Languages
Faculty of Languages
"A nation without a language is a nation without a heart."
Our Vision
The Faculty of Languages is committed to broadening students' horizons through language learning, helping them to thrive in an increasingly connected world. We aim to develop confident communicators, independent learners, and critical thinkers who appreciate the value of languages and cultures.
All students study at least one additional language, including Welsh and Spanish, while learners of English as an Additional Language receive targeted support to develop their language skills. Through a multilingual approach, students gain an understanding of the connections between languages, enabling them to transfer their knowledge and become more effective language learners.
Our goal is to foster a lifelong interest in languages, literature, and culture, while developing students who can use Welsh and Spanish with confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
"One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way."
Dream
Learning more than one language opens doors to a wide range of personal, academic, and professional opportunities. Research shows that bilingualism can support cognitive development, enhance critical thinking skills, improve creativity, and strengthen memory and concentration.
Language skills are increasingly valuable in many careers, including education, healthcare, childcare, public services, local government, marketing, media, customer services, and the creative industries. By developing their language abilities, students gain skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Reach
We believe that language learning extends beyond the classroom. Students have opportunities to participate in a variety of enrichment activities designed to deepen their understanding of Welsh and Spanish language and culture.
Previous opportunities have included:
Residential visits to Glan-llyn, Bala
St David's celebrations and cultural events
Educational visits abroad, including Spain
Workshops with Welsh authors and guest speakers
Lunchtime clubs and language-focused activities
Community events and cultural experiences
These experiences help students develop confidence, cultural awareness, and a genuine enthusiasm for languages.
Achieve
Developing language proficiency is at the heart of everything we do. Students receive regular opportunities to develop their skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through engaging and authentic learning experiences.
Lessons incorporate a range of cultural and linguistic resources, including music, film, television, literature, and digital media. We encourage students to work collaboratively, become independent learners, and communicate spontaneously in Welsh and Spanish with growing confidence.
Through immersive learning and cultural exploration, students gain an appreciation of the rich heritage, history, and diversity of the languages they study, preparing them to become confident global citizens.
Meet the Team
Mrs Vicky Byrne – Head of Faculty, Welsh
Mr Richard Brookes – Second in Faculty, Spanish
Mr Cris Hughes – Welsh Teacher
Mrs Lynette Norris – Welsh Teacher
Mrs Lisa Jones – Spanish Teacher
Welsh
Introduction to the Subject
Welsh is a statutory subject taught throughout Key Stage 3 and as a full GCSE subject in Key Stage 4. Pupils develop skills in reading, writing, and speaking the language, alongside enhancing their literacy.
Key Stage 3
Year 7 Themes by Term
Autumn Term – School, Describing Friends
Spring Term – Me and My Family, The Area
Summer Term – Wales and the World, Holidays in Wales
Year 8 Themes by Term
Autumn Term – Daily Routine, Healthy Eating and Keeping Fit
Spring Term – When I Was Young, Leisure and Hobbies
Summer Term – Fashion and Technology, Money and Shopping
Year 9 Themes by Term
Autumn Term – Sports, Health, Fitness and Young People’s Problems
Spring Term – The Past Tense, Summer Holidays
Summer Term – Film and Television, Music
Useful Links for KS3
Key Stage 4
Welsh at KS4 is taught as a full GCSE subject over two years, with the first exam element sat in the Spring term of Year 10. Pupils study three broad themes throughout both years: Youth, Employment, and Wales and the World. There is a strong emphasis on independent speaking, reading, and writing, supported by vocabulary lists provided at the start of the course.
Useful Links for KS4
Reading Material
Collins - WJEC GCSE All-in-One Revision and Practice
Illuminate Publishing - WJEC GCSE Welsh Second Language Revision Guide
Extra Opportunities
Welsh Club – Fridays 1:20–2:00 pm in Room 18 with Mrs Byrne and Menter Iaith
Weekend courses at Glanllyn run by the local Urdd Officer
Planned term-time trips to Glanllyn and The Millennium Centre in Cardiff
Biannual trips to Granada and Malaga
Spanish
Spanish is offered as part of our Modern Foreign Languages curriculum, providing pupils with the opportunity to develop communication skills and cultural awareness.
Key Stage 3
Spanish is introduced alongside Welsh, with a focus on building foundational language skills through engaging themes and practical use.
Useful Links for KS3
Key Stage 4
Spanish is offered as a GCSE option, following the new WJEC specifications. Pupils develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, preparing them for examinations and real-world communication.
Useful Links for KS4
Reading Material
Illuminate Publishing - WJEC GCSE Spanish Revision Guide
Extra-Curricular Activities
Welsh Club – Fridays 1:20–2:00 pm in Room 18 with Mrs Byrne and Menter Iaith
Weekend language courses at Glanllyn
Planned cultural trips to Cardiff and Spain
For further information about the Languages Faculty or our curriculum, please contact the school office.