The Department of Education has supplied what has been described as "a comprehensive and positive response" to concerns raised by the Celtic League about the provision of secondary education in Manx.

The League wanted to know what provision could be made for students moving on from the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh.

The first pupils to complete year six at the Bunscoill will do so in July next year and will start secondary school in September of that year.

The Department says it is currently finalising opportunities for what it calls a "very small group" of pupils with limited opportunity for discussion and interaction.

It's been agreed that the pupils need to continue with lessons in Manx . . as well as learning other subjects using Manx as a medium.

The Department says it has identified a number of subjects where the opportunity exists to deliver the secondary curriculum in Manx, including maths, geography, history, RE, French, art, PSHE and Citizenship.

It is also felt that 1 to 3 hours per week of learning through Manx should be enough for pupils to maintain and build on the language skills developed at the Bunscoill.

It's hoped the secondary school concerned in the plans will be named before the end of the current term.

Picture: Bunscoill Ghaelgagh in St. Johns