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Headteacher seminar highlights the need for partnership

09 December 2011

Head teachers took the first step this week towards creating a national network aimed at supporting Gaelic-medium education in Scotland.  At the seminar in Inverness, the first of two hosted by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, head teachers from throughout the country backed a proposal to meet on a regular basis, in an effort to support and strengthen the sector as recommended in the recent HMIe report; “Gaelic Education: Building on the successes, addressing the barriers”.

The head teachers focused on how best to access and develop practical support for Gaelic teaching in schools and reinforce the importance of Gaelic-medium education in creating a sustainable future for the Gaelic language as well as enforcing the proven cognitive benefits of bilingualism.

Opening the event, the Scottish Government Minister for Learning and Skills, Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, outlined how fundamental Gaelic education is to creating a secure future for the language in Scotland over the coming years.  He said, “Strong leadership is a vital component of delivering education in Scotland and I am delighted to see Bord na Gàidhlig leading an event bringing such key figures together.

“Education Scotland have acknowledged the important role of heads in Gaelic-medium education (GME) as we seek to produce a new generation of Gaelic speakers. With public support for Gaelic at such high levels, we must increase the availability of GME around the country and I trust the outcome of today’s conference will help cement the Scottish Government’s commitment to a sustainable future for Gaelic.”

Key speaker at the event, Professor Colin Baker of Bangor University, gave a passionate presentation to the 35 strong group about the communication and biliteracy benefits of bilingualism. Professor Baker is the author of sixteen books and over sixty other texts on bilingualism and bilingual education, with specific interests in language planning and bilingual education.  His message very much supported the main message of Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s national winter campaign which promotes Gaelic-medium education, Dà Chànan = Iomadh Cothrom, (Two Languages = many opportunities).  The campaign is a first for the Bòrd and although is still in its early stages, has already sparked positive feedback. 

Head of Education and Learning at Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Mary MacMillan said, “The draft National Gaelic Language Plan 2012 – 17 aims to double the number of pupils going through Gaelic-medium education by 2017.  To achieve this target, we must continue to promote the benefits of Gaelic-medium education and bilingualism in Scotland.” 

“Our education and communication teams have worked closely in creating a new campaign which carries key messages extolling the virtues of bilingualism.  It is hoped that this campaign will be extended and developed in the New Year.” 

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Steven MacIver, Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

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