Is Welsh language compulsory in schools?

Is Welsh language compulsory in schools?

Welsh was included in the national curriculum following the Education Reform Act 1988, and became a compulsory subject for all learners in Wales in Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 in 1990. From September 1999 onwards Welsh became compulsory for all learners across Wales at Key Stage 4.

What is the Welsh language policy?

The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 is the legislation that created the Welsh language standards. It is a legally binding framework that all public organisations in Wales must follow to make sure that the Welsh language is treated no less favourably than English.

What are the Welsh Government plans for the Welsh language?

Background. ‘Cymraeg 2050’ contains two main targets: the number of Welsh speakers to reach 1 million by 2050. the percentage of the population that speak Welsh daily, and can speak more than just a few words of Welsh, to increase from 10% (in 2013 to 2015) to 20% by 2050.

Do teachers in Wales need to speak Welsh?

Do you need to speak Welsh? No, you don’t need to speak Welsh to apply to teach in Wales, unless you wish to teach Welsh as a second language at secondary level or teach in a Welsh-medium school. However, all student teachers training in Wales will undertake some Welsh language learning as part of their course.

Do you have to speak Welsh to go to school in Wales?

Welsh language in schools Wales is a land of two languages, and that means learning in both Welsh and English. How this is done will depend on the policy of a school and on the area you live in; but wherever you are in Wales, it is compulsory for children from 5 – 16 to learn Welsh, at least as a second language.

Do children have to learn Welsh in Wales?

All children in Wales have to learn Welsh up until they are 16. This means that you will have to do Welsh at GCSE, either as a first language or as a second language. You will also be taught English and will have to do English GCSE. Even if you are in an English-medium school, you will still learn Welsh.

Who do the Welsh language standards apply to?

The Welsh Language Standards were published by the Welsh Language Commissioner. They are a set of legally binding requirements which apply to Welsh Government since 30 March 2016.

What is the Welsh language measure?

The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 replaced the Welsh Language Act 1993 and as part of the new legislation : The Welsh Language has equal legal status with English and must not be treated less favourably. Public bodies no longer need to develop and implement Welsh Language Schemes.

How is the Welsh language promoted?

Welsh language events and activities provide opportunities for Welsh-speakers to use the language, and learners with a space to develop their skills. Events and activities also play a significant role in promoting the language. This is particularly true in communities where the Welsh language is less visible.

What is the future of the Welsh language?

Researchers at Canterbury University looked at the future of endangered languages and found that the Welsh language would thrive in the next 300 years. But they concluded that the future for the language would remain “fragile” for the next 50-100 years.

Is the Welsh language taught in Welsh schools?

Do you have to speak Welsh to work in Wales?

People will need to speak at least a “courtesy” level of basic Welsh in order to get jobs with the Welsh government in future. This includes answering the phone bilingually, as well as pronouncing and understanding simple words.

Is Welsh language a protected characteristic?

Although language is not a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 and the protection of the Welsh language is taken forward under separate legislation (the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 and related Standards), it has long been recognised that the equality and Welsh language policy agendas complement …

How important is the Welsh language?

The Welsh language is a key part of the region’s culture and identity, being the primary language spoken in some of our communities, as well as having a significant presence in many workplaces, learning institutions, and around our town and village streets.

Why is it important to support Welsh language and culture?

It is important for people working in health, social services and social care to recognise that many people can only communicate their care needs effectively through the medium of Welsh. For many Welsh speakers being able to use your own language has to be seen as a core component of care, not an optional extra.