Welsh medium education

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 do not have to speak Welsh to go to a Welsh medium school if they 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.

ee also

* Education in Wales

External links

* [http://www.walesworldnation.com/server.php?show=nav.6714 Welsh Schools]
* [http://www.bwrdd-yr-iaith.org.uk/cynnwys.php?pID=220&langID=2 Welsh Language Board]