Ysgol David Hughes, Menai Bridge, has won the Siarter Iaith’s silver award – the first secondary school in Anglesey to do so.
The Siarter Iaith is a Welsh Government scheme that promotes the use of the Welsh language in schools and wider community. Its aim is to inspire children and young people to use the Welsh language in all aspects of life, to increase the number of children and young people who use the language socially.
The Siarter Iaith is for everyone, and all members of the school’s community can take part, with a national framework being published to provide guidance on how to implement the Siarter Iaith.
Ysgol David Hughes’s Grŵp Cymreictod – a group of active and enthusiastic learners – have worked hard to incorporate the Siarter Iaith’s principles in everyday life in the school.
The group has organised events such as the school Eisteddfod, visits to local businesses, a bake-off competition and annual Welsh lessons for people who are on holiday in the area of the school. Ysgol David Hughes’s Head, Mari Roberts, said, “The work of promoting the language is rooted in the school’s community and we have a clear vision for moving this work forward”.
“I’m extremely proud of the Grŵp Cymreictod’s success, winning the Siarter Iaith’s Silver Award. The fact that our school is the first secondary school on Anglesey to reach this milestone also provides a great sense of pride.”
She added, “The pupils, with the support of staff, have prioritised the benefits of bilingualism and have definitely managed to significantly raise the profile of the Welsh language here. I’d also like to thank our governing board, parents and community partners for their support during this journey.”
The whole school is eager to continue the work to realise the vision of providing the best level of bilingual education possible to every pupil and creating an open and inclusive community that respects everyone’s opinions, aspirations and aims.
The council’s Portfolio Holder for Education and the Welsh language, Councillor Dafydd Roberts, added, “It’s great to see Ysgol David Hughes, and many primary schools in the county, implementing the Siarter Iaith’s vision. The efforts of the Grŵp Cymreictod, with the support of staff, has been recognised and awarded with the Siarter Iaith’s Silver Award. Promoting the use of the language in our schools and on the ground is extremely important and contributes to the task of making the Welsh language a natural part of community life.”
The pupils and school were also congratulated by Aethwy ward county councillors Robin Williams, Sonia Williams and Dyfed Wyn Jones.
Councillor Robin Williams, who sits on the school governing body, added, “The Council Plan (2023 to 2028) recognises the Welsh language as an integral part of our identity, culture and heritage on Ynys Môn. We’re delighted that Ysgol David Hughes is showing a real commitment to the Welsh language and that the efforts of pupils, staff and the wider school community have been rewarded.”
Ends 7 July 2025