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GRANTS FOR GAELIC LANGUAGE EDUCATION (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 1986 GAELIC SPECIFIC GRANT/ CAPITAL FUNDING GRANT YEAR END PROGRESS REPORT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2014-15 Please ensure completion of the Year End Progress Reports by 30 April 2015 Reports should be sent to: Linda Roberts Learning Directorate Gaelic & Scots Team Area 2-B South Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ Tel: 0131 244 6445 [email protected] LOCAL AUTHORITY:COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR GRANT ALLOCATED IN 2014-15: £970,000 (A separate Report must be submitted in respect of each activity or project funded from an authority’s annual allocation of Specific Grant for Gaelic education)

Activity or Project

Actions 1, 2, 3, 4 & 9 Increase in the number of P1 children enrolling in GME and primary children remaining in GME (55% in Stornoway and increase of 10% in all other areas)

Cost of Project £

£774,818.38

How was this funded? Specific Grant contribution

£581,113.79

Local Authority Contribution £193,704.60

mailto:[email protected]

Description of Activity/Project and Progress Report (Please refer to Para 2.4 and 2.5 of Grant Offer letter which explains purpose of Grant. For your convenience the Purpose of Grant is highlighted at the bottom of this form) Please provide details of the outcomes of the Activities/Projects and how this reflects the Scottish Government’s priorities for Gaelic:

Increased Availability of GM Childcare: Throughout the year we have developed additional early learning & childcare capacity in two areas where demand has increased. An additional GM room for children aged 1 to 3 years old was opened in Balivanich Nursery in October 2014. Staff, equipment and resources have been provided to establish this service. This room offers 8 places in both mornings and afternoons and has been full to capacity since opening. An additional staff member was also recruited in September 2014 for the GM room at Stornoway Primary Nursery which can now accommodate 20 children aged 3 to 5 years old in both mornings and afternoons. Places have been filling over the last few months and the room is now full to capacity for the remainder of this session. All parents of children aged 0-5 will be made aware of the benefits of GME: The Early Years team meet termly with partners from CnaG and BnG to monitor progress in the promotion of GME and identify next steps/future plans. We continue to fund the CnaG post of GME Information officer who works closely with us to plan, organise and deliver GME promotional activities throughout the islands. Gaelic Galore information packs continue to be supplied to the Maternity Unit in the Western Isles hospital for gifting to new mums. Links have been made with Health Visitors to ensure those mums who didn’t have their babies on the island are also getting the information packs. A Gaelic Family Day was held in May at Lews Castle College. This was held on a Saturday and provided a variety of activities for children including face-painting, an art table and a bouncy castle. Several Gaelic agencies were in attendance including BnG, CnaG, Storlann and Acair. Our Gaelic Information Officer spoke with parents on the day about GME and provided a Gaelic Bookbug session which children and parents enjoyed.

We once again conducted our P1 Parent Survey in September to analyse the reasons for enrolment choices, ie. Gaelic Medium/English Medium. This year we had a 66% return on questionnaires issued which provided very useful feedback for planning our future strategy. It is clear that the majority of parents are making decisions about enrolment before their children start nursery and therefore sharing the benefits of bilingualism with families with children under 3 was noted as a priority. As a way of engaging with children of this age group Thig a Chluich sessions for 0-3s were trialled in Stornoway in September. These sessions provide activities for the children, including a Gaelic Bookbug session, as well as sharing information with parents in an informal setting and have proven a success with parent feedback being very positive. A programme is now being rolled out with sessions being held fortnightly in Stornoway and monthly in other areas throughout the islands. The rolling programme began in March with 4 sessions being delivered throughout Uist. All primary schools have held Open Days this session, allowing parents to visit classrooms and to discuss GME with teachers, older pupils and other parents. The GME Information Officer and Early Years staff have attended open days and also parents evenings, providing promotional materials (Fios is Freagairt packs, Choose Gaelic leaflets, Parent Support postcards etc) and giving advice to parents. In November enrolment letters were sent to the parents of all those children due to enrol in school for August 2015, outlining the benefits of bilingualism and giving contact information should they wish to discuss any aspect of GME or would like further information. Gaelic Bookbug sessions continue to be offered at Stornoway Library and also in local communities throughout the islands. Gaelic Bookbug was also offered on

the PlayTalkRead bus during their tour of the islands in May. Our GME information continues to be displayed in public places such as airports, on ferries and in ferry terminals, sports centres, libraries, doctor’s surgeries and play centres (Adventure Island). In addition we have also run editorial in the Stornoway Gazette and Events in the run up to school enrolment days in February. This includes personal stories from local families who have shared positive experiences of GME, as well as articles and extracts from research finding highlighting the benefits of bilingualism, frequently asked questions, links to gaelic4parents and other resources and useful contacts. Social media is increasingly used to communicate information, advertise events and we continue to develop our Facebook page and website. Improve support to parents whose children are enrolled in GME: In the year to date, Gaelic Family Learning has worked with 44 adults who received support as follows:

• Parents with children attending Parent is Paiste groups - 7 learners • Teachers teaching in Gaelic Medium Education – 10 learners • Parents attending Gaelic Community Learning classes – 15 learners • Parents with children attending Gaelic Medium Education – 12 learners

In 2012, CnES Gaelic strategy and policy work identified a need to focus on the Broadbay area of the Western Isles to increase the number of parents selecting Gaelic Medium Education for their children. Since then CLD's Gaelic Family Learning has provided Homework Support in the four Gaelic-medium schools in the area (An Rubha, Stornoway Primary, Laxdale and Back) and has successfully increased the numbers of parents in the Broadbay area who are attending for Homework Support and increasing their confidence in supporting their children's homework - this increase is illustrated as follows: 2012/13 - 4 parents attended Homework support

2013/14 - 6 parents attended Homework support 2014/15 - 12 parents attended Homework support Through this work parents are able to participate fully in their child's homework and all who have attended identify this as the major concern when considering enrolling their child into Gaelic Medium Education. The Homework Support work consists of both group and individual support work and is firmly focused on working at the pace of the individual pupils through having direct access to relevant teachers. As the support worker does most of the work at the individual schools, regular contact with teachers ensures that any specific issues a pupil may have are tackled immediately. Parents also highlight the importance of working in a group as well as the benefits of one to one work. The Gaelic Family Learning service works in collaboration with other Gaelic bodies in order to ensure there is no duplication of service and that resources are maximised. For example:

• The support is structured to dovetail with Storlann's national online homework support project, LCC's Ulpan work and Learn Gaelic, BBC's Beag air Bheag and other potential Gaelic learning options.

