Gaelic Virtual School for Scotland

The announcement was made by the Cathraiche of Bòrd na Gàidhlig at the National Gaelic Language Plan 2017-2022 Seminar in Edinburgh to open discussions on the creation of the 3rd National Plan for Gaelic.

E-Sgoil will look to design and develop an online learning environment that will provide connectivity initially, between all secondary schools throughout the Western Isles and beyond.

It will provide greater quality of subject access, vocational choices and learning opportunities across Gaelic medium secondary schools nationally.

E-Sgoil will enable teachers to share lessons and materials no matter where they are in Scotland and will also provide the mechanism for the delivery of some classes and subjects through the medium of Gaelic.

Welcoming the creation of the resource, Bòrd na Gàidhlig Interim-CEO, Bruce Robertson said: “There is a need for a Gaelic resource which takes the form of a Virtual School enabling Gaelic learners, educators and their supporters’ opportunities to maximise the potential of technology for a range of educational outcomes, particularly surrounding Curriculum for Excellence.

“The E-Sgoil will enhance opportunities for all learners, but particularly those in Gaelic-medium education secondary courses, draw educators together into a series of professional learning communities, and enable parents and

other partners in education to support Gaelic learners.

“It will also provide a mechanism for deploying teaching staff more effectively, providing peer support and facilitate the implementation of a common timetable.”

Bòrd na Gàidhlig has invested £140,000 into the project which will be spread across two financial

years.