Moreton First – Instilling Welsh heritage in future generations

Many people believe that Welsh, a minority language spoken in just one small pocket of the world, is unimportant, unnecessary and that teaching it distracts children from learning other, more widely used languages. However, in the last few decades, Wales has reclaimed its native tongue. At Moreton First, there is a thriving Welsh Club, and for good reason!

Several children joined Moreton First near Oswestry, with a strong command of the language and didn’t want to forget it. It plays an important part in their cultural identity and being so close to the Welsh border, it is a great time to start learning the language.

Alice, in Year 5 and a member of the Welsh Club, commented: “I live in Wales so when I speak Welsh I don’t feel different, I feel part of the community.” Kate, also Year 5 and a member of the club, commented: “We learn lots about Wales and have many opportunities to speak in Welsh.”

The Welsh Government has a long-term vision to see the Welsh language thriving, with a million people able to speak Welsh by 2050. Even though Welsh is not used globally like Spanish or French, surely it is important to know the language of the place you live, and there are many more reasons why keeping Welsh on the school curriculum is important.

Having an understanding of Welsh will open many doors in the future for careers. It will help to keep traditions alive and encourage individuals to understand their heritage. And not only that, but research has proved bilingual children are better at focusing their attention and are less easily distracted.

Moreton First has long been an advocate of teaching languages and culture. Children from as young as 3 years old learn Chinese, French and Spanish here to name a few. And they don’t stop at just learning the lingo.

At Moreton First, students are encouraged to live, and not just learn the languages. It’s all about immersing themselves in different cultures, learning about different countries, beliefs and cuisines through trips, visits and themed days. Welsh is the latest addition to this varied curriculum.

Head of Moreton First, Catherine Ford, commented: “We encourage all children to be proud of their heritage and living closely to Wales many children have Welsh connections. Some of our pupils have Welsh speaking relatives or perhaps started school in Welsh schools and are keen to maintain their knowledge of the language.

"Tori in Year 5 told me she is very proud to be Welsh and loves to be able to learn about the history of Wales and know how to converse with neighbours at home in Anglesey.

"Without doubt, Welsh Club has been a very popular addition to the timetable!”

Photo: Tori Maddocks (Y5), Alice Wynne-Finch (Y5), Kate Reardon (Y5)