Naidheachdan
Teirm 4
Bhon Àrd-Sgoil
An t-Ògmhios 2012
Làithean-Saora 2012-2013 /School Holidays 2012-2013
Teachers Return
Monday, 13 August 2012
Pupils Return
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
In-service Day
Thursday, 20 September 2012
September Weekend
Friday, 21 & Monday, 24 September 2012
In-Service Day SECONDARY ONLY
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
First Mid-Term
Monday, 15 October to
Friday, 19 October 2012 (inclusive)
In-Service Day SECONDARY ONLY
Monday, 19 November 2012
Christmas/New Year
Monday, 24 December 2012 to
Friday, 4 January 2013 (inclusive)
Return to School
Monday, 7 January 2013
Second Mid-Term
Monday, 11 & Tuesday, 12 February 2013
In-Service Day
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Good Friday
Friday, 29 March 2013
Spring Holiday
Monday, 1 April to
Friday, 12 April 2013 (inclusive)
May Day Holiday
Monday, 6 May 2013
In-Service Day
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
May Weekend
Friday, 24 May and
Monday, 27 May 2013
School Closes
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Please note that in-service days are subject to change or addition
throughout the year and that dates are correct at the time of print.
Glasgow Music Festival: Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu
Buannaichean 2012 – 2012 Winners
Pedal Harp Open
2nd
Aimée Clark
AS3
Traditional Clàrsach Solos A
1st
Eilidh Millar
AS1
2nd
Anna NicGriogair
BS7
Traditional Clàrsach Solos B
2nd
Christina Gorman
AS2
Traditional Clàrsach Solos C
1st
Anna Jean MacKenzie
BS6
3rd
Meredith Kiemer
BS2
Scots Fiddle Open
1st
Anna Jean MacKenzie
BS6
2nd
Frances Driscoll
AS1
Scots Fiddle Solos A
2nd
Anna NicGriogair
BS7
3rd
Morag McKirdy
BS6
Scots Fiddle Solos B
1st
Abigail Cavanagh
BS5
2nd
Lachlan Kennedy
BS4
2nd
Beth Murray
BS4
3rd
Sìleas NicGriogair
BS4
3rd
Connal Whyte
BS4
Primary School Instrumental Groups
2nd
Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu Ceòl na Fìdhle 1
BS5-7
Taing mhòr dha na tidsearan uile a chuidich leis an ionnsachadh aig na ghabh pàirt, gu h-àraid Ms
NicEachainn a cho-òrdanaich gnothaichean. Many thanks to the teachers of all who participated,
especially Ms McEachen who co-ordinated matters.
Piano Exam Results
Initial
Merit
Lucy Cairns
Primary 2
Merit
Lewis Sutherland
Primary 2
Merit
Calum Campbell
Primary 2
Pass
Sarah Bonad
Primary 2
Distinction
Dòmhnall MacGriogair
Primary 2
Merit
Meredith Kiemer
Primary 2
Merit
Mairead MacLennan
AS1
Merit
Donald Morrison
AS1
Pass
Rosie Urquhart
AS1
Merit
Mia Paton
AS1
Distinction
Nicola Campbell
AS1
Distinction
Eilidh Miller
AS1
Màiri Bell MacDonald
AS1
Grade 1
Grade 3
Pass
Violin Exam Results
Grade 1
Merit
Meridith Kiemer
Primary 2
Pass
Rae MacIver
Primary 3
Merit
Seona MacLeod
Primary 4
Merit
Anna Horsburgh
Primary 4
Merit
Robaidh White
Primary 4
Merit
Abigail Cavanagh
Primary 5
Pass
Alasdair Campbell
Primary 5
Pass
Duncan MacKenzie
Primary 4
Anna J MacKenzie
Primary 6
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 6
Merit
Chuir sinn fàilte air . . .
Dh’fhàg sinn beannachd aig . . .
We welcomed . . . We said farewell to . . .
We were delighted to have Melanie Bailly a French teacher from Marseille with us for a week.
