Welsh Language Initiative for Teens Sparks Debate Over Implementation Details

The initiatives are part of efforts by the Welsh government to achieve one million Welsh speakers by 2050.

At Olchfa School in Swansea, only Welsh lessons are taught in Welsh, and headmaster Julian Kennedy approximated that the time dedicated to learning Welsh to the mandated standard would represent roughly 10% of the schedule.

“That presents challenges for us in terms of hiring,” he remarked, adding that while he endorses the policy, “something else must suffer.”

Mr. Kennedy also indicated that the level of Welsh anticipated by ministers does not align with what is currently being taught.

“All of our youth who leave at age 16 have completed Welsh up to GCSE level, but that does not represent the fluency the Welsh government seeks,” he stated.

The Senedd’s cross-party education committee has been reviewing the bill, and although it is inclined to progress, it desires additional specifics.

This encompasses a workforce strategy with objectives for hiring and retention, a clarification of how Welsh instruction and teaching through Welsh will be utilized to achieve targets, and which school endeavors will contribute to the minimum 10% language provision.

The NAHT, the principal union for headteachers, endorses the proposals but raises questions about their implementation.

Laura Doel, NAHT’s national secretary, stated that 10% appears as an “attainable figure on paper,” but its feasibility relies on the specific context of the school.

“You may encounter some English medium schools where educators are fluent in Welsh. Some may not speak any Welsh at all, aside from conversational skills.”

“Then you delve into the specifics of what is considered the execution of a lesson in Welsh? Is it entirely in the Welsh language? Is it a blend? Do Welsh lessons count? Is that part of the 10% delivery?” she inquired.