• Regular meetings are held with reps from other Gaelic bodies including CnaG and Bord na Gaidhlig to ensure that information about the work reaches pre-school potential Gaelic medium parents.

We also continue to contribute funding towards Storlann’s www.gaelic4parents.com website. Storlann’s report for 2014-15 is attached seperately.

Please provide evidence against targets set

http://www.gaelic4parents.com/

in achieving expected outcomes:

GME P1 enrolment figures over the last 4 years:

AREA 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Greater Broadbay 24% 22% 22% 27%

Ness & Westside 33% 52% 45% 65%

Lochs & Uig 30% 29% 37% 54%

Harris 37% 57% 67% 75%

Uist & Barra 36% 67% 64% 68%

TOTAL 37% 47%

Approx. 100 Gaelic Galore packs gifted this year 25 families attended Gaelic Family Day at Lews Castle College 76 parents and 76 children attended Thig a Chluich sessions 291 letter sent to parents of pre-school children inviting enrolment to GME 16 Primary School Open Days held 17 Gaelic Bookbug sessions held, with 231 children and 208 adults attending. PlayTalkRead bus visited 8 venues, with 227 children and 153 adults attending

PURPOSE OF THE GRANT 2.1 The Grant is made to enable the Grantee to carry out the Project. 2.2 The Grant shall only be used for the purposes of the Project and for no other purpose whatsoever. 2.3 No part of the Grant shall be used to fund any activity or material which is party political in intention, use of presentation or appears to be designed to affect support for a political party. 2.4 The expected outcomes of Grant are:

To promote the development of Gaelic education and increase the numbers speaking and using the language in line with Priorities in the National Plan for Gaelic;

To demonstrate how Projects funded under this Scheme help deliver the Scottish Government commitments for Gaelic;

2.5 The targets against which progress in achieving expected outcomes shall be monitored are:

Evidence of planned activities which demonstrate work undertaken in promoting the provision of GME at all levels

Specified evidence of work undertaken to increase the number of users of Gaelic in line with the National Plan for Gaelic;

Outcomes of Partnership workings, such as collaborative working with Bòrd na Gáidhlig, Gaelic organisations, other Local Authorities or Public bodies

GRANTS FOR GAELIC LANGUAGE EDUCATION (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 1986 GAELIC SPECIFIC GRANT/ CAPITAL FUNDING GRANT YEAR END PROGRESS REPORT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2014-15 Please ensure completion of the Year End Progress Reports by 30 April 2015 Reports should be sent to: Linda Roberts Learning Directorate Gaelic & Scots Team Area 2-B South Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ Tel: 0131 244 6445 [email protected] LOCAL AUTHORITY: COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR GRANT ALLOCATED IN 2014-15: £970,000 (A separate Report must be submitted in respect of each activity or project funded from an authority’s annual allocation of Specific Grant for Gaelic education)

Activity or Project

Action 5 Gaelic Medium Education in Secondary will be available in all S1-S6 schools in 6 subject areas plus Gaelic (Maths, History, Geography, Modern Studies, Science, PSE, Home Economics, Media Studies) to Level 3 by 2014

Cost of Project £

£110,620.09


£82,965.07


Local Authority Contribution £27,655.02


Progress with this Action Point has been variable because of staffing challenges. The authority is having difficulty in recruiting suitably qualified teachers to a number of teaching posts and the availability of staff with the ability to teach through Gaelic has been increasingly problematic. However, progress has been made and the authority is considering alternatives in order to meet the target set. In 2014-15 the Nicolson Institute continues to make very good progress in meeting the target. The authority supported the school by employing two extra Gaelic teachers in the school for the duration of the session. This will be reviewed at the end of the school year. There are 7 subjects being taught in Gaelic on S1 and 6 on S2. In addition tutor time is available in Gaelic for these year groups. In S3 2 subjects and tutor time are available. History is being taught for the first time at National 4/5. Non certificate courses are being offered in RME and PSE in S4/S5/S6 to enrich language competency. Sir E Scott have introduced Gaelic Medium Education for the first time with History and Geography being taught on S1. The number of subjects being taught in Sgoil Lionacleit has been reduced as a consequence of staff retirement. It is hoped that this will be addressed by two members of staff being on the Gaelic Immersion for Teachers course in session 15-16. In Castlebay School four subjects are being taught through the medium of Gaelic although staff absence has impacted negatively on the school’s capacity to provide continuity of provision. In addition the development of the curriculum in the 4 schools is supported by activities such as participation in Film G, Deasbad BT Alba, Ri Chèile and the local and National Mòds. Partnership working is very strong and schools and the authority work with national organisations such as Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Comunn na Gàidhlig, Pròiseact nan Ealan and the BBC. There are a number of effective local partnership arrangements in place involving the media, the clergy and other local employers. Further information on these initiatives can be found in the

reports on Action Points 6,8 and 11

Please provide evidence against targets set in achieving expected outcomes:

Pre-School Education

In Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Education Children’s Services Gaelic Plan for 2014-2015 the 0-3 sector is a major focus. We work in partnership with Bòrd na Gàidhlig to provide a more consistent service for parents with children in this category. We also work in partnership with Comunn na Gàidhlig to promote the benefits of bilingualism and Gaelic Medium education. Currently:

20 out of 26 cròileagan offer Gaelic provision

All day care provided in Stornoway/Balivanich Primary Schools

40% of child care providers are Gaelic speakers

Pàrant is Pàiste – 19 groups.

