The Assessment of Welsh as a Second Language - A report on current Welsh language assessment practices in mainstream English medium primary schools

Russell, Peter 2025. The Assessment of Welsh as a Second Language - A report on current Welsh language assessment practices in mainstream English medium primary schools. [Project Report]. N/A.

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Abstract

This report includes the findings of a scoping study carried out between March and May 2025 exploring current Welsh language assessment practices in mainstream English medium primary schools. The study included details of the assessment protocols of 81 schools, representing every region and consortium of the country. Data was also gathered on teacher attitudes to the assessment of Welsh within their institution and opportunities were provided for them to propose adaptations and augmentations that they felt would improve assessment and enhance learning in their institutional context. The findings with regard formal assessment tools/practices included the low levels of Welsh assessment provision available to teachers, the low estimation of quality and accuracy of the tools available, the lack of Welsh assessment in transition planning and facilitating learning continuity (leading to demotivation and regression), and a poor understanding of objective learner proficiency. With regards to formative assessment, the study found associations between teacher language proficiency and use of formative assessment and increased confidence in learner assessment. There were also indications that current formative assessment practices prioritised short term and immediate learning, and failed to encompass longer term learning trajectories. Many participants highlighted a de-prioritisation of Welsh in their institutions, with some linking this to assessment protocols, external pressures (e.g. Estyn inspections), and staff language/pedagogical confidence. The report also includes recommendations made by teachers concerning the enhancement of current provision, and potential approaches to address the broader concerns raised are highlighted by the author.

Item Type:	Monograph (Project Report)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) L Education > L Education (General)
Publisher:	N/A
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	10 June 2025
Last Modified:	14 Jul 2025 10:14
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/178954

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