They need to teach more Glyndŵr and less Rhodes in our schools
CALLS for a greater emphasis on Welsh history in schools have been backed by Gwynedd council.
Cllr Owain Williams, the leader of the Llais Gwynedd opposition group, raised the motion, which received unanimous backing.
The councillor, who was jailed for blowing up a transformer on the site of the Tryweryn reservoir in 1963, said in the chamber during Thursday’s meeting: “This is an issue that I’ve had numerous discussions about.
“Over the past few decades, I’ve heard many people express unhappiness that children are not being taught about Owain Glyndwr, but are hearing about Cecil Rhodes.
“But what does that mean to someone in Pen Llyn?
“Our history is vital as, if we don’t know where we’ve come from, we don’t know where we’re going either.”
The Welsh Government says the new curriculum, which is set to be introduced from nursery to Year 7 in 2022, has been designed to provide a “Welsh dimension” and greater emphasis on the nation’s history and culture.
A 2015 report found that between 10% and 15% of GCSE history courses were Wales-related.
At the meeting, Plaid cabinet member Cllr Gareth Thomas said: “It appears that the new school curriculum will give teachers more autonomy in the classroom.
“But I fear the resources aren’t there to help teachers, so would like to add that bilingual textbooks and other resources are also provided.”
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Welsh history is a prominent part of the programme of study for history, and schools are encouraged to focus on contexts from local and Welsh history, with an emphasis on people’s daily lives.
“The new curriculum will ensure all aspects of learning have a ‘Welsh dimension’, giving learners an understanding of the culture and history of Wales and its place in the wider world.”
At the same meeting, the Spanish government’s handling of the Catalan crisis was heavily condemned by members of Gwynedd council.
Hours before a protest in support of Catalonia was held on Caernarfon’s Maes, councillors passed a motion expressing concern over the decision to imprison 10 elected members of the Catalan regional government.
Having voted for independence in an October referendum disputed by the Spanish state, Catlalonia has been in turmoil.
But, despite another election set to take place in Catalonia on December 21, Gwynedd councillors used their meeting to officially condemn the Spanish reaction.
Plaid Cymru council leader Dyfrig Siencyn’s motion said: “Such persecution is an attack on full democratic pro- cesses and undermines the European Union’s governance principles.”
Liberal Democrat councillor Stephen Churchman said: “I don’t necessarily agree with the issue of them wanting independence, but then again I’m not privy to their arguments.
“But I respect they have voted for independence.
“I think it’s inhumane and immoral that people who are standing for their rights are being treated in this way.
“Ultimately we can all disagree with our governments.
“But shouldn’t be imprisoned for standing up for what we believe in.”