Category Archives: Education

A REQUEST AN EXPLAINATION FROM THE EDUCATION MINISTER

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith are asking the Education Minister, Huw Lewis, to explain his views on the Government’s Welsh Education Strategy. This follows his response to the Welsh Language Commissioner, Meri Huws, when he stated there was no need to be tied to figures.

Heini Gruffudd,  Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s Chair said  “The Education Minister needs to state clearly his position on his own Government’s Welsh Education Strategy. This Strategy notes specific targets for the growth of Welsh language education, but the Minister doesn’t seem to be concerned by this.”

“We wonder whether the Minister has consulted with the Prime Minister, who is also responsible for the Welsh language on this matter?”

“The Education Minister claims that the new curriculum will change our way of thinking about Welsh education. Does this mean the end of Welsh language schools? In Wales, every attempt to teach Welsh in bilingual classrooms have failed in comparison to Welsh-medium classes. Huw Lewis needs to state his intentions clearly.”

Dyfodol recognises the growth of Welsh-medium education as one of the most important elements in the regeneration of the language, and there is plenty of evidence that parents in Wales also support this aim.

Popeth Cymraeg – An Example for Wales

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As changes to the funding of Welsh for Adults is being established, a network of Welsh learning centres for adults such as those run by Popeth Cymraeg is needed according to Dyfodol i’r Iaith. Popeth Cymraeg has established learning centres in Denbigh, Prestatyn and Colwyn Bay.

“Having a network of centres for socialising and learning Welsh is essential in order to provide opportunities to converse and bring Welsh-speakers, learners and young people together,” says Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s Chair.

He added “Ioan Talfryn and his officers have shown courage and enterprise in establishing their centres. They have won the support of Denbighshire Council and the National Lottery. They provide an excellent model to aspire to across Wales.”

He said, “We very much hope that that the new funding arrangements for Welsh for Adults will continue to provide the same support as before for these centres, providing a pattern for creative collaboration,”

The Welsh Government has promised £1.25 million for the establishment of centres to promote the Welsh language, and plans are already afoot in Carmarthen, Cardiff and Wrexham.

Mr Gruffudd said, “We also hope that that the Welsh Government will be working with Popeth Cymraeg, and with other existing centres, such as Saith Seren in Wrexham, to ensure sensible co-ordination between central government, Welsh for Adults and the individual Welsh language centres.”

Dydodol i’r Iaith’s Response to the Donaldson Report

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith are firmly of the opinion  that an expansive vision is required in relation to the Welsh language’s place within the education system and  in Welsh life. In response to Professor Graham Donaldson’s report, we would welcome some aspects, specifically:

  • That the report recongnises the contribution of Welsh schools
  • The emphasis placed upon communication and compulsory Welsh lessons to the age of16.

However, we also feel that many oppotunities have been missed, and we would note:

  • That there is no vision regarding the role of Welsh education in buliding a bilingual nation
  • There is no recognition of the need to expand  Welsh education on a large scale
  • No reference is made to the education system’s past contrubution to the destruction of the language  and its curent responsibility towards its restoration

Dyfodol yr Iaith look forward to discussing the report with the Government with the aim of making the expansion of Welsh education a priority.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s Chair said, “A review of education in Wales provides a golden opportunity  for the Government to promote the growth of Welsh education.”

“The Donaldson reprort wishes to see Welsh schools supporting English schools, but Welsh schools are already under considerable pressure with the significant work of introducing the Welsh language to a new generation of students.”

“What is required in the first place is a response to the need for Welsh education , and the number of Welsh schools has to be doubled if we are to come close to achieveing this.”

“ Generally speaking, the reorganisation of education needs to be an integral part of the Government’s vision of creating a bilingual  nation, and as far as I can see, the report in its current form does not come close to achieveing this.”