Primary School

P1 entries:

2011 - 93/295 31.5%

2012 - 96/276 34.7%

2013 - 92/271 44%

2014 - 111/238 46.6%

15% growth in 3 years.

Continue to promote Gaelic Medium Education with emphasis on 0-3

sector

Meet with parents and communities

More Gaelic places for pre-school children

More information for parents

Teacher Training – Gaelic Immersion for Teachers, University of the

Highlands and Islands

Gaelic Schools

Gaelic Schools have been established in the following locations:

Castlebay

Iochdar

Leverhulme Memorial School

Sgoil an Taobh Siar

Breasclete

Bernera

Daliburgh

Secondary

Nicolson Institute S1/S2 7 subjects

Sir E Scott S1/S2 2 subjects

Sgoil Lionacleit S1/S2 2 subjects

Castlebay S1/S2 5 subjects

Next Steps:

Support staff to access Gaelic Immersion for Teachers course.

Support and encourage Gaelic speaking staff to deliver Gaelic Medium

Education in secondary schools

Establishment of a PGDE Secondary Gaelic course from 2015 at UHI

with The Nicolson Institute as a Gaelic hub.

Supporting the Curriculum

Youth Music Initiative/ Fèisean – 60% of children.

Resources – Multi-media unit - E – Stòras.

Partnership Working:- Comainn Eachdraidh

Pròiseact nan Ealan Comunn na Gàidhlig

Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Gaelic Residentials.

PURPOSE OF THE GRANT 2.1 The Grant is made to enable the Grantee to carry out the Project. 2.2 The Grant shall only be used for the purposes of the Project and for no other purpose whatsoever.

2.3 No part of the Grant shall be used to fund any activity or material which is party political in intention, use of presentation or appears to be designed to affect support for a political party. 2.4 The expected outcomes of Grant are:







GRANTS FOR GAELIC LANGUAGE EDUCATION (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 1986 GAELIC SPECIFIC GRANT/ CAPITAL FUNDING GRANT YEAR END PROGRESS REPORT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2014-15 Please ensure completion of the Year End Progress Reports by 30 April 2015 Reports should be sent to: Linda Roberts Learning Directorate Gaelic & Scots Team Area 2-B South Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ Tel: 0131 244 6445 [email protected] LOCAL AUTHORITY: COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR GRANT ALLOCATED IN 2014-15: £970,000 (A separate Report must be submitted in respect of each activity or project funded from an authority’s annual allocation of Specific Grant for Gaelic education)

Activity or Project

Action 6 60% of young people will have an active involvement in Gaelic Culture and Creative Arts, i.e. Traditional Music (singing, piping, accordion, fiddle, composition), Literature (prose, drama and poetry) Action 7 All young people will have access to oral instruction in extended learning in


Gaelic to include areas of Community Learning and Development, Youth Clubs, Work Experience and Residential Activities Action 11 Every parent will have access to a Gaelic Learners Programme and Learning Community support network

Cost of Project £

£175.082.89


£131,312.17

Local Authority Contribution

£43,770.72


GAIRM NAN GAIDHEAL Pròiseact nan Ealan has delivered six World War One GAIRM NAN GÀIDHEAL l CALL OF THE GAEL exhibitions in schools and communities across the Western Isles in 2014/15. The project team are working in partnership with the local Comunn Eachdraidh l Historical Society network, Ceòlas and island schools. This partnership approach has been, and continues to be, very effective as evidenced by the range of poignant personal stories, photographs and memorabilia submitted to each of the exhibitions. Each Comunn Eachdraidh was invited to participate in the project and the majority are actively involved in researching stories, artefacts, memorabilia, etc. from their own areas. A number of individuals have also been contracted to carry out research in different areas to complement the work of the Comunn Eachdraidh network. In addition to the local input, the exhibitions feature powerful land and sea imagery as well as stories, songs, poems and memorabilia sourced from the In Flanders Field Museum at Ypres and the National War Museum in London. The first of PNE’s Gairn a Gàidheal exhibitions accompanied our WW1 themed drama production ‘Sequamur’ which was based on the charismatic ex rector of the Nicolson Institute, William Gibson. Gibson encouraged his pupils to go to war and suffered greatly when 148 never returned. PNE, in partnership with Museum nan Eilean, created an exhibition as a tribute to those fallen pupils. A commemorative plaque naming all 148

pupils hangs in the museum which was a former school building. Artefacts pertaining to the Nicolson at the time of the war featured in the exhibition along with the details of each of the school pupils named on the plaque. The level of interest in this exhibition exceede expectation and the opening times and dates had to be extended. Approximately 80 Nicolson Institute schools pupils attended. Our second small exhibition was hosted by Museum nan Eilean in Sgoil Lionacleit and ran from mid-August till the end of October 2014. Throughout the Uists, from Berneray to Eriskay, 367 men lost their lives in the First World War. School pupils wrote the name of each of the 367 on a wooden cross in commemoration of our fallen heroes and placed it at the front of the school during the opening ceremony. The exhibition also consisted of numerous personal contributions on the impact of the war. Island contributors included Sandy Matheson (Lord Lieutenant of the Western Isles), Allan MacDonald (Eriskay), Ina MacIllop (Bernera), Morag Stewart (Grimsay) and Morag Macleod (Scalpay) amongst others. These stories were laid on top of striking war-time images and presented in a contemporary way. The exhibition was well attended by members of the community (330 visitors) and the museum officers guided 120 school pupils around the exhibition. The museum’s location in the local secondary school made it an ideal venue for encouraging young people to learn about the war and the significant contribution made by their forebears. The exhibition received positive coverage in the local media. Historian and author Trevor Royle ‘officially’ launched PNE’s Gairm nan Gàidheal exhibitions on Friday 31st October 2014 at An Lanntair’s ‘Faclan’ 2014 whose topic ‘The past is a different country’ and was selected to correspond with our exhibition. The evening began with a short WW1 film projected onto the exterior of the arts centre, comprising of footage of local servicemen and locally composed WW1 poetry and song, after which the audience were piped into the exhibition. A link to the film which was projected onto the exterior of the building can be viewed here: http://vimeo.com/110412026 using the password: pne. An Lanntair exhibition curator Roddy Murray stated that the Gairm nan Gàidheal exhibition attracted an entirely different demographic to the Arts Centre and was one of the busiest exhibitions they’d ever hosted. Approximately 4000 people attended this exhibition.

