Published: 05 Mar 2020
The Highland Council Gaelic Team is working with Fèisean nan Gàidheal and An Comunn Gàidhealach to develop Mòd Academy Project primarily in schools in the Inverness area in run up to both the Provincial and National Mòds taking place in Inverness in June and October respectively.
The Mòd Academy focuses on Gaelic Medium schools and schools which have chosen Gaelic as their third language (L3). For the purposes of the 1+2 Language Learning Approach. Children and young people are exposed to an additional
language from primary 1 (Language 2 or L2). A further language is introduced from primary 5 (Language 3 or L3). The project will also be delivered in schools who wish to receive support in preparing young people for the Mòd.
The project is currently organising specific tutors to deliver Gaelic learning and usage tuition, Gaelic song tuition, Gaelic choral singing tuition, where appropriate bàrdachd (poetry), and folk group tuition. The tuition will be relevant to the Mòd syllabus, competitions and focus on participating in the Mòd.
An Comunn Gàidhealach will deliver a series of Youth Mòd Awareness events visits to schools in the area.
Deputy Provost Councillor Graham Ross said, “Projects which encourage Gaelic learning, usage and participation in the Gaelic culture will enrich young peoples’ learning experience.” I hope schools take the opportunity to take part in the
Mòd Academy project as it offers quality tuition in preparation for Gaelic’s premier festival. He continued, “The Council recognises the social, linguistic cultural and economic benefits of Gaelic in the Highlands.”
Janice Macrae Head Teacher Muirtown Primary School said, “We, at Muirtown Primary, are delighted to have been asked to host the launch of this year’s Mod Academy.” She continued “Gaelic language plays an extremely important part of our culture and heritage in the Highlands. It is great to be supported as a school to participate in both the local and national Mod, thus giving our children the opportunity to experience taking part in a thriving Gaelic festival and also promoting an interest and enjoyment of the language.”
Eilidh Mackenzie Barker “Fèisean nan Gàidheal welcomes the opportunity to work with young people in honing their Gaelic music skills. Our formal education arm, Fèisgoil, has been involved with Mod Academy for several years helping children and their teachers prepare songs & poetry in the different town hosting the national mod each year. We are particularly keen to be working in Highland GME schools and those where pupils are learning Gaelic as an additional language and would welcome the opportunity to expand this collaborative working partnership in encouraging staff and young people to embrace the opportunities afforded through Gaelic cultural learning”
The project is supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
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