Now open for applications, the ‘Cynllun Pontio’ programme is aimed at attracting Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ-speaking teachers to secondary schools in Wales.
It supports Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ speakers who are currently teaching in primary schools in Wales, teachers in schools outside Wales, and teachers who have been out of the profession for five years or more, to become secondary school teachers in Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ-medium schools.
Opening on Monday 10 February and closing three weeks later on 2 March, the popular scheme has been running since 2020 and has helped many primary teachers convert to teach in secondary schools – with benefits to both the individuals and the wider sector.
Angharad Pari-Williams is currently taking part in and is teaching Geography at Ysgol David Hughes on Anglesey. She has converted from primary to secondary teaching.
She said:
I'm really enjoying the Cynllun Pontio. I'm so glad I applied. With the new curriculum for Wales being so cross curricular I found my experience in primary teaching to be really useful in my new role.
What makes the Cynllun Pontio unique is that you receive support. There is always someone around to speak to for advice.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle said:
This successful scheme is one of the ways in which we are developing a talented teaching workforce in Wales, especially in our secondary schools.
I am determined to ensure we support learners to reach their potential and continue to raise standards.
Developing a teaching workforce to teach Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ, and deliver education through the medium of Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ, is essential in creating more Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ speakers. It is key to the implementation of the Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ Language and Education (Wales) Bill.
The is one of a number of initiatives, backed by £8m of Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖfunding, to support practitioners to develop their Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ language skills and to increase the number of Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ medium teachers and teaching assistants.
The funding also includes:
- A £5,000 retention bursary for eligible secondary teachers who teach Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ or through the medium of Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ
- Funding to increase the number of learners studying Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ at A Level, enabling schools to continue to provide Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ as a subject when learner numbers are low
A range of courses for practitioners in English medium schools to learn Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ.