Gaelic
Being a Gaelic teacher
As a Gaelic teacher, you’ll be responsible for teaching young people about an important part of Scottish culture. Thousands of children in Scotland are brought up in Gaelic – with the Western Isles being pegged as officially bilingual.
Training options
To teach Gaelic at secondary level, you need to study a four-year combined degree in secondary education with a focus on Gaelic.
Four-year university course in education
For the four-year combined degree and other undergraduate degree programmes you must have at least:
- English and two other National Qualifications at SCQF Level 6 (Higher Grade) AND
- Mathematics and one other subject at SCQF Level 5 (or an accepted alternative, for example, National 5, Credit Standard Grade or Intermediate 2).
Check the entry requirements with the course provider.
Universities you can study in
PGDE university courses
Here’s a university you can study for a PDGE in Gaelic at secondary level. Entry requirements vary so it’s best to check with the course provider.
Universities you can study in
Josie Burgess - Gàidhlig teacher at Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu/Glasgow Gaelic School
“I had considered a career in teaching for quite some time, from my early years at secondary school. As I grew older, I knew I wanted to be in a career where I could inspire people to achieve their potential, but I also wanted to help young people realise the value and worth of speaking Gàidhlig.
"Teaching Gàidhlig can be challenging, because not all pupils share the same interest in the subject and there are varying levels of ability, too. That being said, I want my pupils to achieve good grades in their qualifications, and I want them to look back on the time they spent in my classroom as being useful, valuable and an enjoyable learning experience.
"I keep my lessons interesting by trying new things and adapting my plans to the needs of the children. It’s important, too, that I use my own strengths and areas of interest in my teaching – lessons tend to be more engaging that way. I particularly enjoy teaching my own favourite pieces of literature to classes."
