![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.storlann.co.uk\/an-t-alltan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/janet-maciver-bbc-an-t-alltan-2017.jpg\" "\\"janet")
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\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n Welcome<\/h1>The An t-Alltan 2018 conference for Gaelic teachers and Early Years staff was held in the
MacDonald Aviemore Conference Centre,
on 26 & 27\u00a0 September.<\/h2>
MacDonald Aviemore Conference Centre,
on 26 & 27\u00a0 September.<\/h2>
\u00a0The conference was an excellent professional learning opportunity for Gaelic educationalists and provided delegates with the opportunity to have a look at new initiatives for teaching and learning through a series of talks and workshops.<\/p>
\u00a0<\/span><\/p> Icebreaker \u2013 great fun introduction to\u00a0 using c\u00e8ilidh dancing and Gaelic songs<\/p> Supporting parents whose children have ASN difficulties and accessing support<\/p> Bringing your Books to life, using current Gaelic Books from Bookbug Bags<\/p> Games and activities for under 5\u2019s with song , rhythm and movement<\/p> An Gruffalo story brought to life with songs, drama and movement<\/p> Different interventions used to support children with early reading and numeracy skills and implementation of support. Using resources available to meet needs of GME learners. Tracking and monitoring individuals to ensure progress.<\/p> This seminar was designed to support strategic leaders and encourage practitioners to consider what constitutes high-quality Gaelic Medium Education (GME) in early learning and childcare (ELC) settings. Joan Esson, HMI advised on:<\/p> \u2022 creating a rationale, vision and aims to drive change<\/p> \u2022 analysing the quality indicators that are used in HM inspections to support settings’ self-evaluation<\/p> \u2022 the national perspective of strengths and key areas for improvement from inspection<\/p> \u2022 the national perspective on building quality practice from the evaluation of trials for the expansion of the free ELC hours<\/p> Maeve MacKinnon advised on:<\/p> \u2022 the use of National Benchmarks for assessment, moderation and profiling in ELC<\/p> Roddy Maclean gave a taste of the course he does annually in which participants learned about nature and the environment through the eyes of the Gaels. Examples of how teachers can simultaneously present our environment and our heritage to pupils were also provided.<\/p> In this workshop, John Joe looked at some of the Google apps that can be used successfully in the classroom.<\/span> Google Classroom, G Suite for Education, Kahoot, Class Dojo and other apps were also considered and reviewed. As James Britton memorably put it, \u2018Reading and writing float on a sea of talk<\/em>.\u2019 English-speaking children in Gaelic schools need plenty of oral practice in their second language before beginning to read and write, and for young children the obvious vehicle for oral language is play. There are also two sorts of oral language that are particularly significant for literacy learning, which are naturally attractive to children but which can sometimes be sidelined by the requirement to teach phonics and handwriting skills. These are the foundations upon which homo sapiens developed our capacity for literacy in the first place: story and song.<\/p> In this workshop, Sue Palmer (literacy specialist) outlined the academic basis for prioritising play, story and song in the early years and Katie Wight (senior teacher\/Early Years lead at Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pairce, Edinburgh) described how her school is introducing play-based pedagogy in P1\/2, with an emphasis on story and song.<\/p> Singing games and rhymes can be used to change the mood, stimulate discussion, encourage creativity and to promote individual as well as group interaction.<\/p> This workshop was aimed at encouraging teachers to incorporate music into different parts of the day. The songs and games can be used to welcome and end a class, as part of P.E, to practice new vocabulary, to teach musical concepts and to help gain confidence in all aspects of musicianship.<\/p> Songs and rhymes suitable for age 4 – 10.<\/p> How can you make homework work for <\/b>you rather than being work for you<\/b>?<\/p> How can you make it a meaningful part of learning rather than an add-on that\u2019s seen as a burden by teachers, pupils and parents?<\/p> How do you encourage families to support their child\u2019s learning at home?<\/p> How do you deliver skills-based learning without sacrificing critical elements of the curriculum?<\/p> These are challenges which two small rural schools faced and developed trial approaches to. This workshop provided an opportunity to share how \u2018Home Learning\u2019 <\/b>and \u2018Skills Days\u2019<\/b> have been planned and carried out, and to see how some creative thinking and risk-taking can have positive impacts for pupils, teachers and families.