Welsh is a compulsory subject in Key Stages 3 and 4. AS and A level Welsh are also available for pupils to follow at Sixth Form as part of the Cynon Valley Consortium of Schools.

The Welsh department prides itself on innovative teaching and learning experiences for all, where learners can enjoy learning experiences which develop a confident and natural use of the Welsh language. During all key stages, pupils have the opportunity to participate in many extra curricular activities such as residential courses at Llangrannog and Glanllyn, as well as theatre visits and trips to Welsh cultural establishments such as St Fagans. Pupils are involved in activities led by the Urdd, including a ‘Clŵb Cymraeg’ and participate in school Eisteddfods and regular ‘Shwmae’ days which further promote their use of Welsh around the school.

Every effort is made to ensure that pupils develop their Welsh language skills both in the classroom and throughout their daily activities around the school. Welsh can be heard amongst staff and pupils on a daily basis and is a natural part of school life.

WELSH AT KEY STAGE 3

At KS3 pupils have the opportunity to develop their oral, writing and reading skills throughout topics such as:

  • Fi Fy hun
  • Hobiau
  • Gwyliau
  • Dathlu
  • Teulu
  • Cerddoriaeth
  • Teledu a Ffilm

The KS3 course is very structured and gives learners the opportunity to work in pairs, groups and individually. Pupils participate in a range of language games to develop sentence patterns and key vocabulary. Pupils are assessed on a half termly basis and complete ‘core tasks’ for each unit of work which assesses their extended writing skills. Assessments alternate between oracy and reading and writing tasks and are differentiated for all abilities.

WELSH AT KEY STAGE 4

The WJEC GCSE specification in Welsh second language will enable candidates to:

  • understand and use the language for a variety of purposes and audiences
  • develop language learning skills and strategies in order to enable candidates to communicate and interact confidently and spontaneously in relevant situations and specified context
  • develop language learning skills and strategies to enable candidates to develop their grasp of Welsh
  • further develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in an integrated manner, emphasising listening and speaking skills
  • use Welsh in further studies, in the workplace and in their communities
  • develop curiosity about the Welsh language.

This qualification has two external assessment units which are weighted equally and two internal assessment units. The two external assessment units test reading and writing skills while the two internal assessment units test oral and listening skills.