Spòrs le uireadan - fun with times tables
Pupils at a Highland primary school have embarked on an enterprise in education project that aims to help their peers and adults learn and enjoy the times tables while practising their Gaelic language skills at the same time.
“Spòrs le uireadan – fun with times tables” is a new CD suitable for fluent speakers and learners of Gaelic created by pupils at Broadford Primary School on the Isle of Skye. The CD has 18 tracks of music and songs for pupils and adults to learn and enjoy the times tables in Gaelic.
The lyrics are set to traditional tunes, and are sung by twelve pupils accompanied by musicians from Sgoil Chiùil na Gaidhealtachd the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music at Plockton.
Pat Anderson, Broadford Primary School Infant Gaelic Medium Teacher said: "I think it's one of the best resources I have used since I started teaching. All the children from nursery onwards can sing together and enjoy it. They love taking part when we play the CD."
An 8-page full colour booklet with the CD provides lyrics of the songs and some suggestions for using the CD.
Councillor Bill Fernie Chairman of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: “This is an excellent example of enterprise in education where the pupils have very cleverly addressed many aspects of the Curriculum for Excellence in the production of this CD. Not only are they learning their maths, but they are also practising language skills, music, art and design, commerce and business studies and many more aspects of the curriculum.”
Also praising the CD, Councillor Hamish Fraser, Chairman of the Council’s Gaelic Committee said: “I really think that Broadford Primary School is onto a winner here with Spòrs le uireadan. By using a traditional method of learning, through repetition and rhythm in a modern context they have created a very valuable learning tool not just for children but also for adult Gaelic learners. I am sure that the CD will be a great hit, not just among Gaelic medium classes in schools across Scotland but throughout adult learners at home and abroad.”
Orders for the CD (at £8.00 each, plus postage and packing) can be placed by e-mailing Broadford Primary School at broadford.primary@highland.gov.uk or telephoning 01471 822453. Larger orders can be collected or delivered by arrangement.