Diwan (school)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Diwan is a federation of Breton language schools in Brittany.
The first Diwan (Breton: seed) school was created in 1977 at Lampaul-Ploudalmézeau (Breton: Lambaol-Gwitalmeze) near Brest, because the centralized French state schools were unwilling to offer the Breton language in the curriculum. The initial nursery school was followed by the first primary school in 1980, the first collège in 1988 and the first lycée in 1994.
The Diwan concept, which allows children to learn French and Breton through immersion was inspired by the Gaelscoileanna movement in Ireland, Ikastolak movement in the Basque Country and the Ysgolion Meithrin movement in Wales.
In 2005 over 2,200 pupils attended Diwan schools throughout Brittany at all levels from preschool to the Baccalaureat. A Diwan school opened in Paris, France in September 2004. The network included 35 primary-level schools as of the start of the academic year 2007.
[edit] 2008
Diwan schools are celebrating their 30th anniversary and organizing a non-stop race through Brittany in support of Breton language learning in schools, which has little support from French central government. This race is called Ar Redadeg.
[edit] See also
- Gaelscoileanna- Irish-medium education
