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.
Career Pathways
To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:
Teaching and Classroom Support
This is at the discretion of the school/college but you would normally be expected to have attained one of the following:
The course comprises three areas of study.
Understanding Gaelic
You will:
Using Gaelic
You will:
Specialist Study
You will:
Course Assessment
The course assessment consists of four components totalling 200 marks:
The performance – You will demonstrate your skills in Gaelic by talking about themes or topics related to the specialist study area and at least one context from Society, Learning, Employability or Culture studied in the Understanding Language or Using Gaelic areas, or in preparation of the portfolio.
The portfolio – You will produce a piece of writing in English of 1,200 – 1,500 words, based on your analysis of either a piece of literature or media or language in work within the context of Gaelic.
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.
SQA Past Papers (Gaelic Learners) Advanced Higher
SQA Specimen Paper (Reading and Translation) Gaelic (Learners) Advanced Higher
SQA Specimen Paper (Listening and Discursive Writing) Gaelic (Learners) Advanced Higher
Further study, training or employment in: