Afon y Felin Primary School claims gold award a second time for Welsh efforts

Celebrating success a second time following a recent reassessment, Afon y Felin Primary School has managed to maintain its Cymraeg Campus Gold Award, a much-coveted achievement for schools involved with the Siarter Iaith Cymraeg Campus – an initiative promoting the Welsh language and culture in schools.  

The school’s success has led to sharing its good practice with over ten other schools, including those outside of Bridgend County Borough.  Over the course of the last year, Afon y Felin Primary School has supported these settings to achieve either bronze, silver or gold awards for their efforts in following the Welsh Charter offered by the Siarter Iaith Gymraeg Campus. 

Striving to establish Welsh as a living language within an English-medium primary setting, staff at Afon y Felin Primary School were praised by assessors for using teaching strategies that encourage the children to use Welsh naturally within and outside of the classroom.

A wealth of experiences offered to children has also nurtured an enthusiasm for the Welsh language and culture.  These include a live performance with Welsh singer and presenter, Bronwen Lewis; a visit to the Big Pit and the Principality Stadium; as well as working alongside former Children’s Laureate Wales, Connor Allen, who shared an insight into his own Jamaican heritage thereby highlighting the broad cultural diversity found in Wales.  Last year, the school even reached the national finals at the Urdd Eisteddfod and pupils are looking forward to competing again at Margam in 2025.

These experiences have positively influenced the learners and have illuminated a pathway to continue learning Welsh and about Wales.  Sophia, a pupil at the school, said: “I loved dressing as Cymraes Cwl on Dydd Miwsig Cymru and having a selfie with Bronwen Lewis. She has inspired me to listen to Welsh music!”  Another learner, Leo, added: “I loved meeting Jac Morgan at the Principality Stadium and being able to speak to him in Welsh, it will be a lifetime memory for me.”

Acting Head of School, Denise Jones, said: “My inspiration has always been an old primary teacher, John Mason, who made Welsh fun and engaging for us, and I wanted to adopt the same approach with our children.  As you can see, it has been really successful.”

“Another pillar of our accomplishment has been our partnerships with Welsh-medium schools such as Ysgol Y Ferch o'r Sgêr and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Calon Y Cymoedd.  These have been instrumental in developing the children's oracy, initiating new friendships, as well as establishing successful school to school collaboration.”

Councillor Martyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Education and Youth Services, said: “Afon y Felin Primary School should be so very proud of this fantastic achievement!  To claim the sought after Cymraeg Campus Gold Award a second time is no easy task and reflects the creative teaching of staff, their commitment to the learners, as well as to our Welsh language, culture and heritage. 

“Huge congratulations to all involved!”