Hello Shwmae. My name is Emily and I'm studying Level 3 Childcare at Coleg Ceredigion in Aberystwyth. It is specifically a Welsh-medium course, with a higher standard of bilingualism being introduced very robustly as it is essential under the new curriculum for us to be taught bilingually.
As part of the childcare course, we are expected to learn a number of units which are definitely an intrinsic part of a child's learning story, and essential for us to have a future in the sector. This course covers child development, health and safety, managing behaviour, early education techniques, and more. It provides the basic expertise needed to create a safe environment, which encourages children, and ensures their well-being and holistic development. I feel that the course is preparing me for a career in the early childhood sector.
Obviously, everyone has their favourite aspects of various things, and on this course my favourite aspect is the fact that my class tutors speak Welsh and present the work in Welsh. The course allows me to take theoretical knowledge into a setting, and seeing the results can be fantastic. The course has given me a variety of wonderful experiences. One of my favourite experiences to date has been the opportunity to go on a class trip a few weeks ago to a local wildlife centre. Being outdoors and exploring from a child's perspective was exceptional. I learnt different ways of creating enjoyable outdoor activities using materials, such as a piece of twig with pipe cleaners and bells around it to create a Christmas bell for the concert. The concept was so simple yet effective, and this was a worthwhile part of the course as we learnt new skills to put into practice in the setting.
As well as studying this course, I also attend a work experience placement at a local school every other week, which is an amazing experience. It is a Welsh-medium setting which is definitely a positive element for me as a fluent Welsh speaker. Attending a Welsh-language placement means that I have more opportunities at the setting, and I am able to engage and communicate with each individual because they have a very high standard of Welsh. I feel that using Welsh at the setting enables me to build strong relationships with staff, children and families. The placement is usually 6 hours or more a day depending on the school's timetable and activities. The time spent there gives me the best understanding and greatest importance as a real-world individual in the childcare sector. This has greatly developed my confidence and skills and is an opportunity for me to express myself as an individual and improve my self-study.
Childcare placements offer us practical experiences as students, which support further development. They give us the opportunity to understand how children develop in a number of ways, but the most effective one I have come across is providing direct experience of working with children, applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.
Have you considered the importance of the Welsh language when working with children? The Welsh language is extremely important when working with children. At my placement, I work with children aged 3-5. The ability to communicate and educate in Welsh with such small individuals is a skill which I am very fortunate to possess. The Welsh language is highly valued and is an essential part of a child's development, especially in Ceredigion.
I have discovered at my placement that the Welsh language is used to a high level through communication, learning and play, and that it is a beneficial language as there are so many experiences available. Obviously, each individual has a differing level of spoken Welsh, but every individual develops their skills weekly, which further promotes and engages with the Welsh language and boosts the children's confidence without being a barrier.
In addition to using Welsh in class and at the placement, the social aspects of college are also important! There is a breakout room on campus, where students can go and sit on the sofa and relax. It definitely has positive elements as we can get out of the classroom and be in a different environment. Welsh is used naturally through conversation and listening to music, and I always hear a Welsh-language song playing.
Personally, the Welsh language has given me a number of opportunities in my life, and at the moment it gives me the opportunity to learn and encourage others to learn Welsh. Why not study through the medium of Welsh? What's not to like? Go for it!