Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Gartcosh pupils talk of the town
Pupils from Gartcosh Primary set tongues wagging when they were shortlisted for a language prize.
The school made the top three in the Gaelic category at this month’s Scottish Education Awards.
Pupils at Gartcosh are taught the language from P5-7 and also German from P1, with staff using a number of initiatives.
These include an after-school club, a joint Gaelic and German fruit shop and book club and the use of both languages at assemblies.
The school’s song has even been translated into Gaelic and Gaelic vocabulary is displayed throughout the school.
Last October pupils enjoyed their inaugural mini mod, held along similar lines to the traditional festival.
Teacher Rachel Neilly said: “We try to give both German and Gaelic the same focus. One of the ways in which we do that is the mod.
“It’s a really good way to give the Gaelic language depth and challenge the pupils.
“We really want to encourage the children to be as enthusiastic as possible and it’s an excellent way to do that.
“It doesn’t just highlight language skills. It also demonstrates dancing and musical performances.
“We teach the pupils about the Highland clearances and the culture to give them a flavour of the songs and why we sing them.
“Next year we have decided to do it again in June. We want to make it bigger and better.”
Learning the ancient language has captured the enthusiasm and imagination of pupils too.
Eva Galloway, 10, said: “We have a great time: I enjoy learning words in Gaelic and reading the books.”
Brannan McDermott, 11, agreed: “I really like football and watch the matches on BBC Alba. I now know some of the words and it helps me to follow the game better and makes it more enjoyable.”
And Gartcosh youngsters have also engaged with older residents in the community to teach them the language.
Rachel said: “The children take responsibility for the lessons.
“We are always looking for opportunities to develop. If there’s an opportunity there we will take it.
“It’s also about sharing Gaelic at home so that the children don’t see it in isolation. For them to learn the language they need a lot of repetition.”
The education awards were sponsored by our sister paper the Daily Record, along with Education Scotland, and the Gaelic category was sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
Headteacher Alison McFarlane said: “We were disappointed that we didn’t win but we promote a growth mindset and are determined to pick ourselves es up and push forward.
“There’s a whole world ready dy for them and we want them to be ready for it.
“We have fantastic children.n. We are very lucky. I’m so proudud of them.
“I started here in August and nd their enthusiasm is astounding.ng. We are a real community.
“Parents want to be involveded in taking things forward.
“The staff are keen and wantnt to be involved for the benefit of the children.
“Everyone is engaged andnd the teachers are passionate andnd that inspires the children too. The children help and support eachch other.”