Tondu Primary School pupils hit the Welsh air waves at Cymru FM!

Recently, Year 2 and Year 5 pupils from Tondu Primary School showcased their Welsh language skills through collaboratively planning and creating their very own Welsh radio show, with the support of radio presenter, Marc Griffiths, from Cymru FM.

Developing a knowledge of Welsh music and musicians, as well as their Welsh language proficiency, the learners were involved in a series of Welsh sessions led by project organiser, Cathy Richards, prior to the radio show.  Benefitting from Cathy’s recent experience of a Welsh Sabbatical Scheme, the pupils’ confidence in using Welsh soared.

We had a brilliant time with Marc Griffiths from Cymru FM. The pupils wrote and recorded their own parts for the radio show. Marc was very supportive and modelled the correct pronunciation of Welsh words for the children to repeat.

Both classes loved the experience and were eager to share their radio show with their family and friends. They continue to speak enthusiastically about the experience, and how they have been on a radio show!

Cathy Richards

One pupil commented: “Our parents and families could listen and learn Welsh, which is helpful when we live in Wales!”  Another said: “We learned about Welsh musicians and their lives, and we had the chance to play their music on our own radio show.”

This project is fantastic on so many levels, from developing a range of cross curricular links particularly with music, digital skills and, of course, Welsh, to profiling the learning of the language and allowing learners to see its significance within an authentic context.

I am sure that this experience has also kindled the confidence of those pupils involved, not just in using the Welsh language, but also in themselves. Well done all, a creative and innovative way of using the curriculum to best serve the learners!

Councillor Jon-Paul Blundell, Cabinet Member for Education

To listen to the radio show, please follow the link.