Our Language Ambassadors play a central role in promoting Welsh language and culture across our school community. With over 40 pupils from Years 8 to 11, this group demonstrates what it means to be Motivated and Ambitious, taking pride in their leadership and commitment to strengthening bilingualism at MACS. In 2025, their hard work and dedication were recognised through the achievement of the Gold Siarter Iaith Award.
Throughout the year, Language Ambassadors lead a wide range of events and activities, including form time quizzes, competitions and cultural celebrations for occasions such as Santes Dwynwen, Diwrnod Shwmae and our annual Eisteddfod. They also host bilingual coffee mornings for parents, staff and governors, helping to build strong links between home, school and the wider community.
Our ambassadors show great Care in the way they support others to develop confidence in using Welsh. They lead initiatives such as ‘Welsh Word of the Day’, Welsh clubs with Menter Iaith, assemblies and informal Welsh language sessions with staff, helping to create a positive, inclusive culture where everyone feels encouraged to participate.
The group also benefits from a wide range of enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom. These include visits to Aberdare Market to order Welsh cakes in Welsh, grammar workshops at Cardiff University, and performances at the Soar Theatre in Merthyr. Many pupils have represented the school in local and national Eisteddfodau, including the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, Parti Ponti and Eisteddfod Pontypridd.
Language Ambassadors have further strengthened links with our cluster primary schools by supporting Welsh lessons at Ysgol Gynradd Penrhiwceiber, Darrenlas, Glenboi, Abercynon and Ysgol Gymraeg Abercynon. They have also taken part in international collaboration, speaking Welsh with pupils from Ysgol Yr Hendre in Patagonia via Zoom, and working with other Criw Cymraeg groups, including schools in Aberdare, to host joint events such as a fringe Eisteddfod.
Through all of this, pupils develop strong leadership skills, teamwork and a growing sense of Self-Awareness, reflecting on their own progress while making a meaningful contribution to school life.
