This documentary, presented by Cardiff Blues player and rugby international Nicky Robinson, looks at how Welsh medium education has developed. He is assisted in his task by senior pupils at Ysgol Bro Morgannwg comprehensive school in Y Barri (Barry).
There have always been Welsh speakers playing for Cardiff – famous names like Gareth Edwards and Barry John. However, traditionally they were West Walians studying or working in Cardiff. Recently the Welsh speakers in the team have been both brought up and educated in the city.
Ysgol Bro Morgannwg opened its doors for the first time in 2000. Throughout Wales, 18% of children now receive their education in designated Welsh medium schools.
Ysgol Bro Morgannwg pupils have been studying the history of Welsh medium education and are now embarking on a bus trip through Wales to interview and film those involved.
Their first stop is Aberystwyth. At Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru (the National Library of Wales) they study the documentation for the first Welsh medium school – a private school established by Ifan ab Owen Edwards in 1939. The first headmistress was Norah Isaac. There were 7 pupils.
In Cardiff, in 1942, a Welsh medium Saturday school was established here at Tŷ’r Cymry, Heol Gordon, Roath. The Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan was one of the first pupils.
Welsh medium schools before 1947 were privately managed. However, in 1947 the Education Authority at Llanelli established a state-run school - Ysgol Dewi Sant. The 47 pupils were taught by 3 teachers.
The next area of growth was Rhyl in North Wales. There were soon five Welsh medium schools and in 1956 Ysgol Gyfun Glan Clwyd was established – the first Welsh medium comprehensive school in Wales.
Glan Clwyd and Bro Morgannwg pupils had an opportunity to discuss the use of Welsh outside school, the Welsh media and career opportunities.
Back in the south-east, a designated Welsh language primary school was established in Cardiff in 1947. This was followed by schools in Barry and in the valleys. The first Welsh medium comprehensive school in the south was Rhydfelen established in 1962.
