Celebrating language learning success

Cardiff University’s School of Welsh welcomed successful participants in its Sabbatical Scheme for Welsh Language Training to its annual awards ceremony on Wednesday 18 October 2017.

The event, honouring the Scheme’s 2016-2017 cohort, was held in the Council Chamber of Cardiff University’s historic, Grade II-listed Main Building.

The Sabbatical Scheme for Welsh Language Training offers language courses for primary and secondary school teachers, classroom assistants and lecturers in the English and Welsh sectors. The aim of the courses, which are funded by Welsh Government, is to increase the supply of practitioners who can teach bilingually or through the medium of Welsh. The courses also provide an opportunity for continuing specialist professional development in the field of education.

A wine reception preceded the formal awards presentation where more than 40 practitioners received their certificates of achievement.

Author, TV presenter, and former Wales Children’s Poet, Anni Llŷn, an alumna of the School of Welsh, was the guest speaker for the evening. Introduced by Head of School, Dr Dylan Foster Evans, Anni’s interactive address stressed the importance of providing children with the opportunity not only to learn new languages but also to engage fully with language and wordplay.

Dr Dylan Foster Evans said: “Our annual awards evening is always well-attended and is an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our Sabbatical Scheme participants.

“It is also an opportunity for them to come together, catch up with their former classmates and tutors and use their newly acquired language skills to socialise through the medium of Welsh. I’m very proud of the practitioners for their hard work, dedication and commitment to learning Welsh, and also of our tutors for the wonderful teaching and the unfailing support they offer every single participant.”

He added: “I would also like to thank Anni for her engaging address and for the word games that reminded us all of the importance of being creative and enjoying ourselves through language.”

The Sabbatical Scheme courses are available at several language levels in locations across Wales. Cardiff University’s School of Welsh is responsible for providing courses in Mid-South Wales and South East Wales. Courses are offered at beginner, entry and upper levels with classes. The courses are free and the Welsh Government covers supply costs for releasing teachers, assistants and lecturers so that they can develop their language skills.

The Sabbatical Scheme in Cardiff has also recently welcomed its inaugural cohort for the new year-long programme.

For more information about the Sabbatical Scheme, please contact Cadi Thomas.