The National Centre for Learning Welsh has today (3 July) unveiled its Learn Welsh Programme for the Education Workforce, in readiness for the new academic year.
This is the first time a comprehensive, national programme has been developed for teachers. A range of Welsh language training will be available, including the Welsh Sabbatical Scheme, which delivers intensive training, which transfers to the Centre from September onwards.
Other learning options include courses at different levels, from beginners to confidence-building, available as online self-study modules or as tutor-led courses. Courses have been tailored for the primary and secondary sectors, and for subjects such as Physical Education.
Learn Welsh tutors will work with Local Authorities to help them deliver their Welsh in Education Strategic Plans. Tutors will be based in some schools, to provide on-site support to staff, and Welsh language training will also be available for those following Initial Teachers Education courses.
The Centre’s programme supports the Welsh Government’s Welsh in education workforce plan, and will also help meet the objectives of the new Welsh Language and Education Bill, which aims to ensure all pupils become independent Welsh language users by the end of compulsory school age.
Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, explains:
“The National Centre’s language learning and acquisition expertise, and its strong track record in delivering Welsh courses for adults, has enabled us to extend our work to other sectors in order to support Welsh Government policy objectives.
“We’re delighted to be leading on this new, national programme for teachers, which is the first of its kind, and builds on Welsh-language training we’ve already developed for both the Early Years Education and Care sector and the Tertiary Education workforce.
“Our programme offers wide-ranging and flexible learning options, which will both upskill the workforce and support teachers to introduce and share the language with pupils at school.”
Lynne Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education, said:
“The new Welsh Language and Education Bill offers exciting opportunities to strengthen the bilingual skills of our education workforce.
“I’m grateful to the National Centre for its work in developing this full range of Welsh language training options. The creative options on offer – which include basing tutors at schools and working with Local Authorities – will mean we can support the needs of the workforce.”
Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh language said:
“Cymraeg belongs to all of us, and the Learn Welsh sector, led by the National Centre, has evolved to offer a range of innovative learning options to ensure people from different backgrounds and sectors are welcomed and supported to learn Welsh.
“I look forward to continuing the Government’s valuable partnership with the National Centre over the coming years.”
Elements of the Centre’s programme for the education workforce have been piloted over the past two years, and 4,000 teachers have already followed a range of Learn Welsh training. One of those teachers is Claire Samuel, an art teacher from Ysgol Glan y Môr, Burry Port.
Claire Samuel says, “I’ve followed both self-study and virtual courses and took part in a week-long intensive course at Nant Gwrtheyrn, with the National Centre.
“It’s been a brilliant learning experience that’s helped me gain a new skill, and guided me on how to share the language at school with the children. The training I’ve received has given me the confidence to use and enjoy my Cymraeg at school, while also contributing to the school’s Welsh ethos.”
ENDS
Editor’s notes
- The National Centre for Learning Welsh was established in 2016 and is funded by Welsh Government.
- More people than ever are learning Welsh with the Centre. In 2023-2024, 18,330 people completed its courses, an increase of 45% compared to the first official data published for the 2017-2018 academic year, 12,700.
- The Centre’s language experts have developed a national Learn Welsh curriculum aligned to the ‘CEFR’ (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), which gives learners a clear pathway to becoming Welsh speakers. All the Centre’s programmes are based on the curriculum.
- The Welsh Sabbatical Scheme transfers to the National Centre from September onwards. Three providers, led by the Centre, will deliver intensive learning over two academic terms for primary and secondary school teachers.
- A new statutory body, the National Institute for Learning Welsh, will be established in 2027 as part of the Welsh Language and Education Bill. The National Centre’s work will transfer to this new body.
- The Centre offers thousands of courses each year, whether community-based or for different groups and sectors, including families, young people, Health and Care, and Sport. New courses will start in September. For more information: EN | Learn Welsh
- For more Information about the Centre’s Services for the education workforce – including teachers, teaching assistants, head teachers, support staff and trainee teachers – please follow the next link: Education Workforce | Learn Welsh
