Campaign to set up Welsh language secondary school
A CAMPAIGN group says it wants to see a Welsh language secondary school set up in Merthyr Tydfil.
Rhieni dros Addysg Gymraeg (RhAG), which has just set up a new branch in Merthyr Tydfil, has laid out its ambitions for growing Welsh language education in the area.
They want to see the establishment of a Welsh language secondary school and make sure there are enough Welsh language primary school places by bringing forward the planned new school at Goetre in the Gurnos and by establishing a federation school at Bedlinog Primary School.
They will also back a proactive advertising campaign to promote and grow Welsh language education in Merthyr Tydfil.
Mark Ward and his wife have set up the local branch following a public meeting at Canolfan Soar in the town centre last month to gauge interest.
RhAG is a national organisation which aims to support and promote Welsh language education throughout Wales and ensure there are equal opportunities for people who want their children to be educated in Welsh.
Currently there are only two Welsh language primary schools in Merthyr Tydfil - Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhydy-Grug in Aberfan and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Santes Tudful.
There are no Welsh language secondary schools meaning pupils who want to go through their secondary education in Welsh have to travel to other areas to do so, with many going to Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
In a letter sent to councillors, the leader of the council, AMs and the MP amongst others, Mr Ward said it was clear at the meeting that there are multiple concerns from parents, grandparents, carers and others with the current council Welsh Education Strategic Plan (WESP).
Welsh Government provides an annual grant to support the work of RhAG throughout Wales as it aims for one million Welsh speakers in Wales by 2050.
Merthyr Tydfil council says it is “fully committed” to this Welsh Government target.
The council says: “Our vision for increasing the use of Welsh across the county borough is reflected through Shwmaeronment which encourages everyone to use Welsh every day and is articulated both in the corporate strategy for Welsh language and in the local authority’s WESP.
“Within the WESP there are clear ambitions to promote Welsh medium education across the county borough.
“We are developing Welsh medium provision within our early years settings supported by family activities through the medium of Welsh.
“Through Welsh Government capital programmes we have applied for and secured additional funding to expand both our Welsh medium primary provisions and have also secured funding for third Welsh medium primary school in the north of the county.
“The third school will be started as a seed school and as this school grows further discussion will take place over the well-established and successful collaboration with RCT for secondary aged pupils.”