The Welsh department at St Cenydd aims to show students that Welsh is a living language with its own vibrant culture and a culture in which they have a part to play.  The ability to use the Welsh language is a skill which is increasingly looked for by employers in modern day Wales. By learning Welsh students will be able to develop their understanding of Wales’ history and the place of the language in 21^st century Wales.

In Year 7, students will build on the language developed in primary school by using a range of sentence patterns to discuss their spare time, family and home.  They will learn about school subjects and how to express opinions with extended reasons about the things that they like and dislike.  In Year 8, students will describe their area and also learn how to use the past tense in order to talk about their weekends and holidays.  In Year 9, students will continue to develop their language skills further. They will pay particular attention to Welsh culture and stars and they will talk about their future plans. Throughout the three years students are expected to express their opinions in Welsh and use a variety of different tenses.

During key stage 4 students have the opportunity to improve their oracy, reading and writing skills. They will continue to build on language skills learnt already in Years 7, 8 & 9.  Students complete a oral exam in Year 10 with 3 examinations then being sat in Year 11.

At key stage 5, students follow the WJEC specification. They study language, poetry and media. Students are able to develop their knowledge of the structures and patterns of written and spoken Welsh. They will be introduced to Welsh literature as well as traditional Welsh culture.  Students will also be expected to discuss and respond to the position of Welsh in the local community and as a national language.