http://vimeo.com/110412026

The opening event got extensive coverage in the local press and the comments book showed very favourable responses. A daily discussion programme on Radio nan Gàidheal devoted one half of an hour long programme to the exhibition where the presenter and guests reviewed the content and artefacts. School pupils from Sir E Scott School in Harris were also interviewed as part of the programme. The global story of the war was told via timelines and overviews of the main battles and events of the war then the local element via the personal stories of Lewis men and women who served. In order to be inclusive we also profiled individuals from communities across the whole island and from as wide a selection of regiments and services as possible. The information was presented via large information panels and multi-media installations including footage from Pathe news. As a result of a successful collaboration with the ‘In Flanders’ Fields’ museum in Ypres, they made a number of items of trench art and original signage from the trenches available to us. This material will also be exhibited at other venues along with a swathe of local items such as binoculars which were presented to a man from Point by the Russians in recognition of his actions as a gunner on board SS Palm Branch which sank a German submarine in the Arctic and incapacitated a second. Another artefact was a lizard preserved in formaldehyde which had been a pet belonging to Donald Macleod of Lochs, Isle of Lewis, during the war. As a result of this exhibition Donald’s story was told in the Scotsman on 27 December 2014. The specially constructed trench also attracted a lot of interest and has since toured other exhibitions. The large ‘global’ information panels are also touring and a number of historical societies have already requested loans of the panels after the series of exhibitions comes to an end. Another group in Stornoway have also requested PNE’s boards on Gallipoli to add value to their special Gallipoli exhibition being hosted at the Stornoway TA hall in the spring of 2015. Another ‘Gairm nan Gàidheal’ (GnG) exhibition opened in Taigh Chearsabhagh arts centre in North Uist on 11 November 2014. The local historical society led on the research with help from PNE on the creative element of the exhibition. Stories from across North Uist and Berneray are displayed accompanied by locally composed war poetry. A dramatic memorial wall, featuring the names of the fallen, takes centre stage

in this exhibition. A larger GnG exhibition also opened in Taigh Chearsabhagh in March featuring the trench, Museum of Ypres trench art, additional banners, photographs and artefacts. The exhibition will run throughout 2015. Our Harris exhibition was mounted in Sir E Scott School in February and is currently being transferred to the Calmac office on Tarbert Pier making it more accessible to the public. Research and planning for exhibitions in South Uist and Barra are in progress with (estimated) start dates and venues as follows:

South Uist: April – October 2015: Kildonan Museum

Barra: Spring 2015: Ionad Dhualchais Bharraigh, Castlebay

SEALL SEO Seall Seo (Look at This) is a schools Gaelic drama project designed To create an environment where children can be given the opportunity to engage with and learn from professionals, in the development of a production from idea to stage. This phase of Seall Seo had the title of ‘Roghainn is Taghadh ‘ which allowed the children the freedom of choosing their own themes with particular emphasis on traditional story-telling and on the development of ideas based on community and characterisation. The project had the following specific aims:

To give the pupils the opportunity to develop story lines on themes familiar to

them within their own environment.

To create an environment where the children could engage with, and learn from

artists and professionals.

To develop within the children a new skills base.

To provide a platform on which to prepare then stage a professional production

for the benefit of the whole community.

Sgoil an Rubha Working with writer/director Catriona Lexy Caimbeul the pupils approached the Traditional Story-telling project with a workshop on characterisation. Selecting the favourite characters from this session the writing was developed by Catriona which included the characters of Lola and Willow, supported by Maddie the spider and other unusual characters as the story progresses. The play was developed with great support from the school and staff, pupils being given 2 hour sessions per day where they were instructed in acting, stage presence and delivery. Morag Smith, Director of the Stornoway Thespians was taken in to design the set with carpentry support from Murdigan MacDonald and Iain Mhurchaidh MacKenzie. The staging was divided and adorned to house different scenes with lights illuminating the areas where the action was taking place. Norma MacSween was contracted to design and make costumes Musical support came from Calum Alex Macmillan, Chris Anne Hordan. Seonaidh Macmillan Fiona MacLeod Alison Mackay and Murdigan. Hugely successful with a full house 120 on the night , excellent feedback included praise of the ‘versatility of the youngsters’ and their evident delight in being involved in the production. Sgoil a’ Bhac Working with Chrisella Ross the children were encouraged to develop ideas based on traditional elements which included local characterisation which enabled them to identify with characters and develop humour within the script. Set again with a Christmas theme, the narrative allowed involvement with all classes within the school which worked well for the pupils and staff. The set assembled by Morag Smith provided an excellent back-drop to the script, with carpentry support from Murdigan MacDonald and Iain Mhurchaidh MacKenzie. Costume and design came from Norma Macsween. Musical support came from Costello and Margaret Stewart. Much of the feedback underlined the intergenerational nature of the project and its ability to bring the community together.

