What is Gaelic Medium Education?
Gaelic Medium Education (GME) involves teaching children primarily through the Gaelic language, enabling them to become fluent in both Gaelic and English.
Benefits of GME
Bilingualism enhances cognitive abilities and cultural awareness. It also promotes the preservation and growth of the Gaelic language and culture.
Parental Involvement
Parents don't need to be fluent in Gaelic to support their children. However, parents can learn some Gaelic alongside their child - family learning, with the child leading learning, is a great way to learn! Encouraging daily use of Gaelic at home and showing interest in their child's learning is one of the best ways for parents to encourage their child and show that the child's education is important to parents!
Parent Councils can involve the local community in promoting Gaelic, such as inviting Gaelic-speaking guests or participating in local Gaelic events.
Useful Links
A number of schools and parents have contacted Connect to ask for information about learning Gaelic for adults. This is often because their child is in Gaelic Medium Education or is learning Gaelic and parents want to be involved too!
Comann Nam Parant is the national parents' organisation for Gaelic Medium Education.
Here are some useful links for free Gaelic learning:
- Gaelic learning for adults is now available through eSgoil and GLOW. Parents need to speak to their schools about how they access this.
- Gaelic 4 Parents
- Learn Gaelic
- Duolingo
- BBC Learn Gaelic
- BBC Bitesize Scotland (look at the drop down on the left to find Scotland)
- Heriot Watt University's online learning platform Scholar also offers Gaelic qualifications
- Storlann (in Gaelic, for children).
If you know of other useful resources, let us know!