Welsh language sabbaticals scheme
The Welsh language sabbaticals scheme has been developed by the Welsh Assembly Government to increase the number of bilingual practitioners across Wales. It offers three months' language and pedagogical training to those, who wish to teach though the medium of Welsh or bilingually.
The purpose of the intensive training course, which consists of three months' language and pedagogical training, is to increase the pool of teachers, lecturers and work-based training providers across Wales able to use the language in a professional context.
Since the pilot scheme began, 72 people have completed the training. The scheme, which is delivered at the University of Wales, Bangor and Cardiff University, is aimed at speakers who are fairly fluent but who want to develop their confidence and terminology so that they can work through the medium of Welsh and will now run until July 2009.
Many more practitioners will be able to take advantage of this training during the next two years. The courses are fully-funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, and supply and travel costs are also reimbursed. Eligible practitioners can now take part in the courses, which will run during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 academic years.
Further information is available about the scheme, along with case studies of Eleanor Lewis and Bethan Williams, who have successfully completed the scheme.