<\/p> This session focussed\u00a0 how \u2018Reciprocal Reading\u2019 can be used in a classroom. It\u2019s a reading method which is appropriate for pupils at first and second level. To begin with, attendees received information about Reciprocal Reading, the research, resources and how they can be used with pupils in the Gaelic classes. They then had the opportunity to participate in a Reciprocal Reading lesson so that they saw how it works and with different sorts of books.<\/p> Embedding STEM through inter-disciplinary learning curriculum and extending pupil knowledge and skills of STEM.<\/p> In this workshop, Catriona will be looking at the different ways in which drama can be used in class to develop language and creative skills. Utilising various theatre games, any subject can be brought to life through the use of drama, giving the children the chance to use their Gaelic in new, exciting ways.<\/p> This workshop session\u00a0 explored different ways children at the early and first level can develop language and comprehension skills through active story-time. During the session strategies to engage and retain attention were shared, along with different practical ideas to make story-time a positive experience.<\/p> This workshop provided an\u00a0 opportunity to consider ways to support pupils who have speech, language and communication needs. Advice on when and how to access support from Speech and Language Therapy services and information on a recent project that was investigating ways to assess, in Gaelic, for language disorders was provided.<\/p> The VEX IQ Robotics System is a popular computing\/robotics system, which has been available in some schools for a couple of years. Schools are now taking part in both regional and national competitions. It is suitable for P5-S3 and uses the study of robotics to introduce key design, technology and engineering principles, with lesson plans to support pupils to achieve second level outcomes in Sciences, Technologies and Numeracy and Mathematics.<\/p> The workshop looked at how the kits (which are self-contained and have been provided by a number of Local Authorities) can be used in class. Materials have also been translated into Gaelic and a comprehensive list of Gaelic Terminology is also available.<\/p> Cathy Mary MacMillan will share information on the transition project she did this year with Gaelic medium teachers in Lewis. Workshop participants will be able to work with other teachers in a group in order to choose and plan a topic which would be appropriate for their own pupils in a transition project.<\/p> The inspection publication, Quality and Improvement in Scottish Education 2012-2016 highlighted that staff in Gaelic Education are responding well to career-long professional learning (CLPL) which is focused on leadership in GME.\u00a0\u00a0 Teachers of Gaelic Education are key to the success of Gaelic within the curriculum. This seminar will give you the opportunity to find out how SCEL’s programmes and activities can assist with:<\/p> Measaidhean Coitcheann N\u00e0iseanta airson Foghlam tron Gh\u00e0idhlig (MCNG) have been commissioned by the Scottish Government as part of the National Improvement Framework.<\/p> Online assessments have been developed to help identify children\u2019s progress in literacy and numeracy, providing diagnostic information to support teachers’ professional judgement. \u00a0All children and young people in Gaelic Medium Education (P1, P4, P7 and S3) will complete MCNG in literacy and numeracy through the medium of Gaelic.<\/p> This workshop will provide delegates with an insight into the MCNG: the rationale behind the assessments; the process of developing assessment questions; and an understanding of the diagnostic information generated by the system and how this can contribute to the wider assessment of children and young people.<\/p> The workshop will be delivered by Mr. Donald A Macleod, Outreach Manager, MCNG, Scottish Government and Mrs. Maeve Mackinnon, Senior Education Officer, Education Scotland.<\/p> This workshop took a broad overview of the new writing assignment, looking at how to integrate preparation into learning, effective contexts, target language, opportunities for development and how to surmount potential problems.<\/p> A look at language games and practical activities for Higher level.<\/p> Although this session was based on Ceumannan 5, the games\/activities were suitable for other classes.<\/p> SQA combined workshop with Alasdair Bauld (Qualifications Development Specialist – G\u00e0idhlig) and Jennifer McHarrie (Qualifications Coordinator \u2013 Gaelic). Part 1\u00a0 focussing on revisions to Higher G\u00e0idhlig. Part 2 focussed on broader issues surrounding GME in Senior Phase.<\/p> The workshop addressed Moderation in a Broad General Education, looking at how a comprehensive assessment activity should be planned, what effective learning intentions and success criteria are like, and what the moderation cycle is.