Agenda item

To consider a report by the Principal Education Support Manager (copy enclosed) presenting the Council’s proposed Welsh in Education Strategic Plan 2017 – 2020 and detailing the work undertaken to date pending formal approval from the Welsh Government.

The Principal Education Support Manager submitted a report (previously circulated) presenting the Council’s proposed Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) 2017 – 2020 which demonstrated how the outcomes and targets outlined by the Welsh Government would be achieved. The report also detailed work undertaken to date pending Welsh Government’s formal approval of the draft Plan.

The delay in Welsh Government approval of the Plan had caused some frustration but it was expected that approval would be forthcoming in the New Year following which the Plan would be submitted to Cabinet for approval.  The Plan was focused on improving skills, particularly oral communication and understanding and worked to the following outcomes –

·         more seven year old children being taught through the medium of Welsh

·         more learners continuing to improve their language skills on transfer from primary to secondary school

·         more students aged 14 – 16 studying for qualifications through the medium of Welsh

·         more students aged 14 – 19 in studying subjects through the medium of Welsh, in schools, colleges and work-based learning

·         more students with advanced skills in Welsh

·         Welsh medium provision for learners with additional learning needs

·         workforce planning and continuing professional development

The role of the WESP Group was explained in supporting and monitoring implementation of the Plan and details of the Group’s membership was provided.  The work being undertaken would contribute to the Welsh Government achieving its target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050 and both Welsh and English medium schools had a part to play.  However there was a perception that the Plan related only to Welsh medium schools and work was ongoing to engage and encourage participation of English medium schools – increasing the amount and quality of Welsh taught in English medium schools was a key objective.  Finally members’ attention was drawn to the disappointing response rate to consultation on the draft Plan, despite extensive coverage, and there was a challenge when creating the next scheme to ensure more input and response from stakeholders.

The following matters were raised during debate –

·         the importance of developing skills at an early stage to enhance progression was recognised together with the challenges of ensuring appropriate systems were in place for latecomers in schools to ensure their success

·         there was no obvious evidence to suggest that pupils moved from Welsh medium to English medium schools to study for A Level qualifications or any data to show that pupils achieved lower grades when taught through the medium of Welsh at that level.  The decision regarding where to study was down to parental choice.  However it was noted that some subjects were only taught through the medium of English in some settings and pupils did transfer from one school to another depending on the range of subjects on offer

·         some discussion focused on the language categorisation of particular schools and members were advised that the number of children continuing a Welsh medium education following the transition from primary to secondary schools was monitored by the WESP Group and officers were developing a marketing strategy to ensure parents were fully aware of the facts when choosing a secondary school for their children with a view to promoting the Welsh offer – the aim of the WESP Group was not to lose any pupils from the Welsh stream at secondary level; with regard to Ysgol Brynhyfryd officers confirmed that the ‘N’ stream had been removed leaving the Welsh and English medium streams

·         whilst it was important for the Committee to be made aware of the WESP, it was the responsibility of the WESP Group to support and monitor its implementation.  However members would be welcome to attend a future Group meeting and observe the level of discussion, details of which were provided at the meeting. 

RESOLVED that the contents of the report be received and noted.

At this juncture (11.15 a.m.) the meeting adjourned for a refreshment break.