Fostering Welshness at Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg
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- Information about the school/provider
- Context and background to the effective or innovative practice
- Description of the nature of the strategy or activity
- What impact has this work had on provision and outcomes for learners and/or their families?
- How have you shared your good practice in the school, the sector and beyond?
Information about the school/provider
Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg is a Welsh-medium all age school (3-18 years) which serves a wide community within the Vale of Glamorgan. The school is situated in Barry, in an area that is not traditionally Welsh speaking. There are 1,431 pupils on roll, of whom 37.2% come from Welsh-speaking homes. Eleven point one per cent (11.1%) of pupils are eligible for free school meals and 4.4% of pupils are on the additional learning needs (ALN) register.
Context and background to the effective or innovative practice
Welshness is one of the school’s core values and the basis of its educational vision. Staff have a sound understanding of their roles in developing pupils’ language skills and promoting the use of the Welsh language in all aspects of school life. The aim of the school’s vision is to foster proud Welsh people who choose to use the Welsh language as a natural means of communication in the classroom, on the school corridors and in extra-curricular activities.
The school recognises the need to create an environment where the Welsh language is seen as a living language that has social, cultural and professional value. Welshness is woven into all aspects of the school’s life and is an integral part of the curriculum, pastoral provision, extra‑curricular activities and the school’s day-to-day culture. Strategies, activities and learning experiences are designed to strengthen pupils’ Welsh identity and encourage them to use the language naturally and confidently.
Description of the nature of the strategy or activity
The school has developed several strategies to realise the vision, including the ‘Siarada Gymraeg gyda fi’ (Speak Welsh with me) campaign. Every Monday morning, all year groups take part in structured oracy sessions which include discussion activities, practising language patterns and using the Welsh language in social contexts. Pupils in Years 12 and 13 lead these sessions for registration classes across the school, developing their leadership skills and providing positive role models for younger pupils. Sixth-form students also organise playground games with foundation learning pupils. This interaction strengthens the natural use of the Welsh language, while also building strong links between different stages of education.
The ‘Llais y Fro’ strategy is central to developing pupils’ oracy skills across the school. The initiative is an integral part of the school’s pedagogical strategy and ensures that oracy tasks are embedded in all lessons from the Nursery class to Year 13. Language patterns and structures are introduced deliberately in lessons and pastoral sessions to give pupils the linguistic confidence to use the Welsh language in a variety of contexts. Purposeful professional learning and resources are provided for staff to support them. The use of weekly idioms and language activities on digital screens throughout the school reinforces this work. By linking these activities to the Welsh department’s scheme of work, the school ensures that language development is consistent and coherent.
The Welshness Committee plays a leading role in promoting Welsh as a social language. Under the guidance of the head pupils and in partnership with the Urdd officer, representatives from each year group contribute to planning and implementing an annual programme of activities. The committee organises events such as Welsh gigs in partnership with the Urdd. By giving pupils direct responsibility for promoting the Welsh language, pupils are given valuable opportunities to influence their peers and their daily linguistic habits.
The school offers a wide and varied programme of extra-curricular activities that provide valuable opportunities to use the Welsh language outside the classroom. With more than 70 clubs available, there is something for every pupil, from singing and music to coding, sports, the creative arts and strategic games. These opportunities allow pupils to develop their talents while using the Welsh language in meaningful and creative contexts. Educational and cultural trips are organised so that pupils are given opportunities to experience Welsh as a living and diverse language in different areas of Wales.
What impact has this work had on provision and outcomes for learners and/or their families?
This work has led to creating a school culture where the Welsh language is valued and used naturally by pupils in lesson, during social periods and in extra-curricular activities. Most pupils’ attitudes to the Welsh language are very positive and they take ownership of it with pride and confidence. In the lower school, most pupils make the expected progress in their oracy skills. In the upper school, many pupils contribute to class discussions and when working with others confidently and at length. This also has a positive effect on pupils’ reading and writing skills.
How have you shared your good practice in the school, the sector and beyond?
The school shares its successful practices through professional visits, working with other school and working closely with national organisations such as the Urdd. The Welsh Committee’s activities, the ‘Siarada Gymraeg gyda fi’ initiative and the ‘Llais y Fro’ strategy have been shared with other schools that are keen to strengthen their social use of the Welsh language among their pupils.