An t-Alltan 2008 - Gaelic teachers’ conference from Stòrlann
One hundred teachers from secondary and primary schools throughout Scotland came together in the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness on 8 and 9 October to explore new resources and related learning and teaching developments and approaches. Amongst the sessions on offer were technical training in the use of new software, opportunities to debate methodology and a chance to contribute to the development of new resources. The opening of the conference was marked by a reception hosted by The Highland Council, at which Cllr Hamish Fraser, the Chair of the Gaelic Committee of The Highland Council, welcomed the range of new opportunities opening up for young Gaelic speakers and learners, such as all-Gaelic schools and the new Gaelic digital channel ‘BBC Alba’.
In assessing the impact of the conference, a large number of teachers expressed their hope that the event will become an annual one. In the interim conference papers and some audio files will be made available in the coming weeks on this website.
The program:
Keynotes
- ‘Gaelic and Gaelic-medium Education’: Murdo MacIver, North Lanarkshire Council and Rosemary Ward, Bòrd na Gàidhlig
- ‘The Teacher as Resource’: Joan MacKay, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education
Seminars
(Click on the titles to reveal documents)
An t-Alltan Seminar Report - Creative Writing (Secondary) (119 KB)
Bàrdachd: cà’ n tòisich mi? (116KB)
A’ sgrìobhadh aiste mu bhàrdachd (72KB)
Cànan airson teagasg litreachais (192KB)
Ceist airson aiste mu An t-Eilean na Bhaile (137KB)
Notaichean air An t-Eilean na Bhaile (149KB)
Notaichean air Bho: A’ Dràibheadh ann an Aimearagaidh (89KB)
Because of low numbers, a formal session for this topic was not held but teachers had the opportunity to peruse new resources, preview resources in production and discuss their requirements. Angus John MacDonald co-ordinates development of secondary resources at Stòrlann and he can be contacted via the contact us link at the top of this page.
Skills’ workshops
- Using Textease software: Alan Stewart, The Highland Council
- Using Kar2ouche software: Ray Shaw, Immersive Education
- Using ‘SNAP’ Special Needs Assessment Profiles in Gaelic: Archie MacLullaich
- Accessing resources for Gaelic on the Internet: Marion MacDonald, Gaelic on-line
Our thanks to the following for support with funding, equipment and other aspects of the conference:
The Highland Council, Learning and Teaching Scotland, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, UHI Inverness College, Charlestown Academy, The Scottish Government, Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
Our thanks also to the staff of the Drumossie Hotel.