The First Minister has told language campaigners that he will replace the current system of teaching Welsh as a second language with a single 'continuum' of learning for all children in Wales.    

At present, pupils in English-medium schools and some schools which call themselves bilingual sit a different and easier Welsh language exam than those studying it as a first language. In September 2013, a report about the teaching of Welsh by Professor Sioned Davies of Cardiff University and commissioned by the Welsh Government stated: “It is undeniably the eleventh hour for Welsh second language ... a change of direction is urgently required before it is too late." She also recommended establishing a single continuum for learning Welsh.  

In a letter to Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg following a meeting with the society's officers a few weeks ago, the First Minister says that he and Education Minister Huw Lewis have come to the same conclusion: 

"We are of the opinion that the concept of "Welsh as a second language" creates an artificial difference, and we are not of the view that it offers a useful basis for making policies for the future. Maybe the best way to describe the ability to communicate through Welsh is as a bridge or "continuum" that individuals can access at different places, depending on their ability. We should look at everyone on that bridge in a positive way, and encourage people who use the Welsh language at whatever level to consider themselves as Welsh speakers, without applying artificial labels."  

"Our education system must promote ambition for the Welsh language, and offer enough flexibility to satisfy various requirements from various parts of society.  As we move forward, we must move away from the concept of "second language" towards a co-ordinated and integrated consideration of the Welsh language as a genuinely living language. Naturally, challenges will arise as we develop the new curriculum for Wales which satisfies our ambitions, but the Welsh Government is completely committed to this approach."  

Welcoming Carwyn Jones' statement, Toni Schiavone, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg's education group commented:  

"This is very heartening and positive news. There is now a wide political consensus, along with a commitment from the First Minister, that significant change is needed. The system of second language Welsh is failing the vast majority of our young people, although there are examples of teachers working miracles within the present failed system. Every single pupil should leave school with the ability to communicate and work in Welsh. One way of doing that is to abolish the second-rate, second language, path which exists at the moment. The First Minister is right to say that pupils' ability, rather than the ability or inability of any education institution, is what should count when it comes to learning Welsh.  

"There is a challenge now for the officials who are developing the new curriculum to act on the First Minister's words rather than defending the status quo which is what's been happening. At the end of the day, we believe we need to move to a system, like they have in the Basque Country, where schools either teach the whole of the curriculum or a substantial part of it through the medium of Welsh."  

Elaine Edwards, UCAC's General Secretary added: "It has been clear for quite some time that the model of Welsh first language on the one hand, and Welsh as a second language on the other, is ineffective. The truth is that is has held back children and young people's linguistic development, and has prevented them from fulfilling their full potential. 

"UCAC very much welcomes the statement on behalf of the First Minister and the Minister for Education; we agree with their view that the best way to create a fully bilingual nation is to create a language continuum which avoids false divisions between 'first' and 'second' language. 

"We look forward to seeing the Welsh Government take urgent and concrete steps towards the creation of the new system, including as part of the development of the new curriculum for Wales."