Bryn Collen teacher completes intensive Welsh learning course

* Bryn Collen teacher Claire Paton.

A primary school teacher from Llangollen who took up an intensive Welsh learning course has returned to the classroom to share her newfound knowledge and skills.   

Claire Paton, a teacher at Ysgol Bryn Collen, Llangollen was one of only 14 teachers selected in North Wales to join the Welsh Government’s Welsh In A Year course, run by Bangor University – a sabbatical where teachers are taught consistently through the medium of Welsh from day one by Welsh language tutors. 

The initiative is part of the Welsh Government’s agenda to gain one million Welsh speakers by 2050. 

 

Her application was supported by Ysgol Bryn Collen headteacher, Lisa Howden, in line with the school’s development plan to increase the use of Welsh, particularly in Nursery, through to Year Two.  

 

During the course, Claire had to submerse herself in written and oral Welsh practice and take exams. 

Alongside her fellow students, Claire attended conferences, explored areas of Wales to develop confidence in the language and trained in a Welsh-medium school. 

Each week the group met in person at the Welsh Language Unit in St Asaph. After five months Claire went back into the classroom one day a week to develop the use of Welsh around the school. 

 

Claire is delighted to be back in Ysgol Bryn Collen sharing her knowledge. She said: “It’s wonderful to be back in school and share my new skills to help the school develop, particularly with our focus on Welsh reading.  

 

“I have gained confidence and knowledge that has given me an excellent foundation to build on. I can converse with my Welsh speaking colleagues and contribute to us gaining the Silver Award of Cymraeg Campus.” 

 

Following Ysgol Bryn Collen’s positive Estyn Inspection earlier this year, the staff and governors have prioritised the development of Welsh language skills. 

 

Headteacher Lisa Howden said: “We are incredibly proud of Claire’s achievements during the last twelve months and it’s wonderful to see her sharing her experiences and language skills across the school. Following our excellent Estyn Inspection our school is working hard towards achieving our Silver Award through Cymraeg Campus and strengthening the Welsh Language across the primary year groups.” 

 

Claire continues to improve her skills and attends Welsh meetings twice a month run by Lucy Cowley, in Gales Wine Bar, Llangollen, and keeps in touch with her fellow students. She is also able to converse in Welsh with the other proficient Welsh teachers within the school environment. 

 

She will graduate from Bangor University, alongside her fellow students in June 2025.