Pupils at Welsh medium and bilingual schools are facing a decline in confidence when it comes to reading and communicating in Welsh, as highlighted by the education watchdog, Estyn. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected many pupils’ reading skills, with a significant number expressing a preference for reading in English. This trend is concerning, particularly in light of the Welsh Government’s goal of achieving one million Welsh speakers by 2050, as indicated by the recent decline in Welsh speakers reported in the 2021 census.
While some primary schools and a few secondary schools have successfully promoted reading in Welsh for pleasure, overall experiences to foster reading outside of classrooms have significantly decreased since the pandemic. During the peak of school closures, numerous parents with children in Welsh medium schools voiced concerns about inadequate support, especially those from non-Welsh speaking households. Former First Minister Eluned Morgan even suggested engaging children in online gaming in Welsh to compensate for the lack of support.
Estyn’s report on the standards of Welsh reading among 10 to 14-year-olds reveals a drop in reading enjoyment in secondary school, with only a small percentage of children independently reading Welsh books. The watchdog visited various schools and immersion units, evaluating Welsh reading skills and found disparities in approaches across different institutions. The report emphasises the enduring negative effects of the pandemic on pupils’ Welsh reading skills, with some students losing confidence in communicating and reading in Welsh.
Inspectors noted that certain secondary schools had repurposed libraries into classrooms due to spatial or financial constraints. Limited resources resulted in the closure of libraries in some schools, impacting students’ access to reading materials. Effective school library provision was found to be crucial, offering diverse reading materials and creating a conducive environment for learning.
Although some schools are making commendable efforts to promote Welsh reading skills, there is a need for a more strategic approach to strengthen pupils’ reading abilities across various subjects. Estyn recommends enhancing opportunities for pupils to develop diverse reading skills beyond Welsh lessons and ensuring adequate support for non-Welsh speaking students. The report underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among schools and local authorities to create purposeful opportunities for developing Welsh reading skills and fostering a positive reading culture.
In response to the report, the Welsh Government recognises the challenges and emphasises the importance of literacy in the Curriculum for Wales. Plans are underway to provide intensive support for literacy and enhance the Literacy Framework to address the issues highlighted in the report. Initiatives like the Ein Llais Ni project aim to boost pupils’ confidence in using Welsh and promote literacy development across schools. The government expresses its commitment to improving reading skills and fostering a love for reading in Welsh among learners, irrespective of their background.
In conclusion, the Estyn report sheds light on the critical need to address the challenges faced in developing Welsh reading skills among pupils in Welsh medium and bilingual schools. By implementing the recommendations outlined in the report and fostering a collaborative approach, schools and authorities can work towards enhancing pupils’ reading abilities and creating a supportive environment for Welsh language development.