Virtual Gaelic school to be set up by Bòrd na Gàidhlig

The Gaelic language board, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, has announced £140,000 of funding to create a virtual Gaelic school.

Funding for the project, to be called E-Sgoil, will be spread across two financial years.

The aim is to create an online learning environment that will provide connectivity between secondary schools throughout the Western Isles and beyond.

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It is intended that it will offer greater quality of subject access, vocational choices and learning opportunities for Gaelic-medium secondary schools nationally.

E-Sgoil will also enable teachers to share lessons and materials and will provide the mechanism for the delivery of some classes and subjects through the medium of Gaelic.

Interim CEO of Bòrd na Gàidhlig 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.”

This announcement follows a decision the previous week to establish a director of Gaelic education post within Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

The director of Gaelic education will set the strategic direction of Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s education policy, advise the Scottish Government on Gaelic education and work with local authorities and others on implementing the board’s education priorities.

The post-holder will also take the lead on Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s statutory obligations under the Education (Scotland) Act 2016 and steer the board’s education team in delivery of the National Gaelic Language Plan.