Melanie commented on the high standards she encountered in classes.
On 6 June, we hosted a group from Iceland who called in classes in both Primary and Secondary.
We said farewell to Jason Bond who was with us from St Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia.
Jason wishes to thank all staff and pupils for his welcome whilst with us. He has since been
appointed to a Gaelic teaching post in Islay High School. Fàilte air ais a dh’Alba, Jason.
We welcomed back after Easter Shonagh McLennan for a placement in Gàidhlig and History.
Shonagh has a new post in the Nicolson Institute, Stornoway.
Visiting as part of the Erasmus programme we had two Spanish students Hugo Martinez and
Veronica Diaz who had the opportunity to see the Àrd-sgoil, Bun-sgoil and Sgoil Àraich. Taing gu
na tidsearan a tha daonnan cho deònach taic a thoirt don iomadh luchd-tadhail a th’ againn.
Thanks to staff who always welcome our many visitors.
Mìle taing gu Prof David Flint, Strathclyde University, who worked with S2 pupils in preparation
for a Science Debate. This inter-disciplinary project between Science and English culminated in
a class debate on animal testing. The standard of debate was of a high order and contributions
from the floor were well thought out. Although the staff were of the opinion that they wished
to live longer than the average lifespan this is perhaps because they are closer to this than S2
pupils!
Taing mhòr gu David Lyon our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
ambassador who gave a presentation to the Higher Chemistry Class.
Daniel MacRae, who has been appointed as a Probationer History teacher to Sgoil Ghàidhlig
Ghlaschu, visited the school at the end of term. Fàilte Daniel and we look forward to you being
with us next session.
We say ‘Beannachd leat’ to Eva Malessa, Comenius Language Assistant who left us in June. Eva’s
main focus was in the teaching of Higher German and she also supported in French classes.
Some of her other work included helping in Primary classes for Christmas and also for the
Olympics Project. Mòran taing to Eva for all she helped with in school. See further on in this
newsletter for an article by Eva about her experience.
Beannachdan cuideachd gu Sarah MacFarquhar who volunteered in the English department.
Mòran taing Sarah and we wish you every success in Strathclyde University next year.
Moving to Hazlehead Academy after being with us for a year is Paul Geddes, Gàidhlig. Tha sinn
an dòchas gun tèid dhut gu math anns an obair ùr agad. We wish you all the best in Aberdeen.
Karim Zakaria has been with us on supply for PE since January. Thank you for all you have done
at Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu and good luck for the future.
We were fortunate to have Hamad Kibria in the school office for work experience. The office
staff were very grateful for all his help at a particularly busy time of year. Mòran taing.
New appointments
Staff joining us in August – we warmly welcome the following who will be with us next session:
Mrs Erica MacKenzie, appointed to a full-time English position, Ms Dominique McSherry who
joins our Maths department, Mr Calum MacKay who has been appointed to a full-time PE post, Mr
Iain MacCorquodale who will also be on the PE staff and Mr Cristoir Piondargas who will be
teaching Technology. Joining us in the office will be Christina Beggs. Fàilte mhòr chridheil
oirbh uile.
Platinum Award
Sin sibh fhèin cuideachd gu Sgoil Àraich, Bun-sgoil and Àrd-sgoil who all achieved a Platinum
Award from Glasgow City Council’s Partnership Team Awards for activities connected to
Enterprise, Sports Development and Citizenship.
Togail Airgid son Carthannais – Charitable Fundraising
Moladh mòr air Fionn Whyte is Iona Whyte – they raised over £200 for Sports Relief through
being sponsored to run to and from school for a week. Nach robh sin sgoinneil.
Seo aithris bheag a sgrìobh Fionn mu dheidhinn an ruith a rinn e fhèin ‘s Iona airson carthannais.
