an educational context through a school placement in a Gaelscoil. Additionally, students will be afforded the opportunity to spend a period in the Gaeltacht living with an Irish-speaking family. This Gaeltacht placement will be fully funded by the Turn to Teaching Programme and students who have family responsibilities will be supported in bringing their families where possible. Those students that achieve 50% or more in the level B1 exam  at the end of the year-long Think about Teaching ITE Access Course and pass all other modules on the primary strand will gain entry to the BEd at Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education.