This is a short intensive course which has the sole purpose of preparing applicants to Colleges of Education for their Teastas Eorpach sa Ghaeilge Level B2 exam and Irish admission interview. The course lasts 10 hours over 2 days running from 3.30 pm - 8.00 pm on the Saturday and from 9.30 am til 3.30 pm on the Saturday. Dates in 2012 are 7 & 8 Apr; 25 & 26 Aug and 1 & 2 Dec. Cost is €150. This includes access to online home study materials. Maximum number of places is 10 participants per course.

Where is the course held?

The course is held in Cape Clear Island (Oileán Chléire), 8 miles off the coast of South-West Co. Cork. Teaching takes place in a classroom in the building of Halla Phobal Chléire or, of available to us, in the common room of the Old Coastguard Station Hostel in South Harbour... cois tine - by the fire.

What does the course teach you?

In the course you learn to tackle all aspects of the Level B2 TEG exam (see sample exam papers here). Apart from that we deal with the most common questions that could come up in an Irish interview, such as introducing yourself, talking about your background, interests, hobbies. We talk about schools and teaching - different kinds of schools, advantages and disadvantages of different types, challenges a teacher might encounter. We learn to discuss the skills and characteristics a teacher should have and the features and aims of the curriculum. Apart from this we deal with current affairs through Irish and with questions about grammar. Of course discuss any ideas you might like to share.

Bookings

To express an interest in the preparation course for the TEG Level B2 exam and preparation for the Irish interview for admission to Colleges of Education please fill in the application form here. You can also request participation in our google group (see below) to make contact with other potential participants. If you wish to make further enquiries please write to eolas @ cleire.com.

How do I get to Oileán Chléire?

Access to the island is from Baltimore, West Cork. Ferries travel on Friday evenings 17.30 and Sat morning 11.00 all year round. Check www.cailinoir.com (all year round) or www.capeclearferry.com (fast ferry, summer only).

Where can I get accommodation?

E.g. B&B Ard na Gaoithe (Irish speaking) (028 39160); self catering in the Coastguard Station Hostel (028 41968). Let us know if you need assistance finding accommodation.