Sgoil Bhreascleit Based on a Christmas theme which enabled supported the school and staff in delivery of their Christmas concert, the project had developed the traditional storytelling with a contemporary edge. The development of characterisation through workshops allowed the children to have a sense of ownership over the narrative, which was evidenced in the strength of their performances. Progressed and written by Chrisella Ross and directed by Mairi Morrison the play concentrated on the fate of several families, developing the underlying message of the importance of community. A beautiful set was created, portraying the layout of the neighbouring houses to the main protagonist a tight-fisted, bitter spinster who is shown the error other ways by a cat and mouse duo. Excellent musical support from Margaret Stewart enabled the production to include all classes and teachers within various scenes, much to the enjoyment of the local audience. The evening was attended to capacity, including standing room only to the rear of the hall. Audience feedback was excellent – remarking on the excellent opportunity the project served in giving theatrical experience to the children and their evident confidence as a result. Sgoil Baile Mhanaich In response to the Baile Mhanaich performance, an audience member noted the projects ability to supply the demand “for young people to create and express themselves in Gaelic”. The idea for the production again was developed through workshops with the writer Chrisella Ross, utilising traditional story-telling techniques in the development of characterisation. As opposed to Chrisella writing the play for the school, the teachers took on the role of progressing the childrens ideas with Chrisella mentoring. The play, based on the school’s theme of Vikings was directed by Debbie MacKay who worked with the children for a fortnight before the performance. The set and costume were developed with Morag Smith and provided an excellent back-drop to the script, with carpentry support from Murdigan MacDonald and Iain Mhurchaidh MacKenzie. Musical support was provided by Penny Burgess and Seonaidh Macintyre, and included local songs and music. Attendance on the evening was in excess of 120

and excellent feedback was received. Sgoil an Iochdar The Production was developed through a series of four sessions of story-telling techniques and the children’s final choice was based on the island transport system and bad weather. Working with Chrisella Ross again the play was directed by Debbie MacKay. Musical support came from Iain Macdonald and Linda MacLeod. The feedback from the packed audience and participants again emphasised the strong feeling of community within the productions and the value they presented in stage experience for the children.


Audience numbers have increased on PNE projects in 2014/15. It has been noted that they have been much higher in comparison to similar cultural events. Many of our projects have also appealed to a non-Gaelic speaking audience with the use of simultaneous translation facilities.

Due to the detail and range of information, resources and high quality visuals, a greater number of schools/pupils accessed the exhibitions that anticipated.

School pupils engaged on all productions behind the scenes and on stage. All extended their knowledge and experience of performance and the technical aspects of producing a theatre play.

Pupils developed Gaelic literacy and fluency skills on all projects which were all delivered through the medium of Gaelic.

Collaboration with the Comunn Eachdraidh network in each area, extended PNE’s network and added to the depth of research and resources on our projects.

Similarly, our projects gave community members an opportunity to develop their research, Gaelic writing and presentation skills through various storytelling sessions in schools and engagement on our exhibition project.

All research will inform a series of educational resources which will be offered to island schools in the future.

Gairm nan Gàidheal brought arts and heritage practitioners into the classroom and facilitated for schools to engage in community projects in local arts centres and museums.

PNE’s projects have uncovered valuable Gaelic songs, poetry and stories which have lain dormant in communities over the years. The legacy of the exhibition is that it has created significant building blocks to profile the wealth of resources from our communities in future productions. Seall Seo - Outcomes:

In each of the schools there was an opportunity for the classes to develop story-telling skills and develop characters through the utilisation of these skills. While working with the writers, the pupils were invited to highlight specific aspects of local characters which would work within the narrative, this was shown to great effect and allowed both pupils and audience to connect with the narrative.

Working with professionals such as Margaret Stewart, the children were directed towards the inclusion of song within the narrative to direct and inform the audience. This enabled the younger children and staff to be involved in the production and added a further level of comedy to the script.

Culturally the inclusion of traditional songs within the productions creates an important connection for the children expanding their repertoire and forming a life-long familiarity with them.

Benefits:

Educational visits to classrooms by storytellers and writers

Social benefits for participants from remote communities

Cultural benefits across communities and across generations

Linguistic benefits particularly through the cross-generational activities.

1. To create an environment where the children could engage with, and learn

from artists and professionals.

Outcomes:

Màiri Morrison who was director for the production has an excellent rapport with the pupils and they in return enjoy her presence, her instruction and her activities. Màiri has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of drama with a lengthy background in stage, screen, touring and teaching. Màiri is also very musical with her own album release as well as being featured on many more. Her guidance in both drama and musical terms is invaluable.

2. The development of a new skills base.

The skill’s base of the children had a notable increase inside and outside of the classroom. This included a heightened interest in creative writing and especially characterisation. The teamwork required in each production meant that composite groups were working together in a constructive environment where mutual respect and cooperation were necessary for a successful outcome. The need for such teamwork has since been reflected in the children’s interaction in the classroom and in the playground with a heightened tolerance and patience witnessed between older and younger age-groups The platform on which to stage a production for the enjoyment of the wider community.

The main outcome of the project was the delivery of a show in each of the areas for the wider community. The feedback on each of the shows from both participants and audience was in itself a gauge of their success. The build-up to the shows in each community was progressed with a professional approach. The layout of the evening being that of a concert with MC, supporting acts and an interlude where baking and refreshments were available and a raffle held. Besides the family of the children performing, the audience comprised of locals who seized the opportunity to watch a staged Gaelic production in a familiar environment. Filming and recordings of the events

are being produced for an online audience.






GRANTS FOR GAELIC LANGUAGE EDUCATION (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 1986 GAELIC SPECIFIC GRANT/ CAPITAL FUNDING GRANT YEAR END PROGRESS REPORT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2014-15 Please ensure completion of the Year End Progress Reports by 30 April 2015 Reports should be sent to: Linda Roberts Learning Directorate Gaelic & Scots Team Area 2-B South Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ Tel: 0131 244 6445 [email protected] LOCAL AUTHORITY:COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR GRANT ALLOCATED IN 2014-15: £970,000 (A separate Report must be submitted in respect of each activity or project funded from an authority’s annual allocation of Specific Grant for Gaelic education)

Activity or Project

Action 8 Multi Media Support - All students, staff and parents will be made aware of and use the extensive resources available online, digital media

Cost of Project £

£115,724.17

How was this funded? £81,006.91


Specific Grant contribution


£34,722.65


e-Stòras (www.e-storas.com)

e-Stòras has been live since the beginning of 2014 and in November 2014 the site

was a finalist in the category of ‘Innovation in Education’ at the Gaelic Awards.

