Celebrating Welsh Reading and Culture at PPS
At Penllergaer Primary School, we are thrilled to be a school that promotes, nurtures and celebrates the Welsh language and culture every single day. As a proud Welsh Siarter Iaith Gold School, we continually strive to embed the Welsh language across school life and inspire confident, enthusiastic young Welsh speakers.
Most recently, we have also been recognised as a Spotlight School for Reading, a title awarded to schools that demonstrate exceptional practice in developing confident, fluent readers. This recognition highlights our commitment to high‑quality reading provision, consistent approaches across year groups, and a school culture where reading is valued, celebrated and enjoyed by all learners.
Our Journey with ‘Tric a Chlic’
The case study showcases our work with the Tric a Chlic Welsh phonics and reading programme.
At PPS, the programme was first introduced in Years 1 and 2 and later extended to Years 3 to 6 to ensure strong progression and continuity in Welsh reading. Staff receive ongoing training, teaching assistants play a key role in delivery, and all pupils access regular guided reading sessions, Welsh songs, language apps and hands‑on reading activities.
What We Are Proud to Celebrate
- Confident Welsh Readers: Our pupils demonstrate excellent fluency, independence and comprehension in Welsh, with many confidently applying their skills during Urdd competitions and class activities.
- Strong Teaching & Consistency: Staff agreed on clear, consistent expectations for guided reading across the school, leading to strong progress for learners of all abilities.
- Sharing Good Practice: We regularly welcome other schools to observe our Welsh reading approach and share what works well through Welsh Coordinator Forums.
What Being a ‘Spotlight School’ Means
As a spotlight school for Welsh reading, PPS has been recognised for:
- A clear, structured reading strategy from early years upward
- Strong staff training and shared responsibility for reading success
- A school culture where books, language and literacy are celebrated daily
- A commitment to ensuring every pupil becomes a confident, capable reader in both English and Welsh
This achievement shines a light not only on our reading practices, but on the enthusiasm, hard work and pride shown by our learners and staff.