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Streap

Award: CPD, Distance Learning
Study Mode: Distance Learning, Part-time
Course Contact: Distance Learning Team .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Description

The overarching aims of Streap are to enhance listening, talking, reading and writing in Gaelic, and to build confidence for the Gaelic medium classroom and the undertaking of related professional activities.

This course is suitable for fluent speakers of Gaelic who are fully qualified English-medium teachers or are currently teaching through the medium of Gaelic and interested in professional development. The programme is relevant both to primary and to secondary teachers who have achieved the Standard for Full Registration (SFR) and who have an advanced level of Gaelic fluency/literacy sufficient to deliver in Gaelic medium.

There are two courses within the programme:

  • Course 1 - Language Development to support Gaelic Medium Teaching
  • Course 2 - Critical Reflection and Portfolio Building.

Streap first became available as a supported on-line programme in 2004 after many months of development by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the University of Aberdeen. Funding for the development and delivery of the programme, including all participant and staff costs, is provided by the Scottish Government.

In 2006 Streap was approved as a University of Aberdeen post-graduate programme carrying 60 credit points, 30 relating to Courses 1A and 1B, and 30 to Course 2.

The Programme Adviser is Christina Walker. The Programme Director is Anne Thirkell from the University of Aberdeen. The Co-ordinator is Alison Dix, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. The programme is managed and administered by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig; students are, however, formally enrolled with the University.

A Gaelic tutor works with each cohort of students, providing language support via phone tutorials during Courses 1A and 1B in particular. Additional support is made available by mentors with experience of Gaelic medium teaching at either primary or secondary level. Course 2 is supported by University staff with particular expertise in CPD for teachers.

If you enrol on Streap you will have the opportunity to meet members of the Programme Team at the face-to-face sessions. You will also be encouraged to link up with 'Study Buddies'-other students who are working in the same sector as you.

The programme is rigorously evaluated at strategic points. Students' views are taken very seriously, and are monitored by the Programme Team on a regular basis, with improvements to the programme and its delivery being made where appropriate.

Course Content

 

Course 1A

This part of the programme covers language competences relating to Gaelic medium teaching. It aims to update your grammar and spelling skills, and to familiarise you with the latest orthographic conventions. In addition to working through the on-line materials, you will receive regular support, via phone tutorials and email, from a tutor who has had substantial experience of teaching, and also of on-line learning. Within this course you will also research the benefits of bilingualism, and make a presentation on an aspect of this research.

 

Course 1B

This part of the programme focuses on enhancing your confidence in using Gaelic in the classroom, and for related professional activities, within the framework of the Curriculum for Excellence. It offers you the opportunity to prepare materials relevant to teaching and administration; to plan for effective learning and teaching; and to reflect critically on your practice and professional development in Gaelic medium teaching.

Support from your language tutor will continue throughout this part of the programme, but you will also be able to obtain advice from highly experienced primary and secondary mentors.

 

Course 2

This course will involve you in critical self assessment and analysis, and review of new learning and skills developed. You will be required to reflect critically on your experience and to evaluate the progress which you have made in developing Gaelic medium competences.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have:

  •     A good level of oral and written communication skills in Gaelic
  •     Full GTCS registration or eligibility for full registration
  •     An interest in further professional development in teaching through the medium of Gaelic

Throughout Course 1A formative feedback is offered on set listening, talking, reading and listening activities to confirm competence of linguistic skills for teaching in Gaelic medium. Course 1B offers formative feedback on a range of activities to confirm competence of professional skills for teaching in Gaelic medium.

 

Admissions

If you meet the above entry requirements you will be invited to take part in a selection procedure involving assessment of all four Gaelic language skills. Some aspects of the selection procedure may be conducted by phone.

Fees and Funding

The programme is fully funded by the Scottish Government. All supply and other relevant costs can be recovered by your school or local authority if you are accepted as a student.

Progression Routes

Successful completion of both courses will allow you to gain a PGT Certificate worth 60 credits within the PGT Advanced Professional Studies Programme from the University of Aberdeen.

After completion of this Certificate you could, if you wished, continue within the APS Programme undertaking other available courses to allow you to build on your Certificate and gain a PGT Diploma (120 credits) or Masters in Education award (180 credits).

On successful completion of the PGT Certificate and follow-on classroom practice, you may be interested in seeking professional recognition for your work in Gaelic medium teaching. The GTCS Framework for Professional Recognition describes how you can focus your CPD on particular areas of professional interest, and gain professional recognition for enhancing and sharing your knowledge and experience.

If you choose not to complete Course 2 of the programme, you may exit with a 30 credit award within the PGT Certificate on successful completion of Course 1.

How to Apply

For further information, please contact the Course Administrator at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on 01471 888 247

Alternatively, complete the online form on the Streap website:  http://www.streap.smo.uhi.ac.uk/en/contact_us.php

Timetables

Timetable 2012/2013 (to be confirmed)
 

  •     Interviews: June 2012.
     
  •     Programme Induction: 30 September to 2 October 2012 (venue to be confirmed).
     
  •     Course 1A: 3 October 2012 to 25 February 2013.
     
  •     Face-to-Face Session (End of Course 1A): 21-22 February 2013.
     
  •     Course 1B: 25 February to 7 June 2013.
     
  •     Face-to-Face Session (End of Course 1B): 20-21 June 2013 (venue to be confirmed).
     
  •     Course 2: Flexible start date.