The Minister for Education and Welsh language has announced that
the Cynllun Pontio, a programme which trains primary school
teachers to become secondary school teachers, will continue for
the next academic year.
The Cynllun Pontio gives qualified Welsh speaking primary school
teachers training and support for them to become secondary school
teachers in Welsh-medium schools.
20 places are available from September as part of the fourth year
of the programme. It has helped teachers to develop their
careers and find permanent positions in secondary schools.
Eligible primary school teachers can apply here.
The programme helps to increase the number of Welsh-medium
secondary teachers. This is essential to realising our vision of
achieving one million Welsh speakers by 2050.
Ffion was a primary school teacher and saw Cynllun Pontio as the
perfect opportunity to take the next step in her career. She now
teaches Music and Welsh at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd.
Speaking about her experience on the programme, Ffion said:
“In primary you are with one year group at a time for the whole
year. As a secondary teacher, we have six lessons a day, so I see
six different groups of individuals and that’s been really
lovely. Also being able to specialise in a subject – Welsh and
Music are areas that I really enjoy.
“Welsh is such a massive factor. With the goal of one million
Welsh speakers by 2050 I think it’s important as a nation that we
have the same goal. Especially in a Welsh-medium school where
perhaps the majority of the learners don’t come from a
Welsh-speaking home, it’s vital that us teachers pave the way and
inspire them.
“I would highly recommend the Cynllun Pontio because although
it’s difficult, it’s totally worth it. With the right mentors and
support, anything is possible.”
The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, said:
“The Cynllun Pontio is a valuable opportunity for anyone looking
to move from primary to secondary teaching. One of our biggest
priorities for achieving a million Welsh speakers is making sure
we have enough teachers to meet the demand for Welsh-medium
learning.”
