Educational & Social Services
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Gaelic-medium Education
Clas Gaidhlig Inbhir Air an Ear
Onthank
Gaelic Nursery Class (22kb)
Onthank
Gaelic Primary Classes (24kb)
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 chldren 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 P7.
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.
Contact Information
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