Promoting the Welsh Language: Developing Good Practices
[Welsh Language Content]
Discover key insights, discussions, and presentations from our Leading in Welsh: The Journey to 2050 conference on 1 May 2024.
This Welsh-medium conference brought together headteachers, senior leaders, and educational influencers from various sectors to celebrate the progress in Welsh language education and discuss the ambitious journey towards reaching 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050.
This recording features:
- Gavin Ashcroft, Headteacher, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn
- Meurig Jones, Headteacher, Ysgol Gyfun Llangynwyd
- Dafydd Hughes, Headteacher, Ysgol Caer Elen
- Gwawr Maelor, Lecturer in Education, Bangor University
The conference was conducted through the medium of Welsh.
Gavin Ashcroft
Gavin Ashcroft was born and raised in Rhydfelen in Pontypridd. He was a pupil at Heol-y-Celyn Primary School and then Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen. In both schools, he received many experiences in the Welsh traditions which paved the way for the establishment of a number of well-known departments and choirs throughout Wales, such as Bro Taf and Chôr y Cwm. Gavin trains Danswyr Nantgarw and is the leader of the Tonteg Girls’ Choir who are familiar names at eisteddfodau and festivals. In his work, Gavin is Headteacher at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn in the Rhondda Valley. The school has very recently been praised for its natural use of the Welsh language and for the valuable opportunities the children receive to ensure that the pupils have pride and love for the language.
Meurig Jones
Meurig grew up in Ontario, Canada before his parents moved back to Cwmaman Aberdare during the 80s. After a short period as a pupil at the local English school, Meurig had the opportunity to start Welsh education at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdâr. His time at school was very enjoyable and as a result, it was an easy decision for him to pursue a career as a teacher. Meurig attended Rhydfelen for his secondary eduaction, before moving to Coleg y Drindod and then onto Aberystwyth University.
Meurig started his career as a drama and media teacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf at the beginning of the millennium. Here he learnt his trade, enjoying every moment and gaining beneficial experiences.
In 2011, Meurig moved to Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd as Assistant Head, then became deputy head, before becoming Head of the school in 2016.
Dafydd Hughes
Dafydd Hughes attended Aberystwyth University and Trinity College Carmarthen and began his teaching career as a Welsh and Humanities teacher at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf, Whitland in 1992. He was appointed as Head of Department and Head of House before accepting the challenge of co-ordinating teaching and learning and professional learning at the school. He joined the Senior Leadership Team at Ysgol y Preseli as Assistant Headteacher in 2009 where he focused on developing the curriculum and improving teaching and learning. He was appointed as Headteacher at Ysgol Caer Elen, Haverfordwest which is a Welsh medium 3-16 all-age school in November 2020.
Gwawr Maelor
Gwawr is a former teacher and lecturer in primary and secondary education at the School of Education at Bangor University and is Welsh Language Leader across the Initial Teacher Education [ITE] and Child and Youth Studies programmes. She is interested in the field of Welsh language development and language ability within Teachers’ Initial Practice, bilingualism, language and digital competencies. Her research area is within children’s and adults’ literature and language pedagogy and literature in schools and in the context of ITE training. Gwawr regularly contributes to current discussions and conversations in the field of the Welsh language and teacher training and promoting reading-for-pleasure.