AFTER 18 months of exponential growth the founders of Naíscoil Eoghain, Cookstown's Irish-Medium Pre-School, have decided to establish a new Irish Medium Primary School in Cookstown. According to the Naíscoil Eoghain Committee Secretary Emma Mc Elhone ‘This was always going to be Phase 2 of our project and the fact that we are taking this step shows how far we have come in 18 months’. The Bunscoil will open in September 2010 and is currently accepting applications for Primary 1. This move further reinforces the growing strength of Irish Medium Education in the Mid Ulster area with established Bunscoils already in Coalisland, Maghera, Magherafelt, and Draperstown. Emma adds ‘Life in a Bunscoil is broadly similar to an English medium primary school, with the added advantage that the chilld is learning a second language effortlessly. Gaelscoil Eoghain will follow the same curriculum, will have the same hours but will operate though the medium of Irish’. Naíscoil Eoghain opened in September 2008 and gives preschool age children the chance to experience another language, Irish, at an age when language learning is natural and effortless. “This is a great opportunity for children to take steps to becoming bilingual at this age” said Aodán Mac Shéafraidh, Development Officer with Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta. “Abundant research has shown that there are very many educational advantages associated with becoming bilingual at an early age. The great thing is that parents do not need to be Irish speakers to avail of this immersion education program for their children. Gaelscoil Eoghain will open in September 2010 for Primary 1 children on the existing Naíscoil premises at Chapel Street, Cookstown (behind Cookstown Fire Station). The Bunscoil are currently accepting applications for children who are 4 years old on or before 01 July 2010. Forms need to be submitted by 12 noon Wednesday 20th January 2010. Naíscoil Eoghain are currently accepting applications for children who wish to attend from September 2010. Forms need to be submitted by 12 noon Wednesday 20th January 2010. If your child was born between 2nd July 2006 - 1st July 2007 you may be eligible for a funded place.