Category: Jobs

Gaelic Medium Education

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig is aware of situations regarding Gaelic medium education and the need for more teachers to ensure that it can continue to grow.

In terms of education, Bòrd na Gàidhlig has a duty to publish the Statutory Guidance for Gaelic Education. Local authorities have the duty to provide education and responsibilities regarding teacher recruitment and retention.  The Scottish Funding Council, GTCS and universities have responsibilities in relation to teacher training.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig worked with officers at Highland, Argyll and Bute and Aberdeen City Councils to make recommendations on actions that would support the recruitment and retention of teachers and that report was submitted to the Councils last year.  This included recommendations on making teaching posts more attractive through offering permanent, full-time contracts, creating promotion structures and addressing issues such as access to affordable housing.

The second part of the report addressing national issues has been provided to The Highland Council, Scottish Government and others.  According to the most recent SG data, over one-third of those teachers qualified to teach in Gaelic medium are currently working in English medium.

In addition to providing advice, Bòrd na Gàidhlig works to encourage people to take up a career in teaching through the #DèanDiofar (MakeaDifference) campaigns promoting teaching and early-years careers, and through collaboration with many other organisations. BnG has a Development Officer (Teachers) who visits schools and universities to bring teaching to people’s attention as a career.

Bursaries are available from Bòrd na Gàidhlig to encourage people who are considering changing careers to train as teachers, for students undertaking Initial Teacher Education, for those who are registered teachers to become Gaelic-medium teachers through immersion courses and support also for probationary teachers.

New Director of Education at Bòrd na Gàidhlig

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig is delighted to announce the appointment of Jennifer McHarrie as Director of Education who takes up her appointment on 05 December 2022. Jennifer will lead the education team at Bòrd na Gàidhlig and work with them to lead the education policies of the Bòrd. Bòrd na Gàidhlig provides advice to the Scottish Government on Gaelic Education, works with education authorities and other bodies involved in the delivery of education in order to achieve the Bòrd’s objectives, and Jennifer will oversee the work of the Bòrd in the implementation of Statutory Guidance in the various agencies.

A resident of Carluke (South Lanarkshire) Jennifer has a wealth of experience in both the public and private sector relating to languages and education. She is a graduate of Glasgow University (French/Hispanic Studies) and learned Gaelic as an adult via a variety of different courses including evening classes in Glasgow and Lanarkshire, An Cùrsa Inntrigidh with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and recently completed Glasgow University’s Bliadhna Bogaidh, awarded with distinction. Jennifer joins BnaG from SQA, where she has worked for over 10 years, most recently as Qualifications Co-ordinator for on a wide range of projects relating to Gaelic including delivering the Educational Commitments in SQA’s Gaelic Language Plan, plus co-ordinating and growing Gaelic-medium provision. She has worked closely with teachers, local authorities in the Secondary, FE, HE and CLD sectors and has insight into the complex educational landscape, and also Language Planning and Policy at a national level.  A true advocate for the benefits of bilingualism, she has also worked in Translation Project Management, International Export and been an English Language Assistant in Northern Spain.

Mairi  MacInnes, Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said, ‘We are extremely fortunate that someone with such extensive experience is going to strengthen the education team at the Bòrd. In particular, this will support local authorities and other bodies in realising the benefits of GME in their areas and in meeting the objectives set out in the National Gaelic Language Plan.”

Bòrd na Gàidhlig Welcomes New Director of Development

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Bòrd na Gàidhlig (BnG) is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Director of Development.

Iain MacMillan has been working with BnG on a 6-month interim post as Director of Development to provide additional support. After a successful recruitment process, Iain will now take up the role on a permanent basis.

Born and raised in South Uist, Iain now lives in Stornoway. He has a wealth of experience in the public sector having spent the last 40 years in various roles and has held senior positions for the last 30 years. Iain was Principal and CEO of Lews Castle College (UHI) for over 8 years until August 2020. From April 2017 to November 2019, he also undertook a part-time role as Vice Principal (Strategic Harmonisation and Operational Efficiencies) for UHI.

From 2004, he had held the post of Director of Finance and Corporate Services at the College. Prior to that, he had held various positions within Local Authorities and Police Services in both Finance and Corporate roles.  

Shona MacLennan, Ceannard Bhòrd na Gàidhlig said:

“We are delighted that Iain will be taking on the role of Director of Development on a permanent basis. He brings vast knowledge and understanding of development which will be invaluable in the coming months, and indeed years, while we continue to work on developing the next National Plan. He has a sound understanding of the requirements and opportunities in development and in communities and we know his skills will be of great benefit.”    

 

 

Information Session – Director of Education

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Tuesday 27 April, 19.30-20.00, Microsoft Teams

Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcomes professionals with an interest in the Director of Education post to an information session with the Director of Education (present), Education Manager and Ceannard (CEO).

This is an informal opportunity to find out more about the job and the responsibilities of the education team

The session will be streamed live on Teams with the option to post questions in the chat box function.

Register through Eventbrite to take part: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/seisean-fiosrachaidh-stiuiriche-foghlaim-registration-151184897097

Should you have any questions regarding the session, please send an email to corporra@gaidhlig.scot.

As this is a Gaelic essential post, the event will be in Gaelic.

 

You can find a full Job Description and Application Form for the post here.