Welsh Curriculum Group, Caerphilly Youth Service

Caerphilly Youth Service has been commended for its approach to embedding the Welsh language into youth work practice. 

In response to calls from staff and young people for more opportunities to use Welsh and to learn more about Wales’ history and folklore, the service has committed to developing a bilingual approach in all youth service setting. The Welsh Curriculum Group was established to drive progress towards this goal. 

Alongside formal Welsh language courses for staff, the Curriculum Group developed its own Welsh vocabulary booklet containing the most common phrases used in youth work settings. Phonetic pronunciations were provided for each expression and audio recordings created by Welsh speaking youth workers. 

The Curriculum Group has also developed a new Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage Programme for young people in the form of 12 curriculum booklets, one for each month of the year. These contain a series of chapters which encourage young people to engage with different aspects of Welsh culture, history and folklore and include a monthly Eisteddfod, with young people competing for their Eisteddfod house. The booklets also contain a ‘This month we’re saying…’ section, which introduces new Welsh vocabulary every month to supplement the Welsh vocabulary booklet. 

The booklets have been well received by staff and young people with an 85% service-wide participation rate in monthly Welsh challenges and more than 1,200 individual Eisteddfod entries submitted by young people in just 8 months. Youth workers have reported a significant increase in young people’s enthusiasm for and use of the Welsh language. 

One youth worker reflected:

"The curriculum feels fresh and relevant. Through short, fun challenges and vibrant booklets, we’ve made Welsh language and culture exciting and accessible in youth work settings. The house system builds connection and friendly competition. Rather than focusing on language instruction, it’s sparked pride in heritage and sparked genuine interest in learning more about Wales. Young people have responded enthusiastically, expressing that challenges have made learning Welsh enjoyable and inclusive. This innovative shift has increased engagement, inspired some to pursue Welsh qualifications, demonstrating lasting impact".