24-04-07
Half of all Wales's schools teaching through the medium of Welsh - that is the commitment that RhAG, the organisation representing parents for Welsh medium education, wants to see adopted by Assembly candidates in its manifesto launched today.
Surveys have shown time and again across Wales that around half of all parents can see the advantages of bilingualism for their children. The only model in Wales that is able to deliver full bilingualism to pupils are the Welsh medium schools. At the moment, only 23% of children attend Welsh medium schools. This is because there are insufficient schools of this type within the reach of everyone in Wales.
"Welsh medium education is the only effective way of delivering the Assembly's admittedly praiseworthy desire to increase the number of Welsh speakers," said Heini Gruffudd, chairman of RhAG. "Since parents in Wales are anxious for their children to become bilingual, this is the chance for the Assembly to realise its dream. Unfortunately, plans to establish more Welsh medium schools are being slowed down because of the planning processes involved. It takes a long time for local authorities to find a site, and then the Assembly government obstructs the process in many places.
"We in RhAG welcome the fact that Welsh is not being treated as a political football by the parties in Wales. If only this were the case with Welsh medium schools. It is time for the next Welsh Assembly government to establish clear targets for the growth of Welsh medium schools across Wales."
RhAG includes a 10 point wishlist in its manifesto:
1 All education authorities should complete a survey to assess the demand for Welsh medium Education
2 All education authorities should act in accordance with the results of these surveys
3 Welsh medium education should be within the reach of all families
4 Steps should be taken to ensure continuity in the study of Welsh as a first language from primary to secondary school
7 Free transport to the appropriate school
9 Develop further and higher education through the medium of Welsh
10 Proper provision through the medium of Welsh for pupils with special education needs
Dowload the RhAG manifesto for the 2007 Assembly elections