SCOTTISH schools are responding well to Gaelic learning, according to the team behind Fèisean nan Gàidheal (World Gaelic Week).
The organisation’s flagship Gaelic language teaching programme – Blasad Gàidhlig – is up and running again for the ninth year.
Sessions are delivered through the Fèisgoil service and are aimed at young learners acquiring Gaelic as an additional language in school.
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The language is acquired through a progressive programme tailored for children and their teachers in nursery and primary schools, featuring interactive sessions with games, songs and active learning methods.
Fèisean nan Gàidheal is delivering the programme in the following eight areas:
- Argyll & Bute
- Dundee
- Falkirk
- Glasgow
- North Ayrshire
- East Ayrshire
- South Ayrshire
- West Dunbartonshire
Across 28 schools with 13 tutors, more than 2200 pupils are benefitting from engaging with learning Gaelic, the organisation said.
Scottish Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth (above) said: “Gaelic is a vital part of Scotland’s culture and this Government is determined to ensure it remains integral to our future.
“The Blasad Gàidhlig programme has made a significant impact in promoting Gaelic and the tutors make an important contribution to language learning at nursery and primary levels.
“The tailored approach for children and teachers which the programme offers has been central to developing the cultural understanding and language skills of pupils.”
The programme’s manager Eilidh Mackenzie added: “Some schools are at the very start of their Gaelic journey and we warmly welcomed them to the Blasad Gàidhlig scheme for 2023/24.
“Some schools, however, have now been involved for many years with children receiving Gaelic tuition through Blasad Gàidhlig in each of their primary areas.
“We are delighted to be able to support all these school communities in this way. The economic impact of the scheme on our tutor group is very important too.
“Many of our tutors are students and to be able to offer them such worthwhile, well-paid work is really important, highlighting that Gaelic is a real financial asset at different stages of life.”
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