Good progress continues to be made with e-Stòras and resources are added on, at

least, a weekly basis. Partnership working with Pròiseact nan Ealan has given us

new content relating to An Cogadh Mòr (The Great War) and the Comhairle

funded ‘Seall Seo’ plays can also be found on the site. The drama section of the

site contains a healthy bank of plays which also showcase the talent and great

work taking place in our schools The final two ‘Seall Seo’ plays from Baile a’

Mhanaich and Iochdar in Uist will be added in the coming weeks.

Ar Dìleab and An Sgeulachd Ghoirid are incorporated into e-Stòras and can be

accessed this way as well as on their existing stand-alone websites. Further

contributors have recently been added to Am Sgeulachd Ghoirid and feedback has

indicated that this tool is being used in colleges and universities nationally.

Leabhraichean an t-Seann Tiomnaidh (the Old Testament resource) was added to

the site recently and contains audio recordings of all the books of the OT.

The Unit were represented at Storlann’s annual conference ‘An t-Alltan’ in

October 2014 and it was beneficial to the Unit. Conversations took place with

teachers from across the country and feedback was received from them on

existing resources and potential new materials.

http://www.e-storas.com/

The focus in 2015 for the Unit will be to concentrate on resources for primary

level. The Unit are currently working on developing interactive Smartboard

resources for early level and first level. PDF documents on a series of topics,

including grammar, are being worked on and will be added to the site over the

course of the year.

The replacement of the Designer post will be of benefit to the Unit and will

increase output and allow us to explore other avenues of development.

Na Cloinne Bige

An exciting partnership project with Pròiseact nan Ealan is currently underway

and a pre-school ‘app’ will be launched in June/July. This will bring together a

collection of 20 verses/songs which are currently on the GRD not being utilised to

their full potential. Five young singers from Lewis & Harris were brought in and

Calum Martin arranged recordings of the songs. They will be available as a free

downloadable app and also on e-Stòras. The Unit will be providing all the design

work and app creation and it is hoped to launch this around the time of the

Hebridean Celtic Festival. This resource will be for pre-school and early stage

primary pupils and it is hoped that parents of young children will find it a helpful

resource.

GME promotion through Social Media

Our Facebook page (GME in the Western Isles) continues to be very popular. It

is an excellent tool for promoting GME events and positive articles relating to the

benefits of bilingualism. We regularly support other agencies, such as Comunn na

Gàidhlig, Gaelic4Parents, Pròiseact nan Ealan and Bòrd na Gàidhlig, in the

promotion of their events. It’s also a great tool to promote new resources which

have been added to e-Stòras. Google Analytics clearly shows trends of a rise in

the hits seen on our websites in the hours following a posting on Facebook.

Our Twitter account hasn’t been as well utilised but we continue to tweet from

time to time; @GMEeileansiar. We will continue to use this as a promotional

device. Our website Foghlam Gaelic requires updating and it has been put into

our work plan for 2014.

Deasbad BT Alba website & promotional work (www.deasbadbtalba.com)

The Unit are heavily involved in the management and organisation of the BT

Gaelic Debate. In 2014 the Debate management committee were the recipients of

the Event of the Year award at the national Gaelic Awards. The Unit have

responsibility for the upkeep of the Deasbad BT website and social media site.

The Manager is also responsible for all the PR released in connection with the

competition. There will again be considerable work to be completed in 2015 –

more so than in previous years as we must find sponsors to enable the competition

to carry on.

Video, audio & photographic work

The team have been filming across a number of different projects including

filming talks at local Historical Societies (for use on e-Stòras), , school openings,

ceilidhs, school concerts and, where time allows, some in-house work for other

sections of the Department & Comhairle. The most recent bulk of work has been

filming the plays relating to the Great War for Pròiseact nan Ealan. We have an

understanding with partner agencies that anything we film which will be of use to

e-Stòras will be made available on our site. Alick Matheson, our photographic

specialist, has been involved in work for Comunn Eachdraidh Nis and Education

Scotland in this in turn is good publicity for the Unit and the work we do.

http://www.deasbadbtalba.com/

The team also provided the audio recordings for the Education and Children’s

Services Department at various formal consultations and during 2013 a number of

these took place. The team have also recently undertaken some CD and DVD

copying services for some external organisations.

GME promotional work

Artwork, preparation of printed graphics and co-ordination of printed projects are

always ongoing and, where time allows, for wider educational projects. The Unit

now have the necessary skills to undertake a lot of the photographic work in-

house which will be of great benefit to the Department in the future.


PURPOSE OF THE GRANT 2.1 The Grant is made to enable the Grantee to carry out the Project. 2.2 The Grant shall only be used for the purposes of the Project and for no other purpose whatsoever. 2.3 No part of the Grant shall be used to fund any activity or material which is party political in intention, use of presentation or appears to be designed to affect support for a political party.