“Ruith mi fhìn agus mo phiuthar a-steach dhan sgoil (agus air ais dhachaigh) a h-uile latha de
seachdain sgoil gus airgead a thogail dhan charthannas ‘Sport Relief’. Tha sinn an dòchas gun
tèid an t-airgead a chruinnich sinn bhon ruith gu àite far a bheil feum aige. Tha sinn uabhasach
toilichte gun do rinn sinn e agus thog sinn cha mhòr £200. Mar sin, tapadh leibh a h-uile duine
airson ur taic.” Fionn ‘s Iona
Nach math a rinn Siobhan Brady – well done to Siobhan Brady for raising over £47 for the
Erskine Hospital with a Stall at the School Fair.
Skylar McCowan, S1, took part in the Race for Life for cancer research. The race is 5K/c3miles.
She raised a considerable sum of money for this worthwhile cause.
Ceinia – Kenya
Sponsorship organised by Mrs MacPhee and Clas 5, has raised £3,400 towards supporting an
orphanage in Kenya. Nach eil sin sònraichte.
Fèill an t-Samhraidh – Summer Fair
Ceud, mìle taing dhan h-uile duine a chuidich aig Fèill an t-Samhraidh. Many, many thanks to all
who helped in any way at the School Fair on Saturday. Funds raised were in the region of
£2,000. Tha sinn fada nur comain.
Youth Games
Well done to our participants at the Youth Games. This was our best ever performance at such
an event – nach sibh a rinn math.
Ball-coise – Football
S2 Football Boys Played 5 games (2 wins, 3 draws) - a good result
S2 Football Girls - unfortunately they lost all their games but gained from the opportunity to
face much more experienced opposition
S3 Ball-bhòlaidh - Volleyball
Boys A 3rd
Boys B 2nd
Girls
2nd
A notable achievement as they have just started this sport and competed well against other
traditional volleyball schools. Sgoinneil!
Lùth-chleasan - Athletics
Finlay Benton 3/8 hurdles, 12/22 Long Jump
Iain Campbell 4th Javelin
Aidan Fitzpatrick 7/8 100m, 5/22 High Jump
Chris O’ Connor 2/8 Hurdles, 5/22 High Jump
Fraser Watt 4/22 Shot Putt
Samuel Dow 3/8 800m, 10/22 Long Jump
Rory Connelly 18/22 Shot Putt
Eoghann Gibson 6/8 800m, 10/22 Long Jump
Siobhan Brady 8/8 100m, 5/22 High Jump
Frances Driscoll 3/8 200m, 10/22 High Jump
Charlotte Moock 2/8 Hurdles
Chloe Morrison 4/8 Hurdles
Rosie Urquhart 2/8 800m, 4/22 Long Jump
Mairi Bell Macdonald 4/8 800m, 9/22 High Jump
Alix Wardrope Shaw 3/8 200m, 20/22 Shot Putt
Eilidh Miller 6/8 Hurdles, 8/12 Javelin
S2
Lewis Gibson 3/8 Hurdles, 10/22 High Jump
Stephen Mallon 8/8 100m,
John Nicholson 4/8 200m, 7/22 High Jump
Fionn Whyte 1/8 800m, 3/22 Long Jump
Thomas Kennedy 4/8 800m
Grant Wetherall 3/8 Hurdles, 16/22 Javelin
Marcus Galanti 3/18 100m, 5/22 Long Jump
Elizabeth Burns 4/8, 6/22 Long Jump
Sophie Grossart 6/8 Hurdles
Rebecca McArthur 8/8 200m
Brighde Morrison 4/8 100m
Mòd Shruighlea – Stirling Mòd
Bha deagh Mhòd aig Eilidh Jenkins, Christina Gorman agus Rebekah Boyle. Eilidh got 1st in solo
singing, traditional singing and bàrdachd, Christina was 3rd in bàrdachd and Rebekah got 2 Gold
and 2 Bronze medals. Nach iad a rinn math.
Mòd Ghlaschu – Glasgow Mod
We are awaiting the complete results for the recent Mòd Ionadail and will let parents know when
they are available. Some of the successful participants will be going to the Mòd Nàiseanta in
October and we wish them every success.
