Gaelic medium primary education

You have a right to request Gaelic Medium Education (GME) from the education authority in which your child resides.

GME can be offered to children regardless of whether the family speak the language.

It provides all the benefits of bilingualism, including:

• improved communication
• cultural, cognitive and employment advantages

Whitehirst Park Primary School, in Kilwinning, is the base for our Gaelic provision. It started in August 2020 with a Primary 1/2 class.

If your child will begin Primary 1 in August, you should register in your catchment school and submit a school placing request.

You will be informed in writing whether you have been successful.

GME pupils will leave Whitehirst Park Primary School with the advantage of having become proficient in both Gaelic and English.

During the first 3 years of primary school, children have ‘total immersion’ in Gaelic. This means that the entire curriculum is taught in Gaelic.

English is gradually introduced after Primary 3, but Gaelic will remain the main language of the classroom. This ensures that each pupil is able to acquire essential language skills in both languages.

Whitehirst Park Primary School website has more information, including links to Gaelic resources, and contact details if you have any questions.