<\/p> This workshop looked at Gaelic and how pupils develop their language skills by working together in an active way.<\/p> This workshop was an opportunity to look at where we are now and to consider solutions to difficulties. In the second half of the workshop attendees were able to collaborate with other teachers working in the same subject fields.<\/p> Language, art and technology: the value of an interdisciplinary learning approach in Gaelic medium education<\/p> In addition to the earlier workshops, we were pleased to offer three short workshops at 5pm on Wednesday evening \u2013 Sing Sweetly, Sing Young<\/strong>, Sp\u00f2rs<\/strong> and Intofilm<\/strong>.<\/p> 1. \u00d2rain \u00d2g, \u00d2rain Bh\u00f2idheach\u00a0 | Sing Sweetly, Sing Young (Early Years and Primary) Lisa has many years\u2019 experience of teaching in primary schools and supporting Gaelic Parent and Toddler groups. She has spent three years researching the role song can play in supporting language development as part of a Master\u2019s Degree with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Sabhal M\u00f2r Ostaig.<\/p> 3. Into Film – basic filmmaking for the curriculum\u00a0 (Primary and Secondary) IntoFilm Gaelic resources:<\/p> We were delighted to have two fantastic speakers for An t-Alltan this year. Joan MacKay<\/strong> returned to speak ten years after having spoken at the first An t-Alltan in Inverness in 2008.<\/p> Kate Forbes<\/strong>, MSP made her first appearance at An t-Alltan and was familiar to many due to her high profile support for Gaelic.<\/p> Joan has the lead role for Education Scotland\u2019s contribution to the national Developing the Young Workforce programme, working in collaboration with national partners.<\/p> She also leads Creativity across Learning and Community Learning and Development.<\/p> Kate Forbes was appointed Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy in June 2018.<\/p> Kate is from Dingwall, although spent part of her upbringing in Glasgow and India.<\/p> Until she was elected as MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Kate was employed as an accountant in the banking industry.<\/p> Prior to that she studied History at the Universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh with a focus on human migration.<\/p> A fluent Gaelic speaker, Kate made history earlier this year by becoming the first female MSP to give a plenary speech entirely in Gaelic in the current Scottish Parliament chamber.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n Registration<\/p><\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n Tea and Coffee \/ Registration<\/p><\/div> Welcome and Opening<\/p><\/div> Speech – Kate Forbes, MSP<\/p><\/div> Information Session<\/p><\/div> Session 1<\/p><\/div> Tea and Coffee<\/p><\/div> Session 1 (cont.)<\/p><\/div> Lunch<\/p><\/div> Session 2<\/p><\/div> Comfort break<\/p><\/div> Session 2 (Cont)<\/p><\/div> Tea and Coffee<\/p><\/div> Information Session – St\u00f2rlann<\/p><\/div> Tea and Coffee<\/p><\/div> Session A<\/p><\/div> Dinner<\/p><\/div><\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n Tea and Coffee \/ Registration<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Session 3<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Tea and Coffee<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Session 3 (continued)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Lunch<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Information Session<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Session 4<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Comfort Break<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Session 4 (Cont)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Thanks \/ Close<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n [themify_icon icon=”fa-file-pdf-o” style=”large rounded” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” ]Conference Timetable (P & S) <\/a> the request to Vimeo failed. the plugin could not retrieve data from the Vimeo API! This resource is restricted in your region.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n ![\"St\u00f2rlann\"](\"https:\/\/www.storlann.co.uk\/an-t-alltan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/storlann-logo-flat-colour.png\"){kind=logo}
<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/i> Workshops 2018<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
1. Thig a ch\u00e8ilidh<\/h3>
Lindsey Charnley
Step Wee C\u00e8ilidh<\/h4>2. Taic a bharrachd<\/h3>
Barbara Simons THC
Morna Butcher<\/h4>3. C\u00f2 tha siud?<\/h3>
Angus MacLeod
F\u00e8isean nan G\u00e0idheal<\/h4>4. Dannsa agus seinn<\/h3>
Sophie Stevenson \/ Peggy MacVicar<\/h4>
5. An Gruffalo<\/h3>
Lindsey Charnley
Step Wee C\u00e8ilidh<\/h4>![\"Alltan](\"https:\/\/www.storlann.co.uk\/an-t-alltan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/alltan-ey-en-qv.gif\")
