The Sabbatical Scheme for Welsh Language Training
The aim of the Sabbatical Scheme is to increase the supply of practitioners able to teach through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. The provision is free – all supply cover, travel and accommodation costs are funded by the Welsh Government. Courses are offered at various linguistic levels and in several locations across Wales, including the School of Welsh, Cardiff University. The School of Welsh will offer provision at Higher, Entry and Foundation levels.
The School of Welsh contributed to the pilot project that began in 2005, with a team of experienced language tutors providing language courses for secondary and primary school teachers. The scheme is now extended to more locations across Wales, with a wider variety of courses on several levels. The hope is that 648 lecturers, teachers and practitioners will benefit from a sabbatical period away from the workplace in order to improve their oral and written Welsh, learn how to use subject-related terminology effectively as well as increase their confidence in Welsh-medium and bilingual teaching methodologies.
Here are the views of some of our past practioners on the Higher-level and Foundation-level courses:
‘I now feel very confident in getting a job through the medium of Welsh’
Primary School Teacher
'This is by far the best professional development experience that I have ever had’
Secondary School Teacher
'Truly the best course and of the highest standard that I have ever attended’
Further Education Lecturer
Course Details 2011/12
| Course | When | Structure | Who | Catchment Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higher-Level Short Learning Course | 23 April — 20 July 2012 |
12 days at the University and half day per week in school |
Welsh medium secondary school teachers and further education lecturers |
Merthyr, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Vale of Glamorgan, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Newport, Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Cardiff |
Course Details 2012/13
| Course | When | Structure | Who | Catchment Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higher-Level Block Course | 17 September — 14 December 2012 |
60 days (at the University) |
Fluent speakers in primary, secondary and further education sectors |
Merthyr, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Vale of Glamorgan, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Newport, Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Cardiff |
| Foundation-Level Block Course | 7 January — 22 March 2013 |
50 days (at the University) |
New learners in primary sector (English and bilingual schools) |
Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan |
| Entry-Level Course | 18 February — 15 March 2013 |
One month’s duration (at the University) |
Classroom assistants (English and bilingual schools) |
Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan |
| Higher-Level Short Learning Course | 15 April — 12 July 2013 |
12 days at the University and half day per week in school |
Welsh medium primary and secondary school teachers and further education lecturers |
Merthyr, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Vale of Glamorgan, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Newport, Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Cardiff |
Courses will also be held in 2013/14.
For further information contact:
Lois Roberts, Course Administrator
Cynllunsabothol@cardiff.ac.uk 029 2087 0637
Applications and financial queries:
Paula Manship, Sabbatical Manager, Welsh Language Development Unit, Welsh Government
Paula.manship@wales.gsi.gov.uk 01443 663770