Primary to secondary Welsh-medium conversion programme

Overview

Our strategy for the Welsh language, Cymraeg 2050, sets long-term targets for increasing the number of teachers able to teach through the medium of Welsh.

We are currently recruiting a broadly sufficient number of Welsh-medium teachers for the primary sector to be able to meet the targets. However, reaching the targets for the secondary sector is a challenge. Particular focus is needed on increasing the number of secondary school teachers able to teach Welsh as a subject and to teach through the medium of Welsh.

Aim of the conversion programme

The aim of the programme is to increase the number of Welsh-medium secondary teachers. A pilot conversion programme started in September 2020. Since then 60 teachers have taken part in the programme. Based on positive feedback from the participants and schools that have taken part, we will continue the programme in 2024 to 2025 and offer the opportunity to another 20 teachers.

Programme structure

The programme is provided in partnership between schools and Initial Teacher Education (ITE) providers over a period of one academic year.

There will be 4 days of support delivered by ITE providers on the following themes:

• classroom management
• behaviour management
• teacher well-being and developing resilience
• time management and workload management strategies
• overview of lesson planning techniques
• overview of new curriculum
• linguistic support based on individual need

The schools will be responsible for providing a range of experiences and support, which will provide professional development for individuals on the following:

• subject support
• marking and providing feedback
• lesson planning

Each individual will be expected to teach lessons with a teaching timetable increasing during the school year. They will also have access to a professional support teacher within the school, who will be responsible for holding a professional dialogue on the individual’s development every 2 weeks and to provide support in a lesson once every 2 weeks.

Recruitment and selection process

We are looking for 20 enthusiastic individuals who have a clear vision for developing independent, confident and successful learners. This opportunity is open to full time or part time applications.

Applications are invited from qualified teachers who fall into one of the following categories:

• primary teachers in Wales who are interested in developing their careers to teach in a secondary school
• primary or secondary teachers who work in English-medium schools in or outside Wales but want to return to teaching in a Welsh-medium secondary school and need support for linguistic transition and with Curriculum for Wales requirements
• teachers, with either primary or secondary QTS, who have been away from teaching for at least 5 years and want to return to the profession

Applications from individuals to teach any subject are welcome, but depending on the needs of different areas in Wales, preference will be given to individuals who have completed their induction period and are able to teach the following subjects:

• biology
• chemistry
• design and technology
• computer science/information technology
• mathematics
• modern foreign languages
• physics
• Welsh
• English

Individuals should submit expressions of interest to be part of the scheme through the Welsh Government by downloading and emailing the form using the Individual EOI form. These will be forwarded to partner schools to sift and progress the formal application process.

The closing date for applications is 16:00pm on Tuesday 19 March 2024.

Interviews will be held at the partner schools after the Easter holidays.

Each individual participating in the programme will receive a salary at the appropriate rate for one school year. The individuals will be contracted and paid by the schools or local authorities. There will be no guarantee of a permanent post following completion of the programme. However, individuals will be able to apply for any vacant posts in secondary schools.

Documents

Further information

If you require any additional information, please contact the Welsh-medium Conversion Programme team at AthrawonCC.WMTeachers@gov.wales