2.4 The expected outcomes of Grant are:







GRANTS FOR GAELIC LANGUAGE EDUCATION (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 1986 GAELIC SPECIFIC GRANT/ CAPITAL FUNDING GRANT YEAR END PROGRESS REPORT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2014-15 Please ensure completion of the Year End Progress Reports by 30 April 2015 Reports should be sent to: Linda Roberts Learning Directorate Gaelic & Scots Team Area 2-B South Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ Tel: 0131 244 6445 [email protected] LOCAL AUTHORITY: GRANT ALLOCATED IN 2014-15: £970,000 (A separate Report must be submitted in respect of each activity or project funded from an authority’s annual allocation of Specific Grant for Gaelic education)

Activity or Project

Action 10 Post School Education, Gaelic Language Classes for Staff

Cost of Project £

£15,544.43



£11,658.32


£3,886.11


Our aim is still to ensure that every non Gaelic speaking member of staff will have access to a Gaelic Learners Programme tailored to their needs through the following actions:

Identify all staff and staff interests

Develop menu of options

Implement targeted recruitment campaign

Implement quarterly review

Establish GLPS Training for Trainers course to create a pool of trainers Staff surveys will continue to identify and target staff. A menu of options has been prepared in response to staff needs. A targeted recruitment campaign has been implemented. 1. Quarterly review will be undertaken. 2. ‘Training for Trainers’ course developed to create a pool of trainers. 3. Work-supported training for staff provided. 4. Commission further training in response to demand and the different

proficiency levels of staff. Commission local residential learning opportunities. During the life-time of the current plan a number of staff have been involved in classes to support improvements in their Gaelic Language skills. Staff in schools and offices have been involved in Ùlpan classes on a weekly basis and other members of staff have been supported in order to facilitate attendance at Bòrd na Gàidhlig residential courses in Skye and Glasgow. In addition the authority has funded staff that have enrolled on an Cùrsa Inntrigeadh at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

The authority has also supported a primary teacher in undertaking the GifT course in Glasgow. Reports are positive and it is anticipated that this teacher will take up employment in one of our Gaelic Medium schools in August 2015. Two members of staff who have applied for the GifT course have been attending Gaelic classes in school all year and the authority has paid for the tutor. The authority will support these members of staff in attending a residential course at the beginning of April 2015. Members of staff have also been supported to attend Ceòlas to help them improve their Gaelic Language skills. An audit of staff has been conducted to support the delivery of GLE in primary schools and training needs arising from the audit will be addressed. Gaelic Scholarships The aim of the project is to encourage island students to take advantage of degree courses in Gaelic, being offered through U.H.I. and based in the Western Isles. The funding for CnES is matched by UHI in partnership with Lews Castle College and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. The number and value of bursaries can vary from year to year depending on the number of eligible applications. Evaluation from recipients of bursaries shows that the bursaries have had impact in terms of uptake of Gaelic degree courses. Allocation of the bursaries is made in conjunction with UHI, and the total funding for the year was allocated to bursaries. In 2014-15 three young people from Lewis and Harris were supported with their Gaelic Studies in Lews Castle College. This budget is hugely important as it enables young people to continue with their studies in their local area. It links with local and government priorities in keeping young Gaelic speaking people in their own communities.

GifT - £8000 + expenses. An Cùrsa Inntrigeadh Ùlpan Bòrd na Gaidhlig residential courses Ceòlas Lews Castle College bursary





GRANTS FOR GAELIC LANGUAGE EDUCATION (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 1986 GAELIC SPECIFIC GRANT/ CAPITAL FUNDING GRANT YEAR END PROGRESS REPORT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2013-14 Please ensure completion of the Year End Progress Reports by 31 May 2014 Reports should be sent to: Linda Roberts Learning Directorate Gaelic & Scots Team Area 2-B South Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ Tel: 0131 244 6445 [email protected] LOCAL AUTHORITY: COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR GRANT ALLOCATED IN 2013-14: £978,000 (A separate Report must be submitted in respect of each activity or project funded from an authority’s annual allocation of Specific Grant for Gaelic education)

Activity or Project

Action 12 A succession planning and workforce development programme will ensure that we have qualified staff in place to meet our 55% primary and 6 Standard Grade Secondary targets.

Cost of Project £

No Cost





Teacher numbers have been identified for increased enrolments in GME and secondary subjects taught through the medium of Gaelic. In order to address the difficulty in teacher recruitment the following actions have been taken by the Comhairle:

Primary teacher recruitment in Uist and Barra identifies Gaelic as an essential requirement whether recruitment is for Gaelic or English medium education.

Enhanced relocation support is being provided.

Promoted posts in Uist and Barra in primary have Gaelic identified as an essential requirement.

Three full-time itinerant posts for GME have been established using the supply budget in order to increase permanent contract vacancies.

Report to LNC proposes that all staff whose training was funded through Gaelic and who teach in English will be required to transfer to GME when a vacancy arises.

Next Steps 16.2 Encourage new students and existing supply teachers to undertake Ulpan

courses and other Gaelic training made available. 16.3 Incorporate this information into the workforce planning strategy for schools

to reflect predicted enrolments in these areas. 16.4 Provide refresher training for staff who have been teaching in English

Medium.

16.5 Language reinforcement training to be put in place for teachers who are fluent and want to teach in Gaelic medium.

16.6 Put in place supply to allow shadowing








Activity or Project

Action 13 Develop an economic and education strategy to increase job opportunities for young people in the Western Isles

Cost of Project £

No Cost





Action 13 CnES operates a formal Education:Economic strategy in the interests of individual young people and the wider Outer Hebrides economy/community. Designed to deliver key CfE entitlements and informed by the Scottish Government’ economic strategy, Skills for Scotland and the OECD* the strategy is regularly refreshed with LMI on local/national economic priorities. Identified as an economic priority, the Gaelic language is central to a number of elements:

The first ‘work based’ vocational education course introduced was ‘Traditional Boatbuilding’ – delivered through the medium of Gaelic.

Written and introduced under the strategy is the HMIe ‘Good Practice’ Crofting NPA course and qualification – on-site delivery in Gaelic and forming part of a land use Progression Pathway

Motor Mechanics Pilot Programme was delivered via the medium of Gaelic in conjunction with local employer.

Pre Nursing Scholarship. This SQA accredited Progression Pathway, delivered in partnership with Stirling University and NHS recognises the advantages to health service users and providers of Gaelic Language skills.**

*OECD ‘Quality and Equity of Schooling in Scotland’ ** This initiative, delivered in Castlebay School received the 2013 ‘Enterprise and

Employability Across Learning – Secondary’ Award in the Scottish Education Awards


The target has been met – a strategy for vocational education in accord with economic priorities has been established. Outcomes to date:

Greater ‘personalisation and choice’ for young people in school

Improved delivery of CfE ‘Skills for Work’ entitlement

Greater business/community partnership in planning and delivery

Improved equality of opportunity and equity of provision for young people in CnES schools

Increase in Gaelic vocational education

Increase in vocational education attainment



Activity or Project

Action 14 Ensure CfE curriculum planning reflects Gaelic culture and history.

