Cymoedd staff recognised for enhancing Welsh Language Skills

Staff employed at Coleg y Cymoedd have been inspired to improve their Welsh language skills by the Work Welsh project, funded by the National Centre for Learning Welsh. The project, now in its second year following a successful pilot project in 2017-2018, saw over 250 staff in the Further Education Sector benefitting from this year’s project.

To increase the Welsh medium and bilingual provision in colleges, ColegauCymru set a challenging target of ensuring that at least 80% of the staff involved were academic staff, as this would have a direct impact on the classroom language.

Coleg y Cymoedd was encouraged this year by an increase in participation from its staff,  in 2017-18  8 members of staff from Coleg y Cymoedd completed the Cymraeg Gwaith scheme, whereas 16 members of staff signed up to the 2018 project. Seven of the successful cohort were members of staff from the Care department, which was beneficial as it meant they could work together and support each other as a team.

Cymoedd Health & Social Care tutor Alison Williams came second in the category for best progress at Entry/Foundation level, one of the most fiercely fought categories with over 15 entries. Receiving her certificate Alison said “Before starting the course, I felt I had very little Welsh. However, learning on the Cymraeg Gwaith course in a supportive and friendly atmosphere has enabled me to learn and use the Welsh language with my learners as well as thoroughly enjoying the experience myself”.

Pictured: Alison Williams being presented with her framed certificate by the Head of Welsh Language Developments, Alison Jones with some members of the college’s Promoting Welsh Group.

Alison Kitson, her proud tutor commented ‘”I’m so proud of Alison’s efforts and achievements in her Welsh learning on the Cymraeg Gwaith course.  To go from nothing but “Bore Da”, to being able to speak with her Welsh-speaking learners, and to give both oral and written feedback bilingually on their work, in 7 months, is a massive undertaking.  Alison’s commitment to Welsh is second to none.”

Pictured: Alison with Cymraeg Gwaith tutor, Alison Kitson, who put her forward for the award and Alison Jones, Head of Welsh Language Developments.

Alison Jones, Head of Welsh Language Developments at the College, stated ‘Coleg y Cymoedd is delighted to be part of the Cymraeg Gwaith scheme again this year. Alison’s success at embedding the Welsh language into her lessons is beneficial to her learners, inspiring to her colleagues and testament to the success of the scheme. The college is proud of all the staff who completed the course and we look forward to continuing to offer this excellent training in 2019-20.’

Congratulating the successful learners Nia Brodrick, Work Welsh project coordinator for the Further Education sector said, “We are very glad to have the opportunity to award the individuals and departments who have shown so much dedication to the Work Welsh scheme and to learning Welsh. The individuals receiving awards this year have made the most of every opportunity to practice their new Welsh skills, inspiring their students and colleagues in the meantime. The Colleges should be proud of the enthusiasm of these learners, and also a big thank you to the language tutors for their hard work during the year”

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