e-Sgoil online learning platform expanded to support range of National and Higher subjects

An online learning platform is to be expanded to support remote learning in a range of subjects across Scotland.

Developed in 2016 to be a virtual Gaelic school, it will now cover a range of subjects in English as well as Gaelic that can be accessed nationally.

e-Sgoil study support will offer a series of live early-evening webinars at National 5 and Higher level for young people in their own homes.

Lasting eight weeks in the first instance, the e-Sgoil webinar courses will be delivered by subject specialists, assisted by a second teacher. 

They will use a ‘flipped learning’ approach, where pupils will be able to access subject specific resources in advance of the 45-minute interactive webinar, which is hosted in Glow.

Courses are on offer include business management, chemistry, computing science, eachdraidh, English, French, Gaelic, Gàidhlig, history, Mandarin, maths, music, physics, religious, moral and philosophical studies, and Spanish, as well as digital study skills.

The aim is to complement the education provision being provided by schools and local authorities across Scotland.

Angus Maclennan, head teacher of e-Sgoil commented: “e-Sgoil is delighted to work in partnership with Scottish Government, ADES, Education Scotland, regional improvement collaboratives and local authorities to offer senior phase pupils from across Scotland this opportunity to participate in a wide-range of webinar lessons that will reinforce school-based learning.

“Sessions will start week commencing Monday, 7 September 2020, so I would encourage prompt registration via the e-Sgoil website at www.e-sgoil.com”.

Education Secretary John Swinney said: “Our experience during the coronavirus pandemic has reminded all of those involved in the education system of the value of investing in digital and distance learning.

“This exciting new work by e-Sgoil will play an important role in the coming academic year and beyond, in supporting parents as well as teaching staff and pupils by providing high-quality lessons for senior phase pupils at Level 5 (National 5) and Level 6 (Higher).

“I am delighted to see e-Sgoil embark on the next phase of the project – and I am delighted to see this work being rolled out at the same time as the Scottish Government’s investment of £25 million to support digital inclusion for schools, which is expected to benefit around 70,000 children and young people.”