Gaelic Studies a First in North America
Nova Scotia's high school curriculum will change a "wee bit" as the Department of Education and Culture introduces a unique Gaelic Cultural Studies pilot course for September 1999.
On this St. Andrew's Day, Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison said, "The Gaelic culture is an essential part of our heritage. High school students will have the opportunity to learn more about this rich heritage and its contribution to our present culture."
Working in partnership with the Cape Breton-Victoria and Strait Regional School Boards, the department will introduce a multi-disciplinary course, which includes modules in the Gaelic oral and written tradition, Gaelic history and identity, and Gaelic art forms.
As part of the course, students will work with community groups, artists, performers, museums and other community resources towards the production of a local festival celebrating Gaelic culture in Nova Scotia and in their community.
The Gaelic Cultural Studies course will provide learning experiences for a broad range of learners, and will take learning beyond the classroom though links with the community.
"This course is unique in North America," said Mr. Harrison. "It will serve as a model for other courses focusing on the culture and heritage of Nova Scotia."
The course will make extensive use of communications and technology and will be one of the first to be supported by its own webpage as a forum for the exchange of ideas and information among learners, teachers, and communities. Through the Gaelic Cultural Studies webpage, schools and communities can work together to provide resources for learning and to increase awareness of and understanding of Gaelic culture in Nova Scotia.
NOTE: The following individuals work with the Cape Breton-Victoria and Strait Regional School Boards and may be contacted for interviews:
Margie Beaton Mabou Consolidated School 902-945-2002
Bernadette Campbell Judique-Creignish Consolidated 902-787-2972
Eric Favaro Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board 902-562-6860
Rob Ryan Strait Regional School Board 902-625-2191