Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr is the first Welsh-medium school to claim gold award for Welsh success

Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr is the first Welsh-medium school in Bridgend County Borough to receive the much-coveted Siarter Iaith Gold Award.  The school has earned the honour for its efforts in following the Siarter Iaith Charter, a Welsh Government programme specifically designed for Welsh-medium settings to promote the Welsh language and culture.

The school has strived to engage parents and have the Welsh language permeate the wider community through a variety of projects largely led by its Welsh Council, a group of learners dedicated to the initiative.

Visiting Coety Primary School on many occasions, Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr’s Welsh Council has supported pupils to develop Welsh yard games and reading skills.  It also collaborated with its own School Council to deliver a Welsh café for parents, and Year 6 learners have spotlighted their Welsh language and performance skills, participating in filming for Welsh programme, Tekkers.

Sophia Floyd, a Year 4 member of the school’s Welsh Council, said: “We are really excited and happy to be awarded the gold award. We’ve been working really hard all year.”

Miss Evans, lead for the Siarter Iaith, added: “I am extremely proud of our work to promote the Welsh language over the last three years. We are so pleased to claim the gold award and hope to continue our work.”

Headteacher, Mrs Jayne, supporting this sentiment, commented: “As a school, we have been working hard to create a Welsh ethos within the school, promote the Welsh language in the community and engage our parents. I would like to congratulate all staff and pupils on their achievement and thank them for their efforts.”

Cllr Martyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Education and Youth Services, said: “This is a fantastic accomplishment for Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr!  The school has received the highest accolade from the Siarter Iaith for successfully following its charter and should be very proud.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our schools for inspiring our children and young people to continue using the Welsh language inside and outside of the classroom, encouraging our wider communities to do the same!”