Celebrating the success of a pioneering Welsh-language course

A pioneering group of classroom assistants have been awarded certificates to mark their achievement on a brand new course to boost Welsh-language skills. The fifteen classroom assistants from Welsh-medium primary schools in the counties of Flint and Wrexham, received their certificates at a ceremony held at Ysgol Croes Atti, Shotton. They are the first in north Wales to complete the hands-on higher-level course, taught by tutors from Canolfan Bedwyr, Bangor University.

The 18-day course ran over a period of 11 weeks and concentrated on building on the existing skills of the practitioners. The aim was to boost their confidence to use the language in their roles supporting pupils and teachers. The main emphasis during the course was on developing knowledge and understanding of the Welsh language to enable the assistants to present and reinforce correct patterns both orally and in written work.

According to one of the practitioners, Michelle Taylor from Ysgol Glanrafon, Mold,
“The course was challenging each week, but interesting and relevant to my work.”

Another, Delyth Groves from Ysgol Gwenffrwd, Holywell commented,
“I enjoyed the course immensely; it has enabled me to enhance all aspects of my language. I am much more confident now.”

Her colleague Faye Guest added,
“I am much more aware of the rules of grammar now, and therefore more confident when speaking and writing Welsh in school.”

Two sisters, both assistants at Ysgol Bryn Tabor, Coedpoeth, were full of praise for the course.
Angharad Robertson claimed,
“I am hugely happy with the way my oral Welsh has developed. I am much more fluent and confident speaking Welsh now.”

Her sister Lowri Roberts agreed with this,
“I enjoyed all aspects of the course and learnt numerous new things.”

During the ceremony, course tutor, Nia Heledd Williams from Canolfan Bedwyr announced that following the success of this pilot course, two more Sabbatical Scheme courses for classroom assistants have been confirmed for next year in north Wales.

The first will be in Anglesey from January to April and the second in Wrexham between April and July.
Both courses are fully funded by the Welsh Government, who also pay travel expenses to the individuals and cover costs to their schools. Further details are available by contacting Canolfan Bedwyr on 01248 383293 or cynllunsabothol@bangor.ac.uk.

Publication date: 24 October 2016