Nine primary school-age children have completed a 12-week Welsh language course to prepare them for mainstream classes in Welsh.
They were the first group to ‘graduate’ from Torfaen’s newly established Welsh Language Immersion Unit – Carreg Lam based at Ysgol Panteg in Griffithstown.
They will now join their mainstream classes and will continue to be supported by the centre in their schools before the next round of pupils arrive in September.
Carreg Lam, which means ‘stepping stone’, opened in April to help children start Welsh-medium education an a later stage.
It also caters for pupils for whom Welsh may not have been part of their daily routine, to gain the skills and confidence needed to continue their learning through Welsh.
Head teacher at Carreg Lam, Matthew Dicken-Williamson, said: “We joined together to celebrate the success of nine wonderful children. We also met to celebrate the richness and resilience of the Welsh language and to emphasise the importance of bilingualism in our society.
“The Welsh language holds a special place in our hearts, as it is not just a means of communication but a symbol of our cultural heritage and identity.”
Councillor Richard Clark, Torfaen Council’s executive member for children, families and education, awarded the children with certificates and plaques and praised them for their commitment.
Councillor Clark said: “I want to extend my congratulations to these exceptional children for their dedication, commitment, and outstanding achievements.
“They have paved the way for future generations, setting a high standard of excellence and serving as an inspiration to their peers.”
Find out more about Carreg Lam by emailing carreg-lam@torfaen.
