The vast majority of second-level schools in the country have immigrant children among their student body, according to a report published by the Economic and Social Research Institute today.
The report, Adapting to Diversity: Irish Schools and Newcomer Students, is the first national study of school provision for newcomer students. It surveys 1,200 primary and second-level schools and provides detailed case-studies of twelve schools.
In contrast to second-level schools, four in ten primary schools have no immigrant children. However there are a disproportionate number of primary schools with quite high concentrations of newcomers.
The report found that newcomers are more likely to attend urban schools and those already catering for disadvantaged student groups.
While newcomer students are seen by teachers as motivated, hard-working and placing a high value on education, language needs, if not addressed, hinder their academic development and social integration. Language needs among newcomer parents make it difficult to involve parents in their child’s education since few schools have access to translation services.
According to the report, newcomer students spend most of their time being taught by mainstream classroom or subject teachers, few of whom have received training on teaching English as an additional language. Principals and teachers identified a need for more training for teachers, guidance on best practice and access to teaching materials suitable for older students learning English.
The report also found that two-thirds of second-level schools and half of primary schools have put formal measures in place to support the social integration of newcomer students.
Relations between newcomer and Irish students are seen as broadly positive. However, the report found some evidence of segregation in friendship patterns and incidences of bullying based on nationality or ethnicity.
Despite the recession, diversity is likely to remain a feature of Irish society. The report stresses the need, in the context of scarce resources, to avoid a trade-off between the needs of newcomers and those of Irish students.
Promoting good relations among teachers, parents and students and teaching to the range of abilities in the class will, according to the report, benefit all students.