<\/p>![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.storlann.co.uk\/an-t-alltan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Alltan-logo-colour-2018.png\"){kind=logo}
<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n 1. Support for learning in Primary School \u2013 Targeted support<\/h3>
Sarah Ferguson<\/h4>
2. High-quality early learning and childcare in Gaelic Medium Education<\/h3>
Joan Esson and Maeve MacKinnon<\/h4>
3. Environment, Language and Heritage \u2013 The Gaels\u2019 View of Nature<\/h3>
Roddy Maclean<\/h4>
4. Using Google Apps in teaching<\/h3>
John Joe MacNeil<\/h4>
<\/span><\/p>5. The Foundations of Literacy: Play, Story and Song<\/h3>
Sue Palmer and Katie Wight<\/h4>
6. Music<\/h3>
Dolina Munro<\/h4>
7. Perspectives: Challenges or Opportunities?<\/h3>
Ian MacRae<\/h4>
8. Reciprocal Reading<\/h3>
Jennifer Kearns and Ann Morrison<\/h4>
9. STEM<\/h3>
Margaret Sproat and Charlotte MacKay<\/h4>
10. Drama<\/h3>
Catriona Lexy Campbell<\/h4>
11. Using Storytime to enhance children\u2019s language and understanding in Gaelic<\/h3>
Josie MacLeod<\/h4>
12. Supporting children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs in Gaelic Education<\/h3>
Morna Butcher and Chris Mitchell<\/h4>
13. Robotics<\/h3>
Catriona Gilchrist<\/h4>
![\"Alltan](\"https:\/\/www.storlann.co.uk\/an-t-alltan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/alltan-ps-en-qv.gif\")
<\/p><\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n 1. Transitions<\/h3>
Cathie Mary MacMillan<\/h4>
2. Building capacity in leadership<\/h3>
Joan Esson and David Burgess – Education Scotland<\/h4>
3. National Standardised Assessments<\/h3>
Donald A Macleod and Maeve MacKinnon<\/h4>
<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n 1. Writing assignment for learners and fluent speakers \u00a0– at National 5 and Higher<\/h3>
Catriona MacPhee \u2013 Fluent
Eoghan Stewart – Learners<\/h4>2. Ceumannan 5\u00a0\u2013 language games (practical session)<\/h3>
Emma Burrows<\/h4>
3. SQA<\/h3>
Alasdair Bauld and Jennifer McHarrie<\/h4>
4. Moderation<\/h3>
Ruairidh Macvicar (Fileanta)
Shonagh McLennan (LI)<\/h4>5. Active learning in secondary<\/h3>
Fiona MacNab<\/h4>
6. Teaching subjects through Gaelic<\/h3>
Catriona MacPhee<\/h4>
7 Language and creative subjects<\/h3>
Chris Pendergast<\/h4>
![\"Alltan](\"https:\/\/www.storlann.co.uk\/an-t-alltan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/alltan-hs-en-qv.gif\")
<\/p>\u00a0<\/h3>
<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\nTwilight Sessions<\/h2>
<\/strong>In this workshop Lisa MacDonald\u00a0 explained how language, music and movement combine to create a powerful learning experience.\u00a0A thoughtful approach is particularly important in bilingual groups where the parents do not speak the second language; however, the benefits of singing transcend age and setting. Attendees were given examples of songs and suggestions for creating their own.<\/p>
Fluency, confidence and language \u2013 opportunities outside the school. Sp\u00f2rs G\u00e0idhlig<\/strong> can support delivery of the Curriculum through a wide range of activities and programmes.<\/div>
<\/strong>This practical session was aimed at attendees wishing to improve curricular learning, assessment and attainment through the use of filmmaking techniques.\u00a0 Step-by-step guidance was provided on activities including Record and Playback, 5,4,3,2,1 filmmaking \u2013 attendees were given a demonstration on how it is possible to create a film in 30 minutes!\u00a0 Equipment and resources was provided.<\/p>![\"Joan](\"https:\/\/www.storlann.co.uk\/an-t-alltan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/joan-mackay-alltan-2018.jpg\" "\\"Joan")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n Joan MacKay <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n
![\"Kate](\"https:\/\/www.storlann.co.uk\/an-t-alltan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/kate-forbes-alltan-2018.jpg\" "\\"Kate")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n Kate Forbes <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
<\/i> Speakers<\/h2>
Conference Timetable<\/h3>
\n
Downloads<\/h3>
\n<\/a>[themify_icon icon=”fa-file-pdf-o” style=”large rounded” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” ]Conference Timetable – Early Years<\/a>
\n<\/a>[themify_icon icon=”fa-file-pdf-o” style=”large rounded” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” ]Workshops – Early Years<\/a>
\n<\/a>[themify_icon icon=”fa-file-pdf-o” style=”large rounded” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” ]Workshops – Primary<\/a>
\n<\/a>[themify_icon icon=”fa-file-pdf-o” style=”large rounded” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” ]Workshops – Secondary<\/a>
\n<\/a>[themify_icon icon=”fa-map-marker” style=”large rounded” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” ]Map \/ Venue Plan<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n Videos<\/h2>
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