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Pupils following at least two GCSEs through Welsh have better Welsh language skills

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An Estyn review of ten bilingual schools has found that pupils who follow the highest number of GCSEs through the medium of Welsh in addition to Welsh first language, have the greatest ability to discuss and write in Welsh.

The report looks at the numbers of pupils who continue to study Welsh as a first language and study other subjects through Welsh throughout their schooling. ‘Linguistic progression and standards of Welsh in ten bilingual schools’ also evaluates the effectiveness of different curricular models and teaching methods in ten bilingual schools across Wales.

Ann Keane, Chief Inspector, says,

“In the schools where a high proportion of pupils study GCSEs through Welsh, the majority are fluent in Welsh across a range of contexts.

“In the schools with low proportions of pupils following GCSEs through Welsh, the majority of pupils are not confident either in speaking or writing Welsh because there are not enough opportunities for them to use the language across all subjects.

“However, only in a third of bilingual schools do most pupils who study Welsh as a first language follow two or more additional GCSEs through the medium of Welsh. Overall, the proportion of pupils studying Welsh as a first language declines as they progress through their schooling. Although Gwynedd, Anglesey, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire have the highest proportion of pupils in key stage 4 studying Welsh as a first language, the numbers of pupils choosing this path decreased by approximately one in every five pupils between key stages 2 and 4.

“More pupils need to be encouraged to continue their studies in Welsh as they go into secondary school and they need to be made aware of the benefits that studying in Welsh can bring.”

A number of pupils who studied Welsh as a first language at primary school do not continue to study Welsh as a first language in secondary school or chose to study other subjects through Welsh. These pupils and their parents often make these choices without considering the benefits of continuing their studies through the medium of Welsh.

One of the best practice case studies in the report highlights how Ysgol Bodedern, Anglesey, has introduced a policy to increase the number of pupils who follow courses through the medium of Welsh. Pupils follow at least two subjects in Welsh and are aware of the benefits of having a bilingual education.

The report contains recommendations for schools, local authorities and the Welsh Government. Schools should set targets to increase the number of pupils who continue to study Welsh and expand the range of qualifications available through Welsh. Local authorities should track the proportion of pupils who follow courses through the medium of Welsh and the Welsh Government should raise awareness of the advantages of bilingualism and continuing to study subjects through Welsh.

Notes to Editors

About Linguistic progression and standards of Welsh in ten bilingual schools

This report is a response to a request for advice in the annual remit letter to Estyn for 2013-2014 from the Minister for Education and Skills. The purpose of the report is to:

  • report on the linguistic progression of pupils in key stage 4 in terms of studying Welsh as a first language and other qualifications through the medium of Welsh;
  • evaluate the effectiveness of curricular models and teaching methods that are in place in bilingual schools; and
  • identify and share good practice in relation to bilingual education.

The report is available in full here.

Good Practice case studies

  • Ysgol Gyfun Bodedern, Anglesey
  • Ysgol David Hughes, Anglesey
  • Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni, Anglesey
  • Ysgol Gyfun Aberteifi, Ceredigion
  • Ysgol Gyfun Bro Pedr, Ceredigion
  • Ysgol y Moelwyn, Gwynedd
  • Gwynedd local authority

About Estyn

Estyn is the Education and Training Inspectorate for Wales. Our aim is to achieve excellence for all in learning in Wales. We do this by providing an independent, high-quality inspection and advice service.

Our vision is to be recognised through the expertise of our staff as an authoritative voice on learning in Wales.

We are independent from, but funded by the Welsh Assembly Government (under Section 104 of the Government of Wales Act 1998).

For further information please visit our website www.estyn.gov.uk.