Higher Gaelic (Learners)

Learning a new language allows you to make connections with different people and their cultures. Language is at the core of thinking. You reflect, communicate and develop ideas through language.

Studying Gaelic will deepen your knowledge and understanding of Scottish culture and heritage. The recent revival in the Gaelic language means there are now more career opportunities for people who can speak it. Career options include teaching, the performing arts, media and literature and in TV and radio.

This course aims to help you develop your reading, listening, talking and writing skills in Gaelic, in a variety of contexts. You will encounter a wide range of different types of texts in different media. In addition, the course also provides you with knowledge of Gaelic and the customs and way of life of the Gaelic people.

In particular you will learn to develop:

• reading, listening, talking and writing skills in Gaelic

• application of knowledge and understanding of Gaelic

• the skill of translation

• literacy skills.

The course assessment has five components totalling 120 marks:

• Component 1: question paper 1 (reading) – worth 30 marks

• Component 2: question paper 1 (directed writing) – worth 20 marks

• Component 3: question paper 2 (listening) – worth 20 marks

• Component 4: assignment (writing) – worth 20 marks

• Component 5: performance (talking) – worth 30 marks.

For the assignment component, you will be required to produce a piece of writing (200-250 words) in Gaelic based on one of the following contexts: society, learning, employability, culture.

For the performance component, you will take part in a discussion with your teacher or lecturer, using detailed and complex language on at least two different contexts, and respond to questions in Gaelic relating to each of the contexts.

The performance component is set and verified externally by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), and assessed and marked by your school or college.

Both the question papers and the assignment are set and externally marked by SQA.

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across course assessment.

The course assessment is graded A-D.