Tong Primary School

We, at Tong School, endorse the 5-14 National Guidelines, the Western Isles Bilingual Policy and the successful working practices, which have been developed over the years. In drawing up this policy statement, we have also considered the number of non-Gaelic speaking pupils with non-Gaelic speaking parents registering at our school at different class levels.

On entry to school, pupils are classed as Gaelic learners or Gaidhlig. This categorisation is based on information given to the school by parents at registration and is open to revision in the light of performance in subsequent years. A pupil could enter the school classed as learner and become fluent in later years. Regular evaluation of fluency is carried out at every stage and is documented in the child’s end of year report.

Although the number of fluent speakers registering in our school has greatly diminished, we aim to encourage those who are fluent to communicate in as wide a variety of situations as possible. Opportunities to develop Reading and Writing skills are afforded according to the particular stage and needs.

Gaelic and English are both used in communication throughout the school. All learners are given the opportunity to learn Gaelic as a second language and pupils are encouraged to use the language as frequently as possible throughout each stage of the school. General instructions are often given in Gaelic. Listening and talking skills are developed through:

Gaelic TV programmes/video/computer software;

carrying out simple instructions;

listening to each other, to stories, to songs;

participating in drama, playlets, and singing.

When oral skills are well established, reading and writing will be introduced to consolidate, and extend the language already learnt.

Our Gaelic programme is adapted as necessary to meet the needs of pupils with learning difficulties.

Planning and Assessment formats from LEA ‘Pasgan Taice’ are used, at each stage.

P 1/2 Maduinn Mhath - Elementary Level (see App 1)

Infant Story Books

Topic related vocabulary as appropriate

Gaelic Listening Tapes (Rhymes)

P 3/4 Maduinn Mhath - Levels 1 - 20 (see App 2)

Topic related vocabulary as appropriate

Simple Stories

Simple Gaelic Readers

Listening Tapes

P 5/6/7 Feasgar Math Pack

Gaelic Readers

Listening Tapes