Frequently asked questions and answers
- Welsh-medium education - Bilingual Skills
Welsh-medium education is the most effective way to ensure that you child becomes totally bilingual. Your child will not lose fluency in the first language, but gain the ability to communicate fully in both languages. Being able to speak Welsh is beneficial when applying for jobs in Wales.
- Two languages - more job opportunities
The ability to speak Welsh is an advantage when applying for jobs in Wales. Being fluent in both Welsh and English is considered as an extra skill. Many posts note that being able to speak Welsh is a desirable or an essential skill. The Welsh Government has committed to developing Wales into a completely bilingual nation. There is more demand today than ever before for bilingual skills in a variety of posts such as health, education, leisure, childcare and public services
- There are many advantages and very few disadvantages in becoming bilingual.
Bilingualism offers your child the opportunity to experience two different cultures and enrich his/her Welsh identity. Welsh-medium education will ensure that your child grows to be completely bilingual. It will also open up a rich world of culture, and many opportunities.
You don't have to be able to speak Welsh so that your child will flourish in Welsh-medium education. In many areas in Wales, a high number of children attending Welsh-medium education come from non-Welsh-sepeaking homes.
No. Every Welsh-medium school has a responsibility to ensure that every child develops high quality skills in both Welsh and English. Schools inspection reports confirm that this is happening. A number of these reports identify higher attainment levels in English amongst children attending Welsh-medium schools.
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by non-Welsh speaking parents. By the time your child will begin to have homework he or she will be able to translate it to you. This will give you an opportunity to talk with your child and solve the homework together. As your child will be translating the homework he/she will be valuably reprocessing the information and deeper learning may occur. If your child has understood it in two languages, then he or she has understood it! You can offer advise, explanation and encouragement if needed.
It's your attitude and support towards the language that's important for your child.