Welsh language schools pilot update

Initiatives aimed at promoting and enhancing the use of Welsh in schools are crucial for preserving and fostering the language’s future.

With this very much in mind, SaySomethingin, (SSi) has been working closely with a selection of primary and secondary schools as well as the National Centre for Welsh, since 2022, to test our Welsh language resources in the school setting.

We had several key objectives with this initiative…

• Increase the spoken proficiency of students in Welsh, ensuring that they can use the language confidently in both academic and social contexts. 
• Enhance the cultural understanding and appreciation of Welsh heritage among students. 
• Integrate Welsh more thoroughly into the school curriculum and daily life, making it a natural part of students’ educational experiences.

The pilot was a voluntary initiative rather than a mandated one and uptake levels in different schools have varied. However, all schools made use of the resource and feedback has been very positive across the board. 

Results have shown that regular use of the SSi resource in the classroom has led to a marked increase in pupils’ confidence and use of Welsh.

Schools have been particularly encouraged by how groups of pupils used SSi resources to help each other, with weaker students receiving support from the wider group.

Findings such as this have inspired us to develop our resource to improve group uptake and comparison, support teacher analysis and help attain approved academic standards.

Based on this work, we now believe there is an opportunity for a fuller roll-out, with clear guidance for schools supported by the relevant education authorities.

We would like to thank all the schools that have been part of this pilot and we look forward to sharing our Welsh language system developments with you all in the future.