Trades House Competition
The prizegiving for Craft Project Winners took place on 30 May. Successful pupils from Sgoil
Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu were Paul McGrath, Isla MacVicar, Darcy Riach and Kieron McGarrity. Their
display of work within the department was of an extremely high standard.
Health Summit, Scotstoun
Brittany Louden, Rachel Lyons, Anna Matheson, Olivia Cruickshank, Robert Took, Paul Traynor,
Alexander Moock, Jack McMenemy and Uilleam Iain MacGregor represented the school at the
summit. Their video presentation was well received.
Còcaireachd is Masterchef – Cooking and Masterchef
Well done to Isabella MacDonald, one of two pupils chosen from 100 applicants to attend the
Ideal Home Show and participate in a ‘cook off’ with Gregg Wallace from Masterchef. She
enjoyed the day and received positive feedback.
Turas gu CERN – Trip to CERN
Congratulations to David Mackenzie who recently gained a place on a trip to Switzerland in
August to the famous CERN laboratories. The 3 day trip to CERN is sponsored by the Ogden
Trust, CERN, the University of Glasgow, and the Scottish Universities Environmental Research
Centre. This will set him up nicely as he leaves us to begin his studies in Physics in St. Andrews
University in September.
Ball-coise - Football
Well done to Alexander MacNeil and Fergus O’Hanlon who have joined Greenock Morton U15
football team. Sin sibh fhèin.
Mòran taing
The physics department recently received a donation of a 4 channel, dual beam storage
oscilloscope from Texas Instruments in Greenock.
This should improve pupils' experience during practical lessons. Many thanks to them.
Deit airson an leabhar-latha – Date for your diary
Glasgow City Council presents: Glasgow Schools’ Symphony Orchestra, Concert, Concert Hall,
Sunday, 2 September 2012, 7.30pm. Tickets (£9, £7 concession) available from 2 August 2012.
Some of our pupils are members of the orchestra.
Campa nan Deugairean – Youth Camp
6-10 Lùnastal, Bagh a’ Chaisteil gu Loch nam Madadh le baidhsagal. Gaelic medium bike ride from
Castlebay to Lochmaddy for pupils from S4 upwards. Cuir fios gu Dòmhnall Morris, CNAG air
01463 234138
Saoranachd – Citizenship
As part of their Citizenship classes, 3A and 3B organised two events. Well done for the success
of the S1-3 Spring Fling Dance and the Coffee morning for MacMillan Cancer. The events raised
£126 and £212 respectively. Bha sin sgoinneil.
Ceòl ann an Sruighlea
Moilidh NicGriogair performed in the prestigious concert - Scotland’s Midsummer Music
Spectacular with Gustavo Dudamel and The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela
with a special guest appearance by Big Noise.
Àrd-sgoil Hillhead - Hillhead High School
Some of our senior pupils visited Hillhead in preparation for joining the school for some
Advanced Higher and Higher courses we do not currently offer. Mòran taing gu Mr T Gough,
DHT, who showed pupils round the High School.
Meal a naidheachd
Nach math a rinn David MacKenzie is Marion Gallagher – presented with their 1st and 3rd prizes
for their Gaelic essays for Urras Brosnachaidh na Gàidhlig by Bill Innes and Mairi Sandeman.
Latha Spòrs – Sports Day
S2 Boys Shot Putt
S2 Girls Shot Putt
1 Kane McCloy
1 Dionne Docherty
2 Alex Macneil
2 Morgan Cameron
3 Grant Wetherall
3 Eilidh Macaulay
S3 Boys Shot Putt
S3 Girls Shot Putt
1 Thomas Starmore
1 Rachel Lyons
2 Ruairidh MacLennan
2 Heather Neill
3 Aidan Spiers
3 Aimee Clark
S2 Boys Standing Long Jump
S2 Girls Standing Long Jump
1 Lewis Gibson
1 Chloe Morrison
2 Alex MacNeil/Fionn Whyte
2 Sophie Buchan/Kara Mackay/ Rebecca Currie
3 Marcus Galanti
3 Katie Blain
S3 Boys Standing Long Jump
S3 Girls Standing Long Jump
1 Dean Tyrrell
1 Moilidh MacGregor
2 George Costford
2 Abbie MacNeil
3 Ruairidh MacLennan
3 Kelsey Dhinsa
S1 - due to weather conditions that morning S1 had mini games in the games hall (football and
hockey). Well done to everyone who took part in the 40 m Sprint.