Cost of Project £

£880.48



£660.36


£220.12


The authority, working with partner agencies has produced a number of exciting resources to support the delivery of CfE in a local context. Other partnership activities have resulted in activities for children and Young People. An outline of some activities is given below. These initiatives have focussed on in class and out of class activities to support the acquisition of language and schools and the community have worked well and produced some outstanding pieces of work which can be viewed on the Multi Media Unit web-site. Example 1. Partner : Pròiseact nan Ealan. GME resources for schools relating to the First World War were produced with this funding. Throughout 2014 and 2015 Pròiseact nan Ealan is focussing on the Great War for a number of its projects. These include exhibitions, dramas and workshops. A great deal of research about the war and its relevance to, and impact on the Western Isles is being carried out. A selection of the information will be presented at exhibitions and used to inform writers when creating dramatic presentations. In addition to this, PnE created Gaelic language education packs to distribute to schools in order to provide a resource which enables young people to discover information about the Great War and its impact in an accessible way. Packs will include fact sheets, worksheets, maps, scripts and ideas for delivering the information in innovative, active ways. From 1914 to 1918, men and women in their thousands left the Western Isles

for foreign lands to face uncertain fates in a conflict that would become a global war and change the face of Europe forever. Its’ impact on the Western Isles was huge, precipitating a decline in population, language and culture. Throughout 2014 & into 2015 PnE has continued to work with schools and communities to inform and educate the present generation of the contribution made by their forebears through a variety of mediums including, drama, exhibitions, workshops and lectures. This element of the project aligns itself with the purposes of CfE and CnES’ Gaelic action plan by educating children about their culture and history through the medium of Gaelic and utilising online, digital and emerging technologies. Example 2 Partner: Lewis and Harris Youth Club Association How Does a Gaelic camp at Scaladale contribute to the aims of the Curriculum for Excellence? “The journey through education for any child in Scotland must include opportunities for a series of planned, quality outdoor learning experiences” (Education Scotland) “The core values of Curriculum for Excellence echo the key concepts of outdoor learning: challenge, enjoyment, relevance, depth, development of the whole person and an adventurous approach to learning.” (Education Scotland) Here is an exemplar of our activities and how they can relate to Gaelic, Hebridean Culture and cross Curricular Learning.

Topic Activity

Hebridean Culture/History Peat Cutting, Sailing

Hebridean Culture/History Exploring local place names, Powerboat Trip

History Walk to abandoned village, Coasteering

Village site Nature Walk, Kayaking at Aline Loch

The Environment/Geography

Forest Schools, Gorge Scramble

The Environment/ Geography

Bushcraft cook, Mountain Biking

Healthy Lifestyles and Camp Trip, Camp cookery, Beach Games

Interpersonal Skills Wind/water kinetic art, Gorge Scramble

Science Wind/water kinetic art, Gorge Scramble

Maths Navigation/speed, time distance through journeying

Using The Gaelic Language outside of the normal place of learning We feel that the main advantage of a Scaladale Gaelic camp is the opportunity to take children out from their normal place of learning, both the Physical Space, but also the range of activities and therefore vocabulary required. Below are some examples taken from the Curriculum for Excellence experiences and outcomes which are directly applicable to a camp at Scaladale across ages and stages. Example 3 Partners : Stòrlann, Acair, Pròiseact nan Ealan This initiative is entitled Cèaird an Sgrìobhaiche. It consists of a variety of elements that bring arts practitioners, school communities and development agencies into a close working partnership that supports learning in schools. The programme promotes and develops increased integrated working between Arts and Education practitioners in the Western Isles, with a particular focus on integration with the school curriculum, learning walls and place based learning. The activities serve to build on aspects of the work and findings of the

Caledonian University study, led by Prof. A. Sproull, on behalf of the Western Isles Gaelic Arts Forum (WIGAF). The pilot project overview is being jointly delivered through collaborative working by Acair, CNES Multimedia Unit, PNE and Stòrlann working in collaboration with a wide range of locally based arts practitioners. The outcomes of the project focus on dramatizing prose text, improving creative writing skills, working on the online comic Smathsin, production of an anthology of prose and the production of two Gaelic books. The project will be evaluated once these milestones have been reached and next steps identified. Other projects The authority has also supported teaching staff in the production of resources. Muckle reading has been translated by staff in the Broadbay area of Lewis and the resource has been shared with all schools. Staff have also been released to do some work on Gaelic progression frameworks to support improvements in writing skills. A member of staff in the Nicolson Institute is currently working on support material to enrich the Gaelic curriculum in line with Curriculum for Excellence Experiences and Outcomes. The Learning Wall continues to be developed as the curriculum planning tool across all schools to ensure that experiences and outcomes are addressed at all levels to ensure greater levels of consistency, continuity and progression in all aspects of learning. School audits show that Gaelic culture and history feature prominently in school’s curriculum. Other examples of work include the Crofting Course in Balivanich School; Croitear Òg in Barra and the work done by Comunn Eachdraidh Nis on the West side of Lewis. There is excellent work being done in the Nicolson Institute with a number of exciting initiatives in place to support learning. Examples of these include Fuaigheal is Fealla Dha, Gaelic Careers day and Lews Castle students supporting children in S1/S2 Gaelic conversation. Sir E Scott have introduced Psalm singing classes and a number of outdoor

activities and a Gaelic café has been introduced in Sgoil Lìonacleit. In addition pupils in Sgoil Lionacleit had a book of short stories published. Castlebay pupils have a weekly sports club and a history club where Young People will work with their community. These are just a few examples of learning contexts provided by schools to enrich the curriculum and children’s language skills.






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