Sabhal Mòr bids farewell to new cohort of Gaelic teachers

11 students from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Teaching courses concluded their formal education there last Thursday, ready to commence their probationary year as new teachers in primary and secondary schools across the country come August.

The students were on the BA Gaelic and Education degree programme and also the PGDE (Gaelic pathway – primary, secondary and secondary subjects through the medium of Gaelic) and received an online farewell from their Teacher Education lecturers at the college.

As they had been unable to undertake their final school placement due to Covid-19, the teaching staff organised opportunities for them to take part in Professional Training before completing the course and continuing on to their probationary year.

The students enthusiasticaly participated in professional discussion, language development and resource planning and creation.  They also took advantage of the opportunity to take part in courses and conferences, including Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Online Conference for New Teachers. 

Director of Teacher Education at SMO, Shona Cormack explained, “We held the final seminar with the students on the BA and PGDE (Gaelic pathway) programmes last week and it has been a delight for us to work with them in developing and strengthening their skills.  It was a great opportunity for the students to work alongside experts in Gaelic education and to make new and useful connections before starting out in their new careers.  We are very grateful to Bòrd na Gàidhlig for providing them with this opportunity.”

One student who has completed the BA Gaelic and Education degree and is planning to become a Gaelic medium primary teacher gave their personal opinion of the course saying, “I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in teaching.  I would recommend it over and above other courses, as it is all through Gaelic – and a wealth of Gaelic at that!”

Three students will be returning for Year 4 of the BA Gaelic and Education degree and the team are looking forward to working with them and also to welcoming the new students come September.  All the students are to be commended for their hard work and enthusiasm and they are excellent examples of the success of SMO’s teaching courses.

Shona Cormack continued saying, “My colleague Gwen Culbertson and I are extremely proud of all of our students.  Not only will they bring strong Gaelic voices to the schools, but also a duty to be involved in development and knowledge of professional skills and childcare as preparation for a successful career in teaching.  We wish them all the very best!”

Applications for the Teacher Education courses at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig are still being accepted and further information can be obtained from Shona Cormack: snc.smo@uhi.ac.uk