Sabhal Mor Ostaig
Showcase for Excellence
Promoting Gaelic language and culture in schools
In support of Bord na Gaidhlig’s national plan, the college ran a week of Gaelic
language and culture in partnership with Lasswade High School in June 2008. The
following year, Lasswade was joined by Penicuik High School. In total, 40 young
people and six teaching staff attended in 2009. The programme continues in
summer term 2010.
Learners participated in activities which enabled them to learn about Gaelic
language and culture, not included in their own school’s curriculum. College staff
combined a range of engaging activities, such as music workshops, cultural visits,
dancing, sport and film, with Gaelic language. A quiz and a ceilidh on the final
evening brought the week to a close. Over the week, learners developed confidence
in using their language skills, as well as expanding their knowledge of Gaelic culture.
They were motivated to learn through the creative learning activities delivered by
teaching staff. Learners also benefitted from working with young people from
different schools.
The college plans to run the programme again in 2010 and has already been
approached by a further school, from the central belt of Scotland, which wishes to
take part. The projects supports the principles of Curriculum for Excellence well and
enables participants to develop a range of essential skills.