Math dha rìreabh dhan h-uile sgoilear a ghabh pàirt.
Olympic Torch Event
Thanks to Ms McEachen and Mrs Morrison who worked really hard over the last couple of weeks
to prepare the pupils for the Olympic event in George Square. The contribution from the school
was a resounding hit and the young people had a great time meeting all the stars of the day.
There is footage on youtube.
Sàbhailteachd ann an Spòrs – Safety in PE
This information is being distributed in response to the phone calls that establishments receive
from parents who are of the understanding that children can participate fully in PE with new
body piercings.
Although it is common practice for cosmetic piercers to advise that jewellery must remain in the
body for a number of weeks due to the healing process Education Services guidance remains the
same in that to participate fully in PE activities all piercings must be removed.
"2.7 Personal effects (e.g. jewellery, body piercings, watches, hair slides and belts constitute a
hazard and may cause injury to themselves or others if worn whilst participating in Physical
Education and must be removed - this list is not exhaustive and staff should assess as
appropriate".
This information is being sent at this time as a reminder to all Heads of Establishments/
Managers to inform parents that the summer break is a preferred time for piercings as it will
allow sufficient time for any healing to take place.
Once pupils return to school in August the expectation will be that jewellery will be removed in
order for pupils to participate in physical exercise programmes.
Article from Evening Times re Russia Trip
THESE youngsters have gone from Glasgow to a Moscow palace after being asked to perform at
a festival for gifted children. The four music pupils, Dean Tyrrell, 15, Moilidh MacGregor, 14,
George Costford, 14, and Aimee Clark, 15, are from Glasgow Gaelic School and they spent six
days in the Russian capital playing Scottish music in front of crowds of hundreds of people.
Their gigs involved playing in a palace, a museum ... and the former home of Tchaikovsky,
composer of Swan Lake and the 1812 Overture. Music teacher Frances McEachen went with the
third year pupils as they toured the city. She said: “It was flattering for us all to be approached
and asked to attend. The pupils’ performances went down very well and they even had a standing
ovation.” The pupils all study music at the Gaelic School, which is in Berkeley Street, near
Charing Cross. They were approached by organisers of the annual Spirikov Foundation
International Music Festival, which sees young people from all around the world travel to Moscow
to perform at events across the city. The Glasgow qua rtet performed A Man’s A Man For A’
That, Sleeping Tune and Scotland The Brave on drum, fiddle, bagpipes and clàrsach. Moilidh said:
“It was amazing. We couldn’t believe the size of the underground: every station is different and
they are like underground towns. “Playing for the crowds during the festival was nervewracking,
but once we started it was fine. “We could hear the other acts before we went on and they were
all of a really high standard, so we were worried we would not be as good. “But everyone seemed
to enjoy the Scottish music and have a good time. We got a standing ovation at the palace.” As
well as performing, the youngsters had a tour guide from Glasgow University, who took them
around the city. They visited the Kremlin, Red Square and St Basil’s cathedral, as well as viewing
the city’s unusual architecture and learning a bit of Russian history. Ms McEachen, who has
taught at the Gaelic School since it opened six years ago, added: “It is something they will
always remember and it was very interesting to see round Moscow. It’s a remarkable city.”
