Gaelic Medium Education
Parents wishing to have their child educated through Gaelic Medium Primary Education should register their child between 8 January - 12 January 2024 to commence primary 1 in August 2024 (see the Related Links section on this page).
Should you wish home to school transport for your child please complete the transport application in the Related Link section.
Please note transport is provided for pupils residing within Inverclyde only.
In Inverclyde, Gaelic Medium Education (GME) is available at Whinhill Primary School and Nursery Class. GME is open to everyone. to view the blog, please refer to the Related Links section
Head Teacher/ Ceannard : Elizabeth Ruddy
Email address: inwhinhill@glowscotland.onmicrosoft.com
In Gaelic Medium Education pupils are taught through full immersion in the Gaelic language for the first three years of primary school. The immersion process is very important in helping children to acquire the language, and also means that children do not need to have Gaelic prior to starting their education.
After primary 3, English is gradually introduced through the medium of Gaelic. However, Gaelic remains the language of the classroom and all subjects across the curriculum are taught through Gaelic. When pupils reach the end of primary 7 their skills in both Gaelic and English will be at the same level.
There are many opportunities for children and young people to use and develop their language skills in a variety of settings out with the classroom. Children are immersed in the culture and history of the Gaelic language, through music, song and taking part in events locally and nationally such as the Inverclyde Music Festival, Glasgow Gaelic Drama Festival and The Royal National Mòd.
The school Annual Improvement Plan and Standards and Quality Report contain information on how the school is developing GME provision. In addition, parents are encouraged to become actively involved with the Parent Council. Further information on the Parent Council is available from the school office.
Secondary Education
If pupils wish to continue their secondary education in the Gaelic Medium parents should submit a placing request application to Glasgow Gaelic School.
Language Learning in Scotland: A 1+2 Approach
The Scottish Government’s policy, Language Learning in Scotland: A 1+2 Approach, is aimed at ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn a modern language (known as L2 ) from P1 and a second modern language (known as L3) from P5 onwards until the end of the broad general education (S3). Today’s children are growing up in a multilingual world and the ability to communicate effectively in social, academic and commercial settings is crucial if they are to play their full part as global citizens. The 1+2 approach to language learning establishes a new model for the learning and teaching of languages in Scottish schools for years to come. This approach may include the Gaelic language and establishments are encouraged to build this into their planning where appropriate.
Gaelic Adult Learning
Parents, Carers, Grandparents or other family members can also learn Gaelic so they can be involved in their children’s education via Community Learning and Development (CLD). CLD run adult learning Gaelic language classes for adults aged 16+. More information can be found on the CLD website www.cldinverclyde.co.uk, or via email CLD.Admin@inverclyde.gov.uk or by telephone 01475 715450.
Inverclyde Gaelic Language Plan
Please find the link to Inverclyde Gaelic Language Plan in the Related Links section on the right hand side.
The Officer with overall responsibility for the plan’s delivery is Ruth Binks, Corporate Director, Education, Communities & Organisational Development.
Email address Corporate.Policy@inverclyde.gov.uk
The Scottish Government
The Scottish Government also has an important role for Gaelic education, in shaping policy and programmes, in approving key documents and in providing funding.
The Scottish Government also has budgets which support Gaelic education and these include Gaelic education grants to authorities, Gaelic schools capital fund, funding for Storlann, Streap, Go Gaelic, FilmG and other programmes. The Scottish Goverment contact regarding this is Stuart Pescodd stuart.pescodd@gov.scot
For further information please contact Elaine McLoughlin on 01475 712850 or email admin.educationhq@inverclyde.gov.uk