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Cymru

Cymraeg in the Classroom: Rethinking How We Teach Welsh

Posted on 12 May 2020 by Dr Kevin Smith

If most pupils believe Welsh is vital to Wales’s identity, why do so many dislike learning it? This post examines what pupils and teachers say about Welsh lessons today and explores how schools might rebuild enthusiasm and fluency by aligning classroom aims with the living language beyond the school gates.

Dysgu Cymraeg: Llais y Disgyblion

Posted on 1 May 2020 by Dr Kevin Smith

Pam mae cymaint o ddisgyblion yn teimlo’n anfodlon gyda’u gwersi Cymraeg? Yn y cofnod hwn, mae Dr Mirain Rhys yn archwilio beth mae dysgwyr eu hunain yn ei ddweud am ddysgu’r Gymraeg — o’r diffyg cyfleoedd i siarad i’r pwyslais gormodol ar arholiadau. Mae’r canfyddiadau’n cynnig cipolwg gonest ar y dyfodol i’n hiaith fyw genedlaethol.

Learning Welsh: What Pupils Really Think

Posted on 1 May 2020 by Dr Kevin Smith

Why do so many pupils say they dislike Welsh lessons? In this post, Dr Mirain Rhys examines what learners themselves think about studying Cymraeg—and what needs to change. From calls for more authentic speaking opportunities to concerns about exam-focused teaching, the findings offer powerful insights for anyone committed to the future of Wales’s living language.

Wales, Welshness, and the Curriculum: Rethinking the Welsh Dimension

Wales, Welshness, and the Curriculum: Rethinking the Welsh Dimension

Posted on 16 December 2019 by Dr Kevin Smith

What does it really mean to “be Welsh” in today’s curriculum? This post explores how official discourses shape our understanding of Wales and Welshness, revealing the tensions between tradition, diversity and identity. It calls for a critical pedagogy of place—one that helps pupils think deeply about culture, belonging and the world beyond their doorstep.

Philosophy in Schools: Teachers’ Views from Wales

Posted on 19 August 2019 by Dr Kevin Smith

What role should philosophy play in the classroom? Darius Klibavicius’ research with teachers in Wales explores how philosophy is understood—as a subject, a method or a way of life. Linking Philosophy for Children with contemporary curriculum reform, this post examines why many teachers see philosophy as vital for well-being, reasoning and communication in modern education.

A Pedagogy of Place

A Pedagogy of Place

Posted on 5 July 2019 by Dr Kevin Smith

What do pupils’ own words reveal about how they see the places they call home? This post looks at new research on young people’s “place images” in Wales and considers what it means for curriculum design. From Cwricwlwm Cymreig to Cynefin, it explores how a pedagogy of place can deepen understanding of belonging, identity and connection in classrooms across Wales.

800 Words or less…

Posted on 18 June 2019 by Dr Kevin Smith

This blog consists of concise posts on various aspects of educational research, pedagogy, and curriculum.