As you are probably aware Ysgol Dinas Brân is a bilingual school offering education through the medium of Welsh and English. Students progressing to us from Welsh-medium primary schools will continue their education through Welsh at Dinas Brân.
There are approximately 115 students at Dinas Brân who learn through Welsh (around 23 in each Year Group from Year 7-11). The students are in one mixed-ability form group and are taught together for all lessons (except PE and Music). Virtually all lessons at Key Stage 3 are taught through the medium of Welsh with the exception of PE and Music.
At Key Stage 4, the core curriculum; English, Cymraeg, Maths, Science and Skills Challenge (this constitutes around 70% of their curriculum) and some options – for example History and Geography – are also offered through Welsh. Other options are only available through the medium of however some of these may be delivered bilingually.
Students are taught through mixed-ability groups However, we strongly believe that the community feel of the ‘D’ stream promotes a distinct sense of identity and encourages students learning and progress. The results at GCSE level show that students studying through Welsh at the school make similar progress to those in the English medium (see the figures we have provided on the opposite page).
At Ysgol Dinas Brân we believe strongly that pupils who choose to take their education through the medium of Welsh be provided with numerous opportunities to use Welsh, both in and out of school, during their time with us.
At school the two activities that are most important to the Welsh calendar is our School Eisteddfod and our St David's Day. Concert . Both activities are high on the agenda of the Welsh Department, and the School . The Eisteddfod provides an opportunity for all students to compete in homework competitions and also have the opportunity to compete in various competitions on stage. To get a taste of the activities of our school Eisteddfod can look at youtube, and search for 'Eisteddfod Ysgol Dinas Brân.”
We are extremely proud of our St David’s Day concert in which we have numerous individuals, groups and choirs from Ysgol Dinas Brân and our feeder primaries performing.
In addition to the Welsh activities that are held in school we also organize visits and courses by working with organizations in the community.
Here are some examples:
Each year the Welsh Department aims to encourage pupils to participate in the activities of the Urdd. The Urdd’s goal is to provide the opportunity, through the medium of Welsh, to all young people in Wales (between 8 and 25 years) to develop into mature individuals; and enable them to play a constructive role in society by fostering personal and social skills. There will be two lunchtime activity groups during there week where pupils can get involved in a variety of activities.
The club is organised in collaboration with the Menter Iaith . The aim of the Club is to offer pupils the opportunity to socialize in Welsh. Different activities are organized such as an excursion to 'Bounce Below' at Blaenau Ffestiniog and Dolwyddelan Castle, Zorbing with 'Verve Sport' and a variety of activities during lunchtime.Every Spring we begin the task of working with pupils in preparation for competing in the Urdd - this can be for stage competitions or homework /arts and crafts competitions.
For further information about the Welsh Department/Welsh Stream, please contact either Mr Gethin Williams-Assistant Head (g.williams@dinasbran.co.uk) or Mr Ifor Phillips (i.phllips@dinasbran.co.uk), Head of the Welsh Department - 01978860669.
