Welsh medium education

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Education delivered through the medium of Welsh language is known as Welsh medium education.

Welsh became a compulsory subject for all pupils in Wales at Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 (i.e. up to age 14) in 1990. In 1999, it became a compulsory subject at Key Stage 4. All pupils in mainstream schools in Wales now study Welsh (either as a first or a second language) for 12 years, from the ages of 5 to 16. Provision in independent (private) schools is less widespread — a few teach Welsh as a second language but there is no designated Welsh medium private school in Wales (though there is one in London, the London Welsh School). Over a quarter of schoolchildren in Wales have an education through the medium of welsh. Also, children don't have to speak Welsh to go to a Welsh medium school if they are are young. Take Ysgol Glan Clwyd. Although 70% of the pupils come from homes where English is the main or only language, 95% speak Welsh as well as a native speaker.

The first Welsh-medium secondary school, Ysgol Glan Clwyd, opened in Rhyl in 1956.

[edit] External links

• Welsh Schools
• Welsh Language Board