Deuchainnean SQA – SQA Exams
Pupils will receive their results by post or text, if they have signed up for this service, on
Tuesday 7 August. We hope that they reflect the hard work of pupils and teachers in
preparation for the exams and the support of families leading up to them. Mrs MacNeil and
Miss Chaimbeul will be available on Friday 10 August for any pupil who wishes to come in to
discuss their timetable in light of their results. Please ensure that if you are looking to change
your timetable that you take advantage of this opportunity before terms starts.
Bha 35,000 sgoilearan a’ sàs anns a program “inspire – aspire” am Bliadhna seo. Chleachd
iad na geamaichean Oilimpigs agus na Para-Oilimpigs mar chuspair agus bha iad a’ coimhead
air na buadhan a bh’ aig na lùth-chleasaichean iad fhìn agus gan ceangal gu na buadhan agus
na luachan a bh’ aig na sgoilearan. Fhuair Adam Smith AS4 Bonn Airgid agus bha Tabitha
Freeburn AS4 air a h-ainmeachadh am measg na duaisean.
Rinn an dithis aca uamhasach
math anns a co-fharpais nàiseanta seo.
Inspired pupil from Glasgow Gaelic School wins Silver at London 2012 education awards.
Some of the country’s brightest young people welcomed the Olympic torch at Hampden Stadium
last week and were awarded medals by former Olympian Liz McColgan for their work on the
Inspire-Aspire programme.
The Inspire-Aspire Awards programme reached 35,000 young people this year by using the
Olympic and Paralympic Games and the character qualities of Olympians to inspire young people
to set personal goals and to develop future aspirations.
Winning a Silver medal at the event was Adam Smith from Glasgow Gaelic School who chose
Jesse Owens as an inspirational figure as part of his work on the programme.
Explaining the reasons for his choice, Adam said “Jesse Owens inspires me to work harder, run
faster and to be my best, he is an inspiration in the sporting sense and in the sense of what
equality is.”
Before presenting the awards, former World Champion and Olympic Silver medallist McColgan
told a packed audience that it was inspiration from her coach and her determined work ethic
which gave her the edge over more talented runners.
Inspire-Aspire aims to help young people gain a better understanding of their own character
qualities and values and inspire them to create a personal development plan. Adam explained how
much of an impact participating in Inspire-Aspire has had on him:
“I have learned what I really want to do and it has made me a more open minded person.”
Seachdain Spòrs a-Muigh Ghàidhlig - An t-Òban Samhradh 2012
Stramash are hosting an activity week in Oban which will be delivered in Gaelic, 9th - 13th July.
A fantastic opportunity for 12-17 year olds to practice and use their Gaelic language skills while
having fun in the outdoors.
Spaces have been booked already - so anyone who is interested should be directed to our Youth
Programme page on our web site for further information and to make a booking.
http://www.stramash.org.uk/courses/details/gaelic-outdoor-adventure-week/
Carson nach tig thu còmhla rinn airson turas sgoinneil a-muigh san Òban as t-samhradh?
A bheil thu 12 gu 17 bliadhna a dh’aois? A bheil Gàidhlig agad?
An còrdadh e riut pàirt a gabhail ann an cur-seachadan a-muigh làn dùbhlain is sàr chraic?
Bidh an t-seachdain-chòmhnaidh againn eadar Diluain 12 agus Dihaoine 17 Iuchar, agus loma-làn
chur-seachadan mìorbhaileach: coiseachd tro mhòr-ghil, sreap agus teàrnadh le ròpa,
boghadaireachd, curachanachd, sreap is snàmh air an oirthir, agus fiù ’s tuil-leadh air an oidhche!
Bheir sinn dhut àite-fuirich agus biadh airson seachdain, a bharrachd air siubhal air ais is air
adhart bhon ionad-chòmhnaidh san Òban.
Bidh ar luchd-teagaisg teisteanaichte Gàidhlig a’ cur seachad na seachdain còmhla riut, an ceann
nan cur-seachadan agus a’ toirt dhut gach rud a dh’fheumas tu.
Tha an t-seachdain a’ cosg £75 gach neach agus bidh agad ri siubhal don Òban fhèin agus air ais
dhachaigh.
