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Appendix C: Promotion of Gaelic
East Ayrshire Council Educational Services18
Gaelic-medium Education Class Gaidhlig Inbhir Air an Ear
Get the best of both worlds
People who speak two languages 'bilinguals' have two windows on the world. So they can access far more literature, music and media, and all those things that people speaking the same language share. Belonging to two cultures is a matter for pride, not prejudice, so they tend to be more tolerant.
...and they learn better...
Official Scottish research has found that children receiving Gaelic-medium primary education in many instances "outperformed" children taught only in English.
World-wide research confirms that, by the end of their school education, pupils taught in two languages not only gain cultural and psychological advantages in addition to their bilingualism, but are better at problem-solving.
So what is 'Gaelic-Medium education'?
- Children are immersed in the Gaelic language all day long
- Children use books and materials written in Gaelic
- English language lessons (reading and writing) are gradually introduced in Primary 3 and 4
- By Primary 7 children are following the full range of subjects in both Gaelic and English
- Children join the rest of the school for physical education, assembly, trips and other big occasions in the school year
- Gaelic-medium units are specially funded by the Scottish Executive
Where can I find it in East Ayrshire?
At Onthank Primary School in Kilmarnock where there are playgroup, nursery and primary school classes up to P6.
Children are taught by specially qualified teachers and staff in a unit within the main school building.
Frequently Asked Questions...
Does Gaelic-medium education work?
Most certainly. According to recent research, pupils match the attainment targets set out in the national guidelines for all children in primary education. In many cases, they actually do better than children taught only in English.
Do parents need to be able to speak Gaelic?
It certainly helps. Even a few words will encourage children and demonstrate that the language exists outside school. For those with no Gaelic and who wish to join their children in the challenge, there is a special course for learners organised by Kilmarnock College.
How do children cope in Primary 1 if all they hear is Gaelic?
Most parents send their children to the playgroup or nursery, where they learn enough of the language to be able to fit into P1 comfortably, right from day one. They then quickly pick up all that is needed.
Don't they fall behind in their English?
They do get English lessons. Moreover, all the evidence indicates that the gap between Gaelic-medium learners and English-medium pupils quickly disappears, especially if there is help at home. By P7, Gaelic-medium learners often do better in English than the rest of the school.
How will they cope with learning another language like French or Spanish?
The fact that Gaelic is radically different from English means that learners have several years' training in the skills and insights involved in learning a new language. This will give them an advantage when they start another European language in P6. Millions of people throughout the world speak more than two languages.
What happens once they have finished primary school?
East Ayrshire is investigating how to set up a Gaelic-medium education in a secondary school. It already happens elsewhere in Scotland, and there are now national examinations in Gaelic in several subjects.
Ten Reasons to Choose Gaelic Medium Education
- The best years to learn a Language is between 2 years and 8 years. Bilingual education is the best way to develop a child's linguistic capacity.
- Listening and concentration skills are enhanced with a bilingual environment.
- Small class size.
- Increased employment opportunities.
- Learning and being part of a language which has been in Scotland for more than 1000 years.
- Opportunities to take part in Scottish Cultural Events such as the Mod, eg Scottish dance, traditional instruments and music.
- Children are reading and writing in both Gaelic and English by P3/P4. The pupils in the Gaelic unit reach, and often exceed, the standard of their counterparts in mainstream English education.
- Once a child is bilingual it becomes much easier to learn subsequent languages later on in their education or life.
- The children form a close knit community in their 'school within a school'. They also develop friendships with the mainstream pupils at playtime.
- Social events at the school, such as Gaelic after school club or Christmas Ceilidh, are well attended and strengthen ties within and between families.
Gilcomstoun Primary School, Aberdeen
http://www.gilcomstoun.aberdeen.sch.uk/best_kept_secret.htm
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