Chamber and committees

Thank you.

That is the perfect point for me to come in at, because I want to pick up on that issue. You have talked about the challenges with the recruitment of teachers. Could you give us some information about what is being done to attract and train people in order to increase the number of Gaelic teachers?

I am interested in parity of esteem for all courses. It was good to hear about the widening participation routes. If a student chooses one of those routes, how well prepared do they feel to take the next steps, whatever those may be? You have demonstrated that, by and large, students can choose different routes, but how well prepared for that do they feel? Are they nervous or apprehensive? Are they supported? Do they get advice from the right people at the right time?

Is there anyone who would particularly like to answer that?

Just to explore that a bit further, what suggestions could be given to the students whom you consult with? I was going to come on to the ones who might slip through the net, because we want to be there for everybody and leave nobody behind. What do colleges do to make sure that they catch everybody? Do students who are not so prepared feel that they can ask for extra support, and can the colleges respond to that?

We have talked a little bit about how school courses dovetail with college courses. How do teaching staff in colleges support the transition? Eve Lewis mentioned that, but if would be great to hear from the other witnesses if they have anything to add.

You mentioned that further activity will be required. Can you give an example of what that activity could be? We are in a position to make recommendations, so it would be good to hear your ideas.

Would Lorcan Mullen like to come in?

I have listened with great interest to the contributions so far. I want to drill down on the transition stages. How do colleges communicate with schools to ensure that our young people know the options that are available? The witnesses could then talk about the bit between college and university.

For my first question, I will go to Eve Lewis first, and then Lorcan Mullen and Stuart Brown can come in if they have anything to add. How effective are schools in highlighting the options that are available in colleges?

Good morning, and welcome to the 16th meeting in 2022 of the Education, Children and Young People Committee. Oliver Mundell has sent his apologies for today’s meeting.

I welcome Sue Webber, who is joining us for the first time as a member of the committee. Sue is replacing Stephen Kerr. On behalf of all members, I thank Stephen for his contribution to the work of the committee.

Because Sue is joining us for the first time, our first item of business is for her to declare any relevant interests.

I will explore a bit further the key achievements of regionalisation over the past 10 years. We are entering into scrutinising that, so it might be nice to look at it. I will then push witnesses on what improvements are still to be made, or could be made.