Gaelic medium education: frequently asked questions/Foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig: Ceistean Àbhaisteach

What are the benefits of Gaelic medium education?

There is a range of benefits from learning Gaelic through an immersion approach:

  • Children have a deeper understanding of language and their ability to learn other languages is enhanced.
  • They will benefit cognitively from being bilingual.
  • Children develop a wider knowledge and appreciation of Scottish culture.

Dè na buannachdan a tha an lùib foghlaim tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig?

Tha caochladh bhuannachdan an lùib a bhith ag ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig tro dhòigh-dèiligidh bogaidh:

  • Tha barrachd tuigse aig cloinn air cànan agus tha an comas a tha aca cànanan eile ionnsachadh air a mheudachadh.
  • Gheibh iad buannachd chognatach le bhith dà-chànanach.
  • Gheibh clann barrachd eòlais is tuigse air cultar na h-Alba.

Will my child be confused by using two languages?

Evidence suggests that the earlier a child learns another language the easier it is for them to become fluent. Being able to speak more than one language has been shown to bring cognitive benefits.

Am bi am pàiste agam troimh-a-chèile le bhith a’ cleachdadh dà chànan?

Tha fianais a’ cur an cèill mar as luaithe a dh’ionnsaicheas pàiste cànan eile ‘s ann as fhasa dhaibh fàs fileanta. Thathar air sealltainn gu bheil comas barrachd is aon chànan a bhruidhinn a’ toirt bhuannachdan cognatach. 

Do I need to be a Gaelic speaker for my child to go to a Gaelic medium nursery/primary school?

No, you don't need to be a Gaelic speaker but learning some Gaelic will further support your child’s developing Gaelic language. See the Learn Gaelic in Aberdeen page for more information.

An fheum Gàidhlig a bhith agam fhìn gus an tèid mo phàiste gu sgoil-àraich/bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig?

Chan fheum Gàidhlig a bhith agad ach bheir a bhith ag ionnsachadh beagan Gàidhlig barrachd taice do do phàiste agus e/i a’ leasachadh comas ann an Gàidhlig. Faic duilleag Ionnsaich Gàidhlig ann an Obar Dheathain airson barrachd fiosrachaidh.

What will my child do in Gaelic medium nursery?

The children follow the same curriculum as other nurseries. An understanding of Gaelic language is developed through play, conversation and songs by a fluent Gaelic speaking teacher and nursery nurse.

Dè nì mo phàiste ann an sgoil-àraich Ghàidhlig?

Bidh a’ chlann a’ cumail ris an aon chlàr-oideachaidh ri sgoiltean-àraich eile. Tha tuigse air a’ Ghàidhlig ga leasachadh tro chluich, chòmhradh is òrain le neach-teagaisg agus neach-altraim a tha fileanta ann an Gàidhlig.

How do I enrol my child for nursery?

You can apply for a place in the Gaelic medium nursery at Gilcomstoun Primary by contacting the school directly.

Ciamar a chlàraicheas mi mo phàiste san sgoil-àraich?

Faodaidh tu àite san sgoil-àraich aig Bun-sgoil Ghilcomstoun le bhith a’ cur fios dhan sgoil gu dìreach.

Will my child be able to go to Gaelic primary school?

Any child can enter Gaelic medium education from Primary 1. However children will benefit greatly from 2 years in the nursery before entering Primary 1.

As Gilcomstoun Primary School is the only provider of Gaelic medium education in Aberdeen, your child will be able to enrol for Gaelic medium primary education there regardless of which catchment area you live in. Surrounding local authorities may support children wishing to travel to Aberdeen for Gaelic medium education.

An urrainn do mo phàiste dhol gu bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig?

Faodaidh pàiste sam bith dhol gu foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig bhon Chiad Bhliadhna sa Bhun-sgoil. Gheibh clann buannachd dha-rìribh, ge-tà, à dà bhliadhna san sgoil-àraich mus tèid iad a-steach anns a’ Chiad Bhliadhna. 

Seach gur h-e Bun-sgoil Ghilcomstoun an aon àite sam faighear foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig ann an Obar Dheathain, faodaidh do phàiste clàradh airson foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig innte ge b’ e dè an raon-glacaidh sa bheil sibh a’ fuireach. Faodaidh gun cuir ùghdarrasan ann an sgìrean mu cuairt taic ri cloinn a bhios ag iarraidh siubhal a dh’Obar Dheathain gus foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig fhaighinn.

What happens when my child goes to primary school?

In Primary 1 to Primary 3, Gaelic is introduced using total immersion. In Primary 4, English is introduced into the curriculum and Gaelic continues to be used to teach the majority of the curriculum. By the end of their primary education, pupils will have completed the same curriculum as English medium classes but will be have additional fluency in Gaelic.

Dè thachras nuair a thèid mo phàiste dhan bhun-sgoil?

Ann am Bliadhna 1 gu Bliadhna 3, tha Gàidhlig ga toirt a-steach a’ cleachdadh bogadh iomlan. Ann am Bliadhna 4, tha Beurla ga toirt a-steach dhan chlàr-oideachaidh agus tha Gàidhlig ga cleachdadh fhathast gus a’ chuid as motha den chlàr-oideachaidh a theagasg. Nuair a ruigeas iad deireadh foghlam na bun-sgoile, bidh clann-sgoile air crìoch a chur air an aon chlàr-oideachaidh ri clasaichean tro mheadhan na Beurla cha gum bi iad fileanta sa Ghàidhlig cuideachd. 

Does it matter if I can't help with homework?

Parents are not expected to be able to read, speak or understand Gaelic. However, it will greatly support your child’s developing Gaelic language if you can learn some Gaelic. See the Learn Gaelic in Aberdeen page for more information. Help is also available via the Gaelic 4 Parents website.

A bheil e gu diofar ged nach b’ urrainn dhomh cuideachadh le obair-dhachaigh?

Chan eilear an dùil gum bi pàrantan comasach air Gàidhlig a leughadh, a bhruidhinn no a thuigsinn. Ach bidh e na chuideachadh mòr do do phàiste agus e/i a’ leasachadh anns a’ Ghàidhlig ma dh’ionnsaicheas tu beagan Gàidhlig. Faic duilleag Ionnsaich Gàidhlig ann an Obar Dheathain airson barrachd fiosrachaidh. Tha taic ri faotainn cuideachd tro làrach-lìn Gàidhlig do Phàrantan.

Contact details

Anne Thirkell
Education Support Officer 
Aberdeen City Council
Second Floor North
Marischal College
Broad Street
Aberdeen 
AB10 1AB

01224 522849
AThirkell@aberdeencity.gov.uk

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