Airson àite a ghleidheadh, rach chun na làraich-lìn againn www.stramash.org.uk
Ga ruith le Stramash le taic bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig
My Comenius Story – Making an Impact
Eva Malessa
I decided to apply as a Comenius foreign language assistant (FLA) because I believed and I still
do, more than ever before, that as a FLA you have the great opportunity to gain authentic
insights into another country’s educational system in form of glimpses of daily school life abroad.
This is exactly what happened to me during the last ten months I spent in Scotland, where I
have been a FLA at the bilingual Gaelic School in Glasgow. An experience I am very very thankful
for.
For me as a future English as a foreign language teacher the possibility to work and live in an
English-speaking country has been very rewarding and I am sure that my future teaching will
definitely profit from my experience of using and expanding my English knowledge on a daily
basis. As I was mainly assisting French classes, also my rusty French school knowledge has been
revived. Further I gained the useful insight that there are a lot of similar elements in teaching
any foreign language. In addition I tried to apply this insight to my own teaching of German at
various occasions and to various age groups.
During my year at the Gaelic School I had the possibility to reflect and develop my own
theoretical and practical teaching skills acquired during my studies regarding amongst others
the promoting of minority languages and multilingualism. At the Gaelic school I had the unique
possibility to experience teaching in an authentic bilingual environment. Due to my personal
background growing up with two languages (German and Finnish), of which I studied only one at
school (German), I am fascinated how Gaelic is being actively used and promoted.
Apparently Gaelic is easily acquired by the children starting their Gaelic school career in the
nursery or primary - thanks to the support and guidance of the great primary school staff- but
unfortunately working at the Gaelic School did not help me pick up Gaelic as easily. Gaelic is quite
different from all other languages I have studied before and the existence of Scotland’s second
official language is even today unknown to many people. Indeed, many of my friends and
acquaintances have never heard about a language called Gaelic before I told them I will be an
assistant at Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu.
In fact without my year at the Gaelic school Scottish Gaelic would have stayed just another
foreign language amongst the estimated 7,000 different languages which are according to the
BBC spoken worldwide. Therefore I found it very intriguing not only to brush up my English skills
but further to find out more about a language as exotic as Gaelic. I was given the chance to do
so at the Gaelic school during Gaelic lunch lessons. I acquired some Gaelic phrases, with which I
can not only impress my friends back home but also many Scottish people: Madainn mhath! Is
mise Eva. ’S ann à Suòmaidh cuideachd a’ Ghearmailt a tha mi. Tha mi a' fuireach ann an
Glaschu. Chan eil mi pòsta . Good Morning I am Eva. I am from Finland as well as Germany. I
stay in Glasgow. I am not married.
Before I came to Glasgow I hoped that the assistantship would enable me to function as a real
life model of a multicultural and multi-lingual European as I wanted to increase the awareness of
my students that speaking foreign languages makes a difference. They already speak two
languages, so why not make it three, four, five … It was very inspiring to see how interested the
young learners were about Germany and its culture, despite the fact that especially Britons have
historically held many prejudices and stereotypes about Germans.
These positive encounters with the learners at the Gaelic school motivated me to continuously
promote the German language and culture despite the dramatic decline of German language
teaching in Scotland. As many students have never been to Germany or to Finland, nor have any
German-Finnish friends, I see myself as an ambassador of the European community and
connection. Hopefully some of my students feel inspired to follow my footsteps and venture
abroad.
My stay in Glasgow has enabled me not only to get to know and appreciate Scotland, its people
and culture, it has also opened my eyes for the importance of my own cultural background, which
either made it easier for me to adapt to my new life in “the secret capital” of Scotland (“there
is a great range of charity shops” = Eva in heaven) or meant that adapting required more effort
(“how can I recycle if there are no bins nearby?” = call City Council and enquire.)
In conclusion I have noticed that this intercultural experience has definitely opened my eyes.
Being in a new environment meant to reflect on my routines and my way of doing things, but my
time in Glasgow provided me with the chance to experience and discover new ways of doing
things (“if you cannot find decent bread, bake it yourself!”). However, my assistantship has most
notably given me the opportunity to start a professional career as a teacher with the possibility
to test, train and develop my teaching skill as well as to reflect on personal prejudices,
stereotypes and behaviour. I hope my assistantship will encourage the students to do the same
so we can overcome our inner borders and be European together.
Làithean fosgailte son Oilthigh no Colaiste – University or College Open Days
Below is the latest information re Open Days. If a pupil is interested in attending an Open Day,
please check the University or College website for the most up-to-date information. Pupils are
expected to arrange any visits in order to impact as little as possible on subject time ie arrange
to go on a Saturday or in the evening if available and to attend either in the morning or in the
afternoon with fewest subjects being affected.
Open Days
Aberdeen University Open Days
Tuesday 28th August - 8.45am - 15.30pm
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/openday/
Strathclyde University Open Days
Monday - 3rd September - 18.00pm - 20.00pm
Tuesday - 4th September - 9.30am - 14.00pm
http://www.strath.ac.uk/openday/
Edinburgh University Open Days
Monday 3rd September - 9.30am - 15.30pm
Saturday 22nd September - 9.30am - 15.30pm
http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/visiting/open-days
Glasgow Caledonian University Open Days
Wednesday - 5th September - 10.00am -2.00pm and 3.30pm - 6.00pm
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/opendays/
Queen Margaret University Open Day
Thursday - 6th September - TTBC
Saturday 6th October - TTBC
http://www.qmu.ac.uk/marketing/bulletins/opendays.htm
Glasgow University Open Days
Thursday 5th September - 9.30am - 15.00pm
http://www.glasgow.ac.uk/openday
Stirling University Open Days
Saturday - 22nd September - 10.00am - 3.00pm
Saturday - 3rd November - 10.00am - 3.00pm
http://www.stir.ac.uk/undergraduate-study/visit-the-campus/open-days
Heriot Watt Open Days
Edinburgh Campus
Wednesday 29th February - 12.00am - 16.00pm
Friday 28th September - 12.00pm - 17.00pm
Saturday - 29th September - 10.00am - 14.00pm
http://www.hw.ac.uk/news-events/events/open-days.htm?section=opendays&page=
University of the West of Scotland
Tuesday 2nd October 2012 – Dumfries Campus 3.00pm-7.00pm
Tuesday 4th October 2012 – Hamilton Campus 3.00pm-7.00pm
Tuesday 9th October 2012 – Paisley Campus 3.00pm-7.00pm
Thursday - 25th October 2012 – Ayr Campus 3.00pm-7.00pm
http://www.uws.ac.uk/opendays/
Edinburgh Napier University Open Day
Business School: Craiglockhart Campus
Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Creative Industries: Merchiston Campus
Faculty of Health, Life and Social Sciences: Sighthill Campus
Open day Saturday 13 October 2012, 10am - 3pm
http://www.napier.ac.uk/aboutus/opendays/Pages/default.aspx
Glasgow School of Art Open Days
Thursday - 25th October TTBC
http://www.gsa.ac.uk/life/open-days/
Cùrsaichean Càisg – Easter Courses
AOK Learning has let us know that they plan to offer Easter Study Conferences for Higher
pupils in 2013. These eight subject conferences are expected to take place in Glasgow
Caledonian University for a cost of £18 per day. Further information will be distributed to
pupils once details have been confirmed.
THA AN CEANNARD AGUS
AN LUCHD-OBRACH GU
LÈIR AN DÒCHAS GUM BI
SAOR-LÀITHEAN
TOILICHTE, SÀBHAILTE,
SOCAIR AIG A
UILE
HDUINE.
THE HEADTEACHER AND
STAFF WISH YOU ALL A
HAPPY, SAFE AND RESTFUL
HOLIDAY.