Welsh language opportunities for fluent Welsh speakers, learners, and the local community
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Information about the partnership
The Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) adult community learning (ACL) Partnership was established in 2010, however over the last twelve months it has undergone significant changes. The lead partner, RCT County Borough Council, works alongside Adult Learning Wales (ALW) to deliver most of the adult community learning provision across the county. The partnership has strong links with Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf who deliver a range of adult learning programmes through the medium of Welsh. Multiply provision also forms part of the partnership offer.
Context and background to the effective or innovative practice
When the partnership undertook a total review of their purpose and activity, it became apparent that there was a requirement to understand the offer for Welsh speakers, Welsh learners, and the wider community.
All partners agreed that embedding Welsh language in all aspects of adult learning was an effective starting point. A decision was taken to make Welsh language provision a standing agenda item on both the strategic and operational board agendas. As part of the review of the operational group it was also decided to introduce a Welsh language subgroup to take responsibility for all aspects of Welsh learning across the partnership.
Recruiting tutors to deliver via the medium of Welsh was a challenge and therefore the partnership took a decision to commission Menter Iaith RCT to deliver a pilot programme of activity, and to undertake a survey to gauge an understanding of learner needs.
Rhondda Cynon Taf county borough has a diverse population, and the geographical spread of Welsh speakers means that being able to offer provision across a wide area was challenging. To help to overcome this, a proportion of learning is being offered online. This has proved to be successful in bringing learners together.
Description of nature of strategy or activity
Embedding Welsh across the ACL offer involves all tutors introducing a word or phrase of the week in their classes. The intention is for all classes to have an opportunity to use conversational Welsh at whatever level a learner may be. Learners are encouraged to ‘give it a go’ and not to be afraid of using a mix of Welsh and English.
In our Learning Steps provision (learners with additional needs) learners enjoy using triple literacy in their class, English, Welsh and BSL.
The Menter Iaith offer allows learners to choose their language of choice when undertaking their chosen courses such as yoga for parents and ukulele sessions. Following this pilot, the partnership is in the process of working with Menter Iaith RCT to further develop the offer further for the coming academic year. In addition to this, Menter Iaith RCT is accessing Multiply funding is to deliver a range activities designed to raise numeracy levels via the medium of Welsh.
Future plans include working with RCT Work and Skills team to identify Welsh speaking employment opportunities.
What impact has this work had on provision and learners’ standards?
Conversational Welsh levels have increased across classes and fluent speakers have opportunities to engage in learning through their chosen language.
One learner commented that they had gone through formal education in Welsh medium provision but had not used the language in the work environment. However, following a serious car accident and a significant head injury they reverted to speaking and learning in Welsh rather than English.
Learners with additional needs have commented how much they enjoy using their Welsh language and recently undertook a series of sessions studying the Mabinogion, a collection of Welsh tales based on old Celtic legends and mythology in which magic and the supernatural play a large part. As part of this learning, they made a video to showcase their learning. A copy of this is available by contacting the partnership contact. As part of our succession planning for tutors, a newly qualified Welsh tutor is shadowing the current tutor and supporting the Welsh language provision to learners.
How have you shared your good practice?
Good practice is shared at strategic and operational levels across the partnership. In addition, partners promote the offer on their websites and social media channels. Community members are made aware of the service through promotional material and attendance at events in the county borough.
The partnership is currently developing a new ACL website which will carry good news/practice stories and learner experiences.