Strengthening links between Gaelic and Curriculum for Excellence

Project summary

This Inter Authority ASG project focused on strengthening the links between maths taught in the Gaelic medium and the capacities of the Curriculum for Excellence. It involved a group of four Gaelic medium infant teachers with common aims, from North Lanarkshire, East Dunbartonshire, Western Isles and Edinburgh. The focus was kept tight and involved parents at all levels, including questionnaires, parents’ meetings, observations of classroom practice and connections to the Gaelic nursery.

Case study extract

We selected this area of the curriculum as we thought mathematics was a good clear subject in terms of its aims when sharing learning intentions with parents. It was manageable and achievable and we all thought the rewards would be positive and a good base to build on in the future years. 

On reflection of this pilot project our group gained great confidence in developing key features of AifL and Curriculum for Excellence. Our reading helped us from the outset [along with] looking at past case studies online and various Curriculum for Excellence documentation. This gave us a clear focus and understanding of what we were hoping to achieve. 

Most of our group found the project extremely worthwhile and beneficial, going on feedback from our final questionnaires along with [other evidence, eg Home Target Sheets]. 

What difference has this project made to learning?  

• Pupils are able to use Gaelic more in the home as parents are aware of the terminology. 
• Learning has become more enjoyable, for example learning through play at home and school. 
• Parents are clearer of their child’s targets in maths. They are given activities to do with their children that mirror and support classroom activities. 
• Parents have become familiar with the Gaelic terminology used in maths. (A maths phonetic booklet was sent home which can further support their child’s learning.) One teacher had parents in class, observing active learning in maths. 
• Staff now have stronger links with parents and have benefited from their questionnaire feedback. 

This group also supported each other, shared ideas and discussed different authorities’ AifL policies and programmes. They communicated frequently using email, telephone and meetings in different authorities. One group visited Back School, Isle of Lewis, which piloted some research materials.

Although the managing of the funding across authorities was a challenge to this group, the overarching gains were extremely worthwhile and beneficial, and a good stage to build on for future learning.

Contact details

If you would like further information on this case study, please contact the local authority assessment co-ordinator. You can find contact details for each authority area on our local authority co-ordinators' contacts page.