The Welsh language is included in the Language, Literacy and Communication Area of Learning. At Hengoed Primary School, we believe it is important to learn the language of the country we live in.

Children have daily Welsh activities ranging from speaking Welsh, reading and writing Welsh during our initial activities. Children are also taught Welsh language skills on a weekly basis. Children complete oracy, reading and writing tasks linked to the scheme of work. We also undertake guided reading using Welsh story books.

We encourage staff and learners to speak Welsh throughout the day and in all curriculum areas. Teaching Welsh skills, culture in other curriculum areas is promoted.

How do we develop Welsh?

Pupil Voice

We have a language leaders pupil voice group at Hengoed Primary School. They conduct Welsh assemblies, create action plans and ensure teachers and children are speaking Welsh.

Helpwr Heddiw

For children speaking and using Welsh throughout the day and in all curriculum areas we reward them a certificate during our celebration assembly. This is a popular incentive to promote learners speaking Welsh.

Ymadrodd Yr Wythnos

Each week the language leaders share a phrase of the week for learners to practise saying in school and at home. The phrase is shared during assembly. The radio station DJ’s also advertise the phrase of the week in Welsh

Cymraeg Campus

Our school is working towards the bronze award for Cymraeg Campus showing our dedication to raising the profile and promoting the Welsh language throughout the community. 

Environment

The whole school and classrooms display the Welsh language. It is displayed indoors and outdoors to promote using the Welsh language. 

Eisteddfod

We hold an Eisteddfod where we participate in writing, art, and singing competitions. We also have a chairing of the bard and Welsh folk dancing.

WOW Weeks

We have held a few WOW weeks where the theme has been Wonderful Wales. Outside providers have visited the school to teach Welsh, Welsh clog dancing, Welsh artists, Welsh authors, Welsh-story-tellers and Welsh sport groups.

School Visits

To promote our local area and the wonders of Wales, children have experienced visits to learn about Wales. Learners have visited the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Museum, Winding House, St Fagan’s, among others to learn about our culture and environment.

Welsh Assemblies

Each week we have a Welsh assembly where we sing Welsh songs and listen to Welsh folk stories. Children also say a prayer in Welsh.

Events

During the school year we celebrate a number of significant special events linked to Wales. We celebrate shw mae day, Roald Dahl day, St Dwynwen’s Day, Dydd Miwsig Cymru, Wales reaching the world cup and St David’s Day.