Penygroes Primary School

Create a community of enthusiastic learners whereby children develop skills, knowledge and understanding so that they become active and respectful members of our ever- changing community, in a happy and secure environment which encourages them to be independent learners on their journey through school.

We are delighted to have your children with us. We hope they will be happy in our school. We aim to assist you during your child’s journey through our happy school. Please remember that we are available to discuss any of your concerns or queries. Feel free to contact the Head teacher via the school office or any of the above contact points at any time. This is an exciting time for you and your child; we are there to share it with you.

Penygroes is a Category A School therefore Welsh is the official language medium of the school. Welsh is the only teaching language during the Foundation Phase (3+ to 7 years old). English is introduced during Key Stage 2 (7+ to 11+) the children are educated through the medium of English and Welsh. In accordance with the Education Authority’s Bilingual policy, teaching resources of a high standard are provided to ensure that pupils are able to express themselves fluently and easily, verbally and in writing, in Welsh and in English by the time they leave the school.

For children who start school and have no understanding of the Welsh language the following steps are taken: Reception 1 and 2, Years 1 and 2 – For children to feel settled and secure in the school environment, English is used as appropriate. After the initial settling in period, the Welsh language is introduced gradually through practical activities which include structured oral work. The child is then taught to read, write and speak in Welsh. The class teacher is aware of the child’s use of the English language during this period. Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 – For the children who start school without any knowledge of the Welsh Language there is again an initial settling in period. Whilst English is used, Welsh is introduced as soon as possible, through oral and practical activities.

Learning about identity and culture through languages prepares us as citizens of Wales and the world. Learning and using languages connects us to people, places and communities across the globe. The Area of Learning, Experience in Languages, Literacy and Communication is designed to ensure that learners, as citizens of a bilingual and multilingual world can use Welsh, English and international languages. By raising awareness of a variety of languages from an early age, learners will be able to recognize similarities between languages and appreciate the differences between them. They are helped to develop an understanding of the origins, evolution and characteristics of Welsh, English and international languages which will equip them with a set of skills that go beyond language, Literacy and Communication skills and include features such as creativity, resilience, the ability to gather and empathize. The new curriculum allows the opportunity to improve all languages including Welsh, English